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Animal Care and Management – T-Level

T Level

student holding a chicken

Availability & Details

Animal Care and Management - T Level SF1-ANCATL/P01

Venue
South Downs Campus

Type of study
T Levels

Dates
Academic Year 2025-26 (2 years)

Examination board
Generic award - no awarding body

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Overview

If you have a particular interest in animals and would like to learn more about their fascinating lives, either directly hands-on or within the wider industry then this is the course for you.It is designed to provide you with avery wide range of specialist technical practical skills and detailed knowledge and understanding, which will equip you to seek a diverse range of employment opportunities, such as working in the pet industry, zoo-keeping, wildlife or working with dogs.You will gain extensive hands-on experience with a range of animals over the two years of the qualification, such as large animals, companions, rodents, and exotic animals. You will work with animals on and offsite and undertake 150 hours of work experience over the two years of the course.You will spend time in both the classroom, learning basic principles and theory, and in the animal unit, where you will learn a range of practical processes and skills. You will also spend a minimum of 45 days on an industrial placement where you will work closely with a leading employer either every week or on a block placement to help you develop the right knowledge, technical skills and behaviours for working in this exciting sector.This course ensures you can rival all students with a unique blend of both academic and industry experience with a work placement giving you the real-world skills you require for future employment or higher level study.

You must achieve a Distinction grade on the Pre-T Level Level 2 Technical Certificate in Animal Care. Alternatively, five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Double Science, Mathematics and English. Evidence of a recent tetanus vaccination.

In Year 1 students will develop an understanding of a broad range of issues relevant to the sector, including:– Sustainability, including environmental legislation, sustainable development and the health and welfare of animals– Employment rights and responsibilities and progression opportunities within the sector– Ethical principles and the principles of animal welfare– Health and Safety to support optimising animal environments– Business management in the animal care industry, enterprise skills and project management– Communication skillsIn Year 2, you will study towards the occupational specialism of either animal care and management or animal care and science.

You will be assessed through an exam, industrial placement, work-based project and synoptic assessment.

On completion of this T Level, you could secure jobs such as zookeeper, dog handler or animal care worker/manager via full time employment or Apprenticeship or you can progress onto Higher Education.


I overcame a couple of barriers by working really hard to get the top grades. My experience was really good, with the course and the lecturers, the residentials and activities, together it was all really good. I had really great teaching support, I could always go to the lecturers and speak to them if I needed to.

David Stenning, Public Services student

I would say it’s a college that really balances academia with fun, there is lots of extra-curricular stuff that you can get involved in. It has a really good work/life balance.

Laura Hagedorn, A Level student

"I am delighted with my results and am really looking forward to studying Law at Oxford University. I really enjoyed my time at HSDC Alton and I really appreciate all the help and support from my fantastic teachers, without whom I wouldn't have got my place at Oxford."

Catherine Goldie, HSDC Alton A Level Student