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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 is a great stepping stone for a successful career in animal care and management.

Throughout your time on the course, you will undertake a range of tasks including animal health and husbandry, animal nutrition, behaviour, welfare and management.

Study will combine both theory and practical with students spending time in a range of external placements including local farms as well as the college own small animal unit.

This course is a full-time programme split over two years:

Year 1 - Extended Certificate
Year 2 - Diploma.

Please note that this course is only for available for learners aged 19 and over or progressing learners within Animal Care. However, if you are between 16-18 years old and would like to undertake this course, please call Polly Wiltshire on 01623 900233 who can discuss options available to you.


What will I study?

  • Animal behaviour
  • Animal biology
  • Animal health and diseases
  • Animal welfare and ethics
  • Investigative research project
  • Practical animal husbandry
  • Small animal rehabilitation
  • Work experience in the animal sector.
  • Entry requirements
    • Five GCSEs at grade 4-9 including English language and maths

    OR

    • GCSE grade 4-9 in English language and maths plus completion of the Technical Certificate in Animal Care (Intermediate) - Level 2 at Merit level.

    If you are a young person who is not currently studying a traditional GCSE programme, we will consider alternative qualifications such as functional skills and vocational qualifications. Please contact our admissions team for further information - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

    Applicants aged over 19:

    • If you do not have the entry requirements listed above you may still be accepted to study if you can provide relevant experience, a strong portfolio of work and a commitment to the subject.

    Please note that this course is only for available for learners aged 19 and over or progressing learners within Animal Care. However, if you are between 16-18 years old and would like to undertake this course, please call Polly Wiltshire on 01623 900233 who can discuss options available to you.

  • Assessment
    • Exams
    • Course work
    • Practical assessments.
  • Progression

    *As we are a partner college of Nottingham Trent University (NTU), you may qualify for various benefits should you choose to apply to NTU after completing your college course. This could include a Progress NTU offer, where you would receive an offer one grade below their standard offer. For instance, a typical offer for one of their courses might require 128 UCAS tariff points. With Progress NTU, your requirements would be 120 UCAS tariff points. For further details, please call us on 0808 100 3626.

  • Careers
  • Qualifications gained
    • BTEC National Extended Certificate in Animal Management
    • EDEXCEL
  • 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.

    Visit the kit lists page

  • 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.

    You can also browse galleries and get a real feel for college life before you apply.

    Visit the subject area page

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.

Why choose us?

Excellent student support services

We’ve got a great student support network offering advice and guidance on careers and future employment, finance, health and welfare, additional learning support and much more.

Getting here couldn’t be easier!

Whether you travel by bus, train or on foot there are many different transport options available. You can also unleash your freedom with the West Notts College Travel Scheme which provides a flexible and great value bus travel service.

Campuses across Mansfield and Ashfield

We have eight campuses each boasting a number of state-of-the-art facilities.

Strong industry links

We’re always investing in college facilities to make sure you have access to the most up-to-date, industry-standard equipment. Our strong links with employers means you can secure work placements as part of your wider learning – providing you with vital industry experience and employability skills, getting you ready for the world of work.

Tutors who really know their industry

Most have worked in the industry they're teaching, so you'll learn the skills employers are looking for. They'll support and encourage you to achieve the best results possible.

LGBTQ+ celebration

We proudly celebrate LGBTQ+ diversity, including Pride. Our college is a supportive community that welcomes and embraces individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

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