Animal Care

Study Level

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Location

Great Yarmouth Campus

Duration

1-2 Years

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 explore the link between zoonotic diseases and environmental issues, preparing you to study conservation education, rewilding and carbon management if you choose to progress onto our degree programme.

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. Previous students also experienced a two-week trip to South Africa as part of the Turing Scheme where they took part in game counts, night drives and animal management with rangers on the reserve.

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.
  • 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 feeding and care.

Units you may study include:

  • Animal welfare and ethics
  • Practical animal husbandry
  • Animal behaviour
  • Animal health and diseases
  • Animal biology
  • Animal feeding and accommodation

 

Requirements

For Level 1 entry, you will need to have achieved four GCSEs at grade 2 or above including English and maths.

For Level 2 entry, you will need to have achieved four GCSEs at grade 3 or above including English and maths and preferably a science.

For Level 3 entry, you will need to have achieved five GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English, maths and biology.

Assessment

Level 1 and 2 courses are assessed through coursework, while our Level 3 course is assessed through exams and coursework.

Progression

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 also progress into an apprenticeship or employment in careers such as dog grooming, zookeeper, animal training or veterinary nurse, aquarist and more.

"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