Diploma in Animal Care - Level 2

This course offers the perfect opportunity for those new to the industry to develop their knowledge and skills through participating in a combination of theory work and practical, hands-on experience with animals.

You can choose the pathway that you study, Animal Care or Animal Science, that you wish to study based on your individual interest!

We have enrolled 31 students on the course at the Cambridge campus so are closed to new applications

What will I study on the course?

Our Diploma in Animal Care programme covers the basics of animal husbandry (care), health, welfare, behaviour and biology.

Wisbech campus

Exotics pathway

Mandatory units:
* Maintain Animal Health and Welfare
* Undertake Practical Animal Feeding
* Maintain Animal Accommodation
* Work experience placement to develop your confidence and the skills needed for employment

Optional units
* Contribute to the Care of Exotic Animals
* Introduction to Caring for Zoo Animals
* Introduction to Caring for Ornamental Aquatics

Companion pathway

Mandatory units
* Maintain Animal Health and Welfare
* Practical Animal Feeding
* Maintain Accommodation
* Work Experience placement to develop your confidence and the skills needed for employment

Optional units
* Introduction to the Principles and Practices of Animal Behaviour and Handling
* Understand the Principles and Practices of Animal Establishments
* Introduction to Animal Breeds and Grooming

Nursing pathway

Mandatory units:
Maintain Animal Health and Welfare
* Undertake Practical Animal Feeding
* Maintain Animal Accommodation
* Work experience placement to develop your confidence and the skills needed for employment

Optional units
* Contribute to the Nursing of Animals
* Understand British Wildlife Species, Habitats and Rehabilitation
* Understand the Basic Principles of Animal Biology

Cambridge campus

Animal Science pathway

Mandatory units
* Maintain Animal Health and Welfare
* Undertake Practical Animal Feeding
* Maintain Animal Accommodation
* Work experience placement to develop your confidence and the skills needed for employment

Optional units
* Understand the Basic Principles of Animal Biology
* Contribute to the Nursing of Animals
* Introduction to Caring for Zoo Animals

Animal Care/Welfare pathway

Mandatory units
* Maintain Animal Health and Welfare
* Undertake Practical Animal Feeding
* Maintain Animal Accommodation
* Work experience placement to develop your confidence and the skills needed for employment

Optional units
* Animal Behaviour and Handling
* Understanding British Wildlife species Habitats and Rehabilitation
* An introduction to caring for zoo animals

After this course you could progress into further study, take on an Apprenticeship or get into employment.

Successful completion of this course can lead you to gaining employment in a variety of settings such as: animal shelters, kennels, catteries and pet shops.

This programme is assessed via assignments and practical assessments continuously throughout the year.

You will need:

• 4 or more GCSEs at Grade 3 or higher, with at least one Grade 4 in either English, maths or science.

Or:

• A merit grade in a full level 1 in animal care studied at CWA or another further education provider. This does not include level 1 courses studied at school alongside GCSEs. You will also need improved grades in English or maths.
• Good behaviour