Start: September 2026
Duration: 1 Year
Code: C1ANCPF1KN
Start: September 2027
Duration: 1 Year
Code: C1ANCPF1KN

Course Overview

The Animal Care Land Based Studies Certificate is the ideal starting point for anyone looking to begin a career in the animal care industry. This one-year course combines classroom learning with extensive practical experience, helping you develop the skills and confidence needed to care for a wide variety of animals.

Based at Knightstone Campus, you'll learn from industry-experienced tutors and spend one day each week at Puxton Park, winner of the National Farm Attraction of the Year. Here, you'll gain valuable hands-on experience working with a diverse range of species in a real animal care environment. Alongside developing your practical skills, you'll build important employability skills including teamwork, communication, customer service, and problem-solving.

You'll work with animals including tortoises, parrots, reindeer, owls, marmosets, meerkats, donkeys, goats, ponies, rare breed pigs, alpacas, cattle, emus, and more. As a Weston College student, you'll also become part of our Animal Management Career Excellence Hub, giving you access to employer networking, guest speakers, industry visits, work experience, and recruitment opportunities.

What will I study?

You'll study a range of engaging practical and theoretical topics, including:

• Animal anatomy and physiology
• Animal nutrition
• Animal health and welfare
• Animal behaviour
• Animal handling and restraint
• Animal housing and environments
• Animal breeding and genetics
• Animal legislation and regulations

These units provide a broad introduction to animal care and prepare you for further study or employment within the sector.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is coursework based and may include:

• Observation of practical skills
• Written assignments
• Presentations
• Group projects

Additional Information

Throughout your course, you'll benefit from:

• Weekly practical training at Puxton Park
• Industry guest speakers from farms, wildlife organisations, and animal care settings
• Educational visits to farms, rescue centres, and animal attractions
• Membership of Weston College's Animal Management Career Excellence Hub
• Support from Tutor Learning Mentors

No specialist uniform is required, although sturdy footwear and suitable outdoor clothing are recommended for practical sessions.

Entry Requirements

• At least five GCSEs at grades 3–1, including at least two at grade 3, or successful completion of a pre-vocational programme
• A positive attitude towards working with animals and the outdoors

What can I do after this course?

Successful completion could lead to:

• Level 2 Animal Care Diploma
• Level 2 Animal Care Apprenticeship

Career pathways include:

• Animal Care Assistant
• Veterinary Assistant
• Farm Worker or Stock Handler
• Kennel or Cattery Assistant
• Pet Retail Assistant
• Wildlife or Conservation Support roles

What do I do now?

Ready to apply? – Please use the ‘apply now’ button on this page. From here you'll be taken through to our application portal.

Want to learn more? – Visit and see the facilities and chat to staff by signing up for our next Open Event.

Have a quick question? – Use our Live Chat facility on the bottom right of this page.

Got a question?

Whatever you'd like to know, we're here to help...

Register your interest

Marketing Permissions

Once we have responded to your initial enquiry we would love to keep you informed of other, similar courses you may be interested in via email. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. For information about our privacy practices, please visit our policy page.

Marketing permissions selection
Data protection agreement

By submitting this form you are consenting to Weston College recording and processing the personal information on this form, for any purposes of the college associated with the provision of advice and guidance to potential students on the range of courses available to them, college facilities and any other associated information. In accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018, the information will only be used for the above mentioned purposes.

You will need to complete a full enrolment form prior to starting your course.

Apply or find out more


Marketing Permissions

We’d love to keep you informed about vacancies, courses, and updates we think you’ll find valuable. You can unsubscribe or opt out at any time.
Your personal information will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Please let us know how you’d like to hear from us:

Email

By submitting this form you are consenting to Weston College recording and processing the personal information on this form, for any purposes of the college associated with the provision of advice and guidance to potential students on the range of courses available to them, college facilities and any other associated information. In accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018, the information will only be used for the above mentioned purposes.

You will need to complete a full enrolment form prior to starting your course.

CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

SEPTEMBER 2026 - COURSE FULL

This course is now full for September 2026. Please get in touch with our Admissions Team if you wish to be added to the waiting list or to discuss alternative course options