Houghall Campus
Course overview
It's not hard to see why our animal care courses are among the most popular we have to offer here at EDC!
Our Houghall campuses' multi-million pound small animal care centre is home to over 70 species of animals, so students studying with us get more than anywhere else in the area.
Our Level 1 Animal Care course is designed as the perfect introduction to this sector, preparing you for further study or exciting opportunities in animal care in the future.
As the name suggests, most of the course is learning all about the practical side of cleaning, feeding and looking after a wide variety of animals! From lizards to snakes, from hamsters to our resident skunk, there's so much to learn and we'll hone your practical skills to allow you to safely handle all kinds of critters both furry and otherwise!
You'll also learn the theory behind animal care, understanding animal biology and how different species differ from each other.
During the course, you can expect a mixture of both written work and practical assessments.
Please note that due to the practical nature of the compulsory course assessments, you must be physically able to carry out practical tasks by yourself after proper training.
Topics
• Working in the Animal Care Industry
• Exotic Animal Husbandry
• Small Mammal Husbandry
• Farm Livestock Husbandry
• Kennels
• Health & Safety
Job opportunities after this course
• Animal behaviour, care, grooming, handler, nutrition, science, training, welfare
• Ecologist
• Education
• Farming
• Labratory Scientist
• Nature Reserve Ranger
• Pet Retail
• Zoologist
... and so much more!
Further study options after this course
Level 2 Technical Diploma in Animal Care/Land & Wildlife/Equine/Agriculture.
You must achieve a minimum grade of Merit in this qualification and a GCSE in Maths OR English at grade 4 to progress to a Level 2 Technical qualification.
Learners who do not meet the maths & English requirements may be offered an alternative qualification.
Entry requirements
Our entry requirements are reviewed annually and are subject to change as qualifications, awarding bodies and assessment criteria evolve.
Due to the practical nature of the compulsory course assessments, you must be physically able to carry out practical tasks by yourself after proper training.
For the latest qualifications and grades required by course type/level, please follow this link to check the most up-to-date entry criteria for direct entry and internal progression at the college.
How is this course assessed?
To gain the Diploma qualification, learners must successfully achieve the following assessments:
• Two external tests (multiple choice)
• Five unit assignments
• PLUS 60 hours work placement
When does the course start?
September 2026
Length of course
1 Year, full time.
Fees & Funding
Please read our Course Fees & Funding page.
How to apply
To apply online for this course, please click on the 'Apply' button at the top/bottom of this page.
Alternatively, if you need assistance with your application or you would like to apply over the phone or using a paper-based application form, please call Student Services on 0191 518 8222.
If you're not quite ready to apply for this course and would like some more information or to speak to a member of staff then please click on the 'Enquire' button at the top/bottom of this page.
