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Animal Care - Level 1
Overview
IMPORTANT
Applications are now open for academic year 2026/2027, but our full-time courses are still being finalised. If your chosen course changes, we'll contact you to offer a suitable alternative that matches your goals. For more information, call our Enquiries Team on 0808 100 3626.
This course is ideal for students who are starting out in the animal care sector.
As well as studying a range of skills related to the care and welfare of animals, it will build your self-confidence and improve on your personal and social development skills.
Providing the opportunity to work with a wide-range of animals, this course will teach you the key skills needed to work with animals of all shapes and sizes. Working on-site in our own animal care unit, you will have the responsibility of caring for small animals, mammals and reptiles.
Offering great opportunity and clear path for progression, this is a great first step for working towards a career in animal care.
What will I study?
- Safe and effective working practices in the land-based industry
- Assist with maintaining the health and well-being of animals
- Assist with the movement, handling and accommodation of animals
- Assist with feeding, watering and exercising of animals
- Assertiveness and decision making skills
- Searching and applying for a job
- Working as part of a team
- Recognising types and parts of the body of small animals
- Clean farm animal housing.
- Entry requirements
- GCSE English Language and Maths plus 2 other GCSE at grade 2-9.
There are exams in this qualification.
If you are not studying a traditional GCSE programme, we accept alternative qualifications like Functional Skills and vocational courses. If you are not planning on sitting GCSE exams, we can also support you with completing an English Language and Maths assessment. Please contact our admissions team for further details:
- 01623 413639
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Applicants aged over 19
If you don't meet the listed entry requirements, you may still be accepted with relevant experience, a strong portfolio, and a commitment to the subject.
- Assessment
You will be assessed via exam, on your portfolio work and through practical assessment.
- Progression
- Careers
- Qualifications gained
- Certificate in Land-based Studies
- City & Guilds
- Additional costs
At West Notts College, our students benefit from excellent facilities and equipment across all campuses. However, some courses require students to purchase specific tools, equipment, or specialist clothing to fully participate in practical learning.
Visit our kit lists page to see what clothing and equipment you’ll need, and start preparing for your studies in September.
- Studying Animal Care at WNC
Discover what it is really like to study with us. Explore the full range of courses available, hear from our students, see the facilities you will train in, and discover the employer partners you could work with.
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Disclaimer
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the website is correct, some details may be subject to change. West Nottinghamshire College reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.