Further Details | |
---|---|
Course Code | LP00313 |
Location | Northop |
Duration | Full Time, This is a 2 year full time course. |
Department | Animal Care & Management |
Start Date | 01 Sep 2025 |
End Date | 19 Jun 2026 |
Course Overview
This course provides an in-depth insight into the animal industry and animal care, developing your skills, knowledge and experience at an advanced level in order to gain employment in the sector. You will be involved in helping to care for the wide range of animal species at the college.
The subjects you will study include animal health, behaviour and communication, nutrition, animal biology, genetics, welfare and breeding, wildlife, ecology, care of exotic, aquatic and avian species, zoological collections, business management, customer care and retail merchandising, animal training, rehabilitation, estate skills and more. In year two, this pathway has a clear focus on the management of exotic animals in zoological collections.
The excellent Animal Care Centre will give you the opportunity to gain valuable practical skills, with access to over a hundred species of animals including marmosets, chinchillas, ferrets, a variety of lizard, snake and tortoise species, aquarium fish, parakeets and other birds, amphibians, invertebrates and rare Welsh farm breeds. Level 3 learners will work with the full range of animal species, practising aspects of animal health, feeding, handling and accommodation. You will also cover a wide range of underpinning knowledge and this combination will give you a head start in your chosen career path. Learning will be as fun as possible and you will learn through a variety of methods, including lectures, individual and group work, half a day per week of practical work, and will use a range of modern learning technology.
English and Maths are an integral part of the programme and we will work with you to improve your literacy and numeracy skills, as well as provide an opportunity to re-sit English and Maths GCSEs where relevant.
You will also study the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales qualification.
This course is the equivalent of doing 3 or 4 A-levels depending on the route you are on.
The subjects you will study include animal health, behaviour and communication, nutrition, animal biology, genetics, welfare and breeding, wildlife, ecology, care of exotic, aquatic and avian species, zoological collections, business management, customer care and retail merchandising, animal training, rehabilitation, estate skills and more. In year two, this pathway has a clear focus on the management of exotic animals in zoological collections.
The excellent Animal Care Centre will give you the opportunity to gain valuable practical skills, with access to over a hundred species of animals including marmosets, chinchillas, ferrets, a variety of lizard, snake and tortoise species, aquarium fish, parakeets and other birds, amphibians, invertebrates and rare Welsh farm breeds. Level 3 learners will work with the full range of animal species, practising aspects of animal health, feeding, handling and accommodation. You will also cover a wide range of underpinning knowledge and this combination will give you a head start in your chosen career path. Learning will be as fun as possible and you will learn through a variety of methods, including lectures, individual and group work, half a day per week of practical work, and will use a range of modern learning technology.
English and Maths are an integral part of the programme and we will work with you to improve your literacy and numeracy skills, as well as provide an opportunity to re-sit English and Maths GCSEs where relevant.
You will also study the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales qualification.
This course is the equivalent of doing 3 or 4 A-levels depending on the route you are on.
The course is assessed through an examination and a controlled synoptic assignment in each year, as well as a small number of controlled assessments and other tests. Throughout the programme you will take part in a range of mock examinations and assessments, as well as informal practise assessments to help you with learning the course content effectively.
You will also carry out an external work experience placement in the animal industry in year 1.
Learners must pass year 1 to be permitted to progress to year 2 of the course.
English and maths may involve sitting examinations.
You will also carry out an external work experience placement in the animal industry in year 1.
Learners must pass year 1 to be permitted to progress to year 2 of the course.
English and maths may involve sitting examinations.
1080 route (equivalent to 4 A-levels)
5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above including English/Welsh (1st Language), Maths/Numeracy and Science
or
Level 2 Animal Care
720 route (equivalent to 3 A-levels)
5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above including English/Welsh (1st Language), Maths/Numeracy or Science
or
Level 2 Animal Care
At Coleg Cambria we would encourage you to do the very best that you can in your exams. The better your grades the more options you will have, and may result in you gaining entry onto a higher level course.
5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above including English/Welsh (1st Language), Maths/Numeracy and Science
or
Level 2 Animal Care
720 route (equivalent to 3 A-levels)
5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above including English/Welsh (1st Language), Maths/Numeracy or Science
or
Level 2 Animal Care
At Coleg Cambria we would encourage you to do the very best that you can in your exams. The better your grades the more options you will have, and may result in you gaining entry onto a higher level course.
Progression to Higher Education (university). You could continue your studies at Coleg Cambria Northop by studying for a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Animal Management. You will need to gain the required UCAS points specific to the course of your choice
or
Progression to Level 2 or Level 3 Work Based Apprenticeship in Animal Care.
At university, learners typically go on to study subjects such as zoology, conservation biology, veterinary nursing or animal welfare and behaviour. Although possible, this course is not generally accepted as a route into veterinary science.
For those learners wishing to go into employment, the level 3 course will equip you with theoretical and practical skills that are applicable to many roles in the animal care industry, as well as a range of personal, social and wider skills that are relevant to a broader range of career opportunities.
Typical examples of employment routes include zoos, wildlife conservation, veterinary surgery practices, animal rescue centres, pet stores, education and training or animal welfare organisations.
or
Progression to Level 2 or Level 3 Work Based Apprenticeship in Animal Care.
At university, learners typically go on to study subjects such as zoology, conservation biology, veterinary nursing or animal welfare and behaviour. Although possible, this course is not generally accepted as a route into veterinary science.
For those learners wishing to go into employment, the level 3 course will equip you with theoretical and practical skills that are applicable to many roles in the animal care industry, as well as a range of personal, social and wider skills that are relevant to a broader range of career opportunities.
Typical examples of employment routes include zoos, wildlife conservation, veterinary surgery practices, animal rescue centres, pet stores, education and training or animal welfare organisations.
Some courses may require kit/uniform to be purchased. Please see attached kit list for further information.
Useful downloads
Useful Downloads
Kit ListReady to begin your journey?
Our Open Days
Our Open Days are your chance to explore the College and find out about the range of courses we offer.
Accessible Open Event – Deeside & Deeside Sixth
13/03/2025
17:00
Neurodiverse people who want to study at Cambria are invited to our Accessible Open Events.
It’s the perfect opportunity to explore everything Cambria has to offer in a sensory-supportive setting.
Accessible Open Event – Northop
26/03/2025
17:00
Neurodiverse people who want to study at Cambria are invited to our Accessible Open Events.
It’s the perfect opportunity to explore everything Cambria has to offer in a sensory-supportive setting.
Accessible Open Event – Yale & Yale Sixth
19/03/2025
17:00
Neurodiverse people who want to study at Cambria are invited to our Accessible Open Events.
It’s the perfect opportunity to explore everything Cambria has to offer in a sensory-supportive setting.
Accessible Open Event – Bersham Road
20/03/2025
17:00
Neurodiverse people who want to study at Cambria are invited to our Accessible Open Events.
It’s the perfect opportunity to explore everything Cambria has to offer in a sensory-supportive setting.