Level 1
Animal Care Land Based Studies, Certificate
Level 1
Animal Care Land Based Studies, Certificate
Turn your passion for animals into practical skills and industry experience. This hands-on course introduces you to animal care while helping you build the knowledge, confidence, and experience needed to progress into further study or a career working with animals.
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.
