Animal Care - Level 2
Summary
This course focuses on animal behaviour, handling, management and welfare, using a range of practicals, lectures, field trips and guest speakers.
This route is great for those who want to pursue a career in science generally, but is perfect for anyone wanting to work in more specifically in animal care. It also prepares students for progression onto a related Level 3 diploma course.
Next course dates
| Start date | Location | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
02 Sep 2026
|
Bispham Campus
|
1 Year
|
|
|
12 Sep 2026
|
Bispham Campus
|
18 Weeks
|
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
This course qualifies you to apply to the Level 3 Applied or Animal Science.
Alternatively, you can start work in the industry straight away or move into a Level 3 apprenticeship.
Key information
Entry Requirements
Typically we seek 4 GCSEs at Grade 3 (previously D) or above, including Science, English and Maths.
If you are considering applying for this course and have different qualifications and/or industry experience relating to the course content, please get in touch as we may still be able to admit you.
All applicants will be invited to attend an interview to meet a tutor and ask any questions they may have about this study programme.
Qualification obtained
BTEC First Award in Animal CareFees and funding
Courses for learners who are 16-18 years old at the start of their course and resident in the UK are fully funded. You may also be entitled to further financial help to support your studies depending on your personal circumstances. For more details of these, please visit our page on Finance Support for School Leavers.
If you are not a UK resident, we will confirm whether funding is available when we process your application. If not, you may be liable for course fees.
Extra costs and equipment
All specialist scientific equipment is provided as part of this programme.
Regulation and Accreditation
Accrediting Institution: N/A
Awarding Body: Pearson
Terms and conditions
Read our full terms and conditions for more information.
What will I learn?
Essential skills: English and Maths
All school leavers at B&FC are encouraged to continue developing their English and maths skills as higher ability in both these subjects is linked to long-term career success and increased earning potential - irrespective of how well you performed at GCSE. If, however, you achieve a GCSE Grade 3 or less in either subject, you will also have the opportunity to work towards re-sitting these to enhance your paper-based qualifications. This won’t delay your career journey because you will be undertaking this programme of study at the same time as your chosen subject.
Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers
We aim to provide a number of field trips as part of this course which may incur a small cost or travel arrangements. We encourage work placements as part of the whole student programme of study.
How will I learn?
We use a variety of learning and teaching methods, designed to emphasise the link between knowledge and application. These include lectures, demonstrations, practical investigations, seminars, workshops, tutorials, project work, supervised independent learning, open and resource-based learning, e-learning and work placements.
Teaching is both tutor-led and student-led, with group work playing a part as well as individual learning to provide a well-rounded learning experience that caters to different learning styles.
Expert tutors
All tutors involved in the delivery of courses and apprenticeships within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.
Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and a familiarity with professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich students’ learning experience, giving them an insight into what working in the industry is really like.
How will I be assessed?
You will study the following modules:
- Animal Health (assessment by exam)
- Animal Handling (coursework)
- Animal Welfare (coursework)
- Principles of Animal Behaviour (coursework)