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Animal Care – Level 2 Practical

Level 2 Diploma

student holding a rabbit

Availability & Details

Animal Care - Practical Skills - Level 2 Technical Certificate SFY-ANPS2T/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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Overview

This qualification has been developed in collaboration with industry. It develops practical skills, promotes sound working practices, and provides essential industry knowledge to help you progress onto our Level 3 courses, or into employment in the land-based sector. The qualification is 100% assignment-based, there are no external exams on the course.

Four GCSEs at Grade 3 and above. Evidence of a recent tetanus vaccination. Alternatively, successful completion of the Level 1 Diploma in Animal Care to at least a Merit grade.

On this course, you will study:

  • How to promote and maintain the health and well-being of animals
  • Effective identification of abnormal signs, monitoring, and maintaining accurate records

Optional units include:

  • Deliver basic treatments to animals
  • Maintain animal accommodation
  • Provide feed and water to animals
  • Provide controlled exercise opportunities for animals

The Animal Management laboratories are large, bright rooms designed and built especially for teaching Animal Care and Animal Management courses. The purposebuilt 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.

You will be taught and assessed through coursework and in-class assessments. This will include tasks such as fact sheets, posters, reports and practical animal husbandry tasks. Coursework includes producing written assignments and projects. You will also undertake practical work in the College animal unit and off-site at an equine establishment.

You may wish to go on to the T Level in Animal Care & Management, if you have achieved a minimum of grade 4 in GCSE Maths and English, Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Animal Management, or seek employment within the industry. You may find employment at your work experience placements. You must achieve a Distinction overall on this Level 2 course to move on to one of our Level 3 options.


The teaching and support was really great, the quality was really great, all the teachers really care about your education as well as your wellbeing, they take everything into consideration and they’re great.

Katie Whittingham, A Level student

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 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