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 9:00 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
As part of your qualification, you must complete at least 150 hours of work-related experience in the animal sector. This is a compulsory requirement for passing the course. These hours are your chance to step into the real world of animal care, conservation, and welfare, gaining skills and contacts that can shape your future career. We recommend starting your search for a placement as soon as possible after your interview so you have plenty of time to find the right opportunity. While it's your responsibility to secure your placement, our friendly and experienced Work Placement Team is here to guide you and offer advice along the way. Placements should reflect your interests and future career goals. This could include local kennels, catteries, and canine creches, veterinary practices or animal hospitals, pet shops and grooming salons, zoos, aquariums, or exotic animal collections, wildlife rehabilitation centres or sanctuaries, ecological and conservation projects, farms, smallholdings, and equine centres. Most students choose to dedicate one day a week to their placement, with extra 'Work Placement Weeks' built into the college calendar so you can complete longer blocks of experience.
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