T Level Technical Qualification in Animal Care and Management

Combine your interest in animal health, physiology and animal welfare. You’ll explore essential topics such as sustainability and biosecurity while gaining practical skills in animal care, health management and project delivery, preparing you for a career in the animal care sector.

The T Level is divided into three areas of knowledge, which are taught holistically.

The Common Core content provides foundational knowledge and skills for learners in the animal care industry, helping you understand the range of job roles available.

The Core Pathway focuses specifically on the animal care sector, equipping you with the essential knowledge and skills needed for your chosen Occupational Specialism. Throughout the course, you’ll develop the competencies required to enter the industry and demonstrate your abilities with appropriate support and training.

This T Level includes a minimum of nine weeks working with an employer on an industry placement.

Topic areas include:

Sustainability, climate change, the principles of biosecurity, principles of customer care, and health and safety.

You will develop your knowledge and understanding of:

• Working within the animal care sector, including the professional responsibilities, attitudes and behaviours required
• Health and safety in the workplace
• Business management within the sector to successfully provide a product or service
• Project management and project delivery

The Core Pathway covers the theoretical knowledge of animal management and the various disciplines relevant to the industry. You will gain an understanding of the theoretical principles and practices required to work in the sector.

You will develop your knowledge and understanding of:

• Fundamental health and safety principles
• Principles of biosecurity
• Anatomy and physiology
• Animal health and techniques used to administer medication
• Learning theories and animal health
• Occupational Specialism

You will have the opportunity to plan, carry out and evaluate your work using a range of techniques, methods and resources.

You will develop your knowledge, understanding and skills in:

• Optimising the health and welfare of animals
• Understanding the impact of the environment on animals and how it can be optimised
• Optimising animal health and welfare
• Applying techniques to positively influence animal behaviour

Assessment takes place across both years and includes a combination of written examinations, controlled assessments and practical application of skills.

Year 1

• Two written examinations covering the Common Core and Core Pathway knowledge.
• Employer-Set Project (ESP) – a controlled assessment based on a realistic industry scenario, requiring you to apply your knowledge and problem-solving skills.

Year 2

• Research Project – a controlled assessment requiring you to investigate an animal-related topic and demonstrate research, analysis and evaluation skills.
• Synoptic Assessment – an extended assessment bringing together knowledge and skills from across the programme, including practical animal handling and the development and application of animal training plans.

The assessment approach means you need to demonstrate not only what you know, but also your ability to apply your knowledge in practical and industry-relevant situations.

5 GCSEs at grade 4 and above to include English, Maths and Science OR a Level 2 in a related subject plus English and Maths, at least grade 4

Future opportunities and career progression options include:

• Zookeeper
• Animal care worker
• Assistance dog trainer
• Dog handler
• Animal technician

You will be able to progress to our university courses in animal studies, such as FdSc Animal Behaviour and Conservation, FdSc Veterinary Nursing or BSc (Hons) Veterinary Physiotherapy.