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Animal Care Level 1

Course code: P01700

Subject area: Animal Care & Management

Study level: School Leaver

Course level: 1

Course details

Course time:

09:00 - 17:00

Days of week:

Various

Course date:

8th Sept 2025 - 2nd Jul 2026

Course location:

Common Leys Farm

Contact details

Phone:

01993 208 148

This one year, full-time Level 1 course combines practical animal-related experience on the Common Leys Animal Unit along with theory to cover the key areas of the care of animals and livestock. You will get to work with a range of animals including rabbits, alpacas, meerkats and the farm animals. You will learn how to carry out daily husbandry tasks, carry out full health checks and how to improve animal welfare. Whilst developing your practical skills the course will also help you to develop other employability skills like safe working and working in a team.
The course is suitable for students who are looking for entry into employment in the land based sector or progression on to a Level 2 course (possibly the Level 2 Diploma in Animal Care).Students will be undertaking a study programme that will include their main vocational qualification, skills in English and Maths, Tutorials, Enrichment and Work Experience. These are essential skills for employment. Students will usually attend College 3-4 days a week from 9.30am - 4.30pm.
Course units
Course modules include:

Developing safe working skills on the Animal Unit

Assist with looking after animals- Assist with cleaning and looking after animal accommodation

Assist with feeding and watering animals

Assist with the handling and restraint of animals

What next?
On successful completion of the course including achievement of literacy and numeracy at Level One, and successful completion of all evidence and competence reports, you may be suitable for progressing to a Level 2 course.
Entry criteria
English & maths GCSE at Grade 2, or Level 1 Functional Skills in both subjects.
Fee information
In addition to the main course fees given below there are additional costs of £75 for protective clothing and £80 for a course trip. Students may be eligible to apply for a college bursary for support with these costs(Costs are given for guidance only.)

As part of your course we may organise trips to assist you with your learning. Trips are optional, and you will not be penalised if you choose not to participate.

There are bursaries available to help you with other course costs. Call 01235 216 212 for more information.

The rules on fee reduction are complicated and we would encourage you to talk to our Admissions staff on 01235 555 585 to discuss your options. You can find more information on our Fees and Bursaries page - search "Fees and Bursaries" at the top of the page.

Course fees

16-18 Fee:

Tuition Fee: £0.00

Exam Fee: £0.00

Total Cost: £0.00

19+ Fee:

Tuition Fee: £3,360.00

Exam Fee: £0.00

Total Cost: £3,360.00

19+ Reduced Fee:

Tuition Fee: £0.00

Exam Fee: £0.00

Total Cost: £0.00

Qualifications received
If successful, you will achieve a City & Guilds Level 1 Diploma in Land Based Studies (Animal Care).
Learning & method assessment
Assessment is via assignment, multiple choice computer based exams (GOLA), a portfolio of evidence, and practical tasks.
User skills
Excellent English and Maths skills are essential for your success on your chosen course, for your progression onto further courses and into employment. From September 2014, whether you stay at school or go to college, you must continue developing your English and Maths skills. Abingdon and Witney College will offer you an exciting and relevant range of courses at all levels.

You will develop your practical animal handling skills of a wide range of animals to include farm livestock, pets, reptiles, fish and rodents.