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Animal Care

Level 1 Diploma

a student holding a ferret

Availability & Details

Animal Care - Level 1 Diploma SFY-ANCA1D/C01

Venue
South Downs Campus

Type of study
Vocational

Dates
(1 year)

Examination board
City & Guilds of London Institute

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How to apply

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Overview

This course involves regular handling of small animals including feeding, checking their health, cleaning and preparing animal accommodation and general outdoor animal-related activities. You will work in our own Animal Care Unit here at the South Downs Campus. You will be taught how to work safely on your own and within a team and you will have the opportunity to develop a range of skills in animal care. There will be an emphasis on personal responsibility and growing your awareness of environmental issues. In our purpose-built animal care building, there is a wide variety of small mammal species and large glass vivariums built into the walls that house reptiles and amphibians.

On the outside is a selection of aviaries and runs where ferrets, rabbits and chickens are kept. On this programme, you will also be able to complete your Functional Skills in English and Mathematics.

Four GCSEs at grade 2. You will be required to study Functional Skills Mathematics and English alongside. It is recommended that animal handlers are up to date with their tetanus vaccination.

On this course, you will study:
– Safe and effective working practices in land based industries
– Preparing to work in land-based industries
– Assist with maintaining the health and wellbeing of animals
– Help with the movement, handling and accommodation of animals
– Assist with the feeding and watering of animals
– Support the preparation and maintenance of animal accommodation
– Assist with the handling and restraint of animals

This diploma is a combination of practical and classroom-based teaching with an emphasis on developing your hands-on skills, alongside literacy and numeracy. The animal management laboratories are large, bright rooms designed and built especially for teaching animal care and animal management courses.

The purpose built spaces are bright with natural sunlight and enhanced air handling and ventilation systems, with facilities for washing and animal food preparation. The rooms have been designed to be easy to use for the care of animals, as well as a practical teaching environment. There is animal housing and large glass vivarium built into the walls that house snakes and lizards. 

You will be assessed by exams in 2 units. The remaining units will be assessed through coursework and assignments. Coursework and assignments will be varied, including some written work, discussions and practical tasks. You will need to produce some work independently and some as part of a group.

Some visits will need to be paid for by the students.

Progression through passing the course can lead to our Level 2 Animal Care options, further study at HSDC in a different area, or Level 2 Apprenticeships.


My experience at the College was great, it’s very different to school, and I think it’s a good step to going to university. The support was amazing, I loved all of my teachers, they helped me through everything. The College is friendly and you will succeed.

Heidi Adamson Brattland, A Level student

The teaching has been really good, I’ve loved all of my teachers, they’ve all been really nice and supportive.

Jodie Hook

Everyone at the College was really helpful, and there’s lots of facilities, meaning it’s very easy to get your work done on time, and get good grades. The teaching and support was excellent, they were always on top of it, and made sure you got work done on time and you were challenged. Everyone is friendly and its really diverse, meaning you can get involved in lots of different things.

Conor Ward, BTEC student