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Animal Care – Level 1

Vocational

a student holding a ferret

Availability & Details

Animal Care - Level 1 Diploma SFY-ANCA1D/C01

Venue
South Downs Campus

Type of study
Vocational

Dates
Academic Year 2026-27 (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 or above. Evidence of a recent 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 two 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.

Passing the course can lead to our Level 2 Animal Care options, or if you achieve a Merit grade you may study at HSDC in a different area or go on to a Level 2 Apprenticeship.


"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

College is definitely worth all the effort you put in, you get to meet lots of different people and it’s amazing.

Ebony Puttock, A Level student

“HSDC provided me with the opportunity for autonomous study and the choice of subjects that I wanted to study, which helped me develop relevant knowledge as well as relevant skills for the workplace.”

Lucas Ratcliffe, A Level and CTEC student