Quick facts
| Qualification type | Level 2 Technical Certificate |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Study times |
You will be expected to be in college for a minimum of 3 days per week, from 9:15 to 4:00. Your timetable will be confirmed at induction but will include both theory and practical sessions. |
| Entry requirements |
Five GCSEs at Grade 3 or above including Maths, English and Science OR Level 1 Functional Skills Maths and English, plus GCSE Science and one other at Grade 3. OR Merit in Level 1 Diploma in Land-based Studies (Animal Care)?with an improvement in Maths and English. |
| Campus |
West Suffolk College Sixth Form campus, Bury St Edmunds |
| Work placements | Yes (150 hours) |
Is it for me?
What you'll learn
- Maintaining animal health and welfare
- Animal feeding and accommodation
- Animal behaviour and handling
- The principles of animal biology
- British wildlife species, habitats and rehabilitation
- Caring for exotic animals
- Working in the animal care industry
- Health and safety for the land-based industries
Work experience placements
Completion of a minimum of 150 hours of work-related experience within the animal sector is a mandatory requirement for achieving qualification in our programme. We strongly advise applicants to start their search for a work placement promptly following their interview with the course team. While the responsibility to secure a placement rests with the student, our dedicated work placement team is available to provide additional support throughout the process. These placements should ideally align with their career aspirations, in areas such as local kennels or catteries, canine creches, pet shops, or veterinary practices. It is recommended that students dedicate one day a week to their placement, with designated Work Placement weeks integrated into the academic calendar to facilitate the completion of longer block placements. This hands-on experience is fundamental to your academic journey and future professional endeavors. Through active participation in real-world scenarios, you will have the opportunity to apply classroom-acquired knowledge and skills, enriching your learning experience and enhancing your career prospects.
Assessment
This course is assessed using a variety of different methods including a Mandatory Theory Exam (40%), a Synoptic Assessment (60%), Health and Safety test, written assignments and practical assessments.
Further study
This qualification provides a strong foundation for further advancement, with progression offered onto the Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma if they achieve good standards (Merit overall, with GCSE Grade 4 or Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English) on the Level 2 programme.
Example careers
- Animal Care Assistant
- Pet Store Assistant
- Kennel or Cattery Assistant
- Animal Shelter/Rescue Worker
- Veterinary Assistant
- Trainee Veterinary Nurse
- Wildlife Rehabilitation Assistant
- Animal Grooming Assistant
- Pet Sitter or Dog Walker
- Trainee Zookeeper
Days & times
Starting September 2025