Start: September 2026
Duration: 1 Year
Code: EC1ANPF1KN

Course Overview

The Animal Care LandcBased Studies Certificate is the ideal starting point for animal lovers looking to begin a career in the animal care industry. This comprehensive, one-year course blends essential theory with extensive hands-on experience to help you build the skills and confidence needed to work with animals.

You’ll be based at Knightstone Campus, learning in specialist facilities and benefiting from the expertise of our industry-trained tutors. One day each week, you’ll gain practical experience at Puxton Park – winner of the National Farm Attraction of the Year. Through this unique partnership, you’ll work with a wide variety of species, putting your classroom learning into practice in a real-world setting.

Practical sessions may involve caring for animals such as tortoises, parrots, reindeer, owls, marmoset monkeys, meerkats, donkeys, goats, ponies, rare breed pigs, alpacas, cattle, emus, and even stick insects. You’ll work alongside experienced staff and engage with visitors, developing key employability skills including communication, teamwork, customer service, and decision-making.

Our qualifications have been developed with local and national employers, ensuring the course reflects current industry needs. Many of our learners progress into roles within animal management, farming, and wildlife conservation, or continue their studies at Level 2 and beyond.

As a student, you will also become part of our Animal Management Career Excellence Hub, giving you outstanding access to employers through guest lectures, trips, work experience, and recruitment events.

This network provides invaluable insights and opportunities to support your next steps in the animal care sector.

What will I study?

You’ll study a range of engaging, practical units such as:

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

These units are designed to give you a broad introduction to animal care, helping you explore different roles and build the skills needed for progression.

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 will benefit from:

  • Industry guest speakers from farms, wildlife organisations, and animal care settings
  • Potential visits such as farms, rescues, and animal attractions
  • Access to College support, including Tutor Learning Mentors

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

Entry Requirements

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

What can I do after this course?

After completing this Level 1 Certificate, you can progress to:

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

Career pathways you can begin working toward 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.

What 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.

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