Course: Animal Care Level 2

Study Level


Level 2

Location


Great Yarmouth Campus

Duration


1 Year

FT / PT


Full-time

Gain the theoretical and hands-on experience you will need to succeed in the animal care sector, with a focus on key themes such as animal health and welfare, feeding, exotics and science as well as the effect climate change is having on habitats, biodiversity and species.

You will be responsible for the daily care and maintenance of our on-site animals, including rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, a leopard gecko, bearded dragon and snakes, and will be taught by industry experts including a veterinary nurse.

You will also benefit from completing work placements in local animal care settings including Africa Alive, Norfolk Wildlife Trust, dog rescue centres, local vet practices, charities, conservation trusts and animal sanctuaries.

Why study with us:

  • We offer a curriculum designed in partnership with industry professionals including trips to zoos and nature reserves both in the UK and abroad. These experiences will assist you to achieve your qualification and future career connections.
  • We have excellent collaboration and placement opportunities across Norfolk and Suffolk, including Africa Alive, Colchester Zoo, RSPB Minsmere, Sea Life Great Yarmouth and the UmPhafa Nature Reserve in South Africa.
  • You will benefit from experience looking after our on-site animals where you will be responsible for health checking, monitoring behaviour and general feeding and care.

Requirements

This course is for students who have a passion for animals, are keen on understanding the development of the animals and the essentials for the care needs of the animals. You will need five GCSEs at Grade 3 or above including English, maths and a science or have completed the Animal Care Level 1 course

It is also aimed at students who have not achieved Grade 4 or above in English/maths and so will be taking these functional skills qualifications alongside the main animal science course.

The course is science based and so an interest in science is also required.

Assessment

You will be assessed through assignments which are graded. GCSE qualifications will be assessed through coursework and formal examinations. You will also complete 150 hours of work placement within the animal care sector throughout the year.

Progression

Animal Care is an excellent course if you want to go on to study a degree in subjects such as veterinary nursing, animal rehabilitation, ecology, conservation or animal welfare. You can progress to study FdSc Conservation Science and Animal Management (Wildlife and Zoo) through the University of Suffolk at East Coast College or other universities.

You can progress to the Animal Management Level 3 course, an apprenticeship or employment.

"At UmPhafa, the students are exposed to life on a game reserve from various perspectives by actually working alongside those that work here on a daily basis. Over the course of the trip, the students are exposed to many different game reserve areas to give them an idea of conservation through an educational experience. We were delighted to have East Coast College join us as it gave us the chance to educate and show the students interested in the field of conservation the practicalities of running a game reserve."

UmPhafa Nature Reserve

Amanda Warren, Reserve Manager

Related Study Programmes

Introduction to Animal Care Level 1

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Animal Management Level 3

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FdSc Conservation Science and Animal Management (Wildlife and Zoo)

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