Introduction
This one year full-time course offers an introduction to working with a wide variety of animals. It provides the practical skills and background knowledge required to form a solid foundation in animal care.

The Course
The course is practical and work-related. You learn by completing projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands. It covers the basic knowledge and technical practical skills, providing a good foundation for future career opportunities or progression to a more advanced work-related qualification.

A BTEC First Diploma is equivalent to four GCSEs grades A* - C and may be taken as a full time or part time course.

Course Content
The course is made up of 2 core units and 4 of the specialist units:
Core Units:

• Industry Experience
• Industry and Organisations*

Specialist Units:

• Animal Care
• Introduction to Biology
• Estate Skills**
• Animal Health
• Retail and Customer Service**
• Care of Exotics
• Animal Nursing*
  
  This unit is externally assessed by an Integrated Vocational Assignment - a piece of coursework set by Edexcel.
  
  **certain units will only run if enough students opt for them.

Assessment
All units are assessed and graded, and an overall grade for the qualification is awarded as pass, merit or distinction.

Prospective students are advised that routine husbandry duties will form a vital part of this course. Students must ensure they are able to attend these sessions, which form part of the assessment schedule.

Qualifications Gained
Success on this course is the nationally recognised qualification of the BTEC First Diploma in Animal Care which can develop the skills you need to start or progress in careers such as:

• Kennels & catteries
• Pet centres
• Animal welfare organisations
• Wildlife charities
• Zoos and animal collections
• Veterinary nursing
  

It provides a good grounding to go on to a more advanced course such as the National Certificate or National Diploma in:

• Animal Management
• Horse Management

Entry Requirements
You will normally need to have at least one of the following:

• Appropriate GCSEs (normally at least four passes at Grade E or above, to include science, mathematics and a subject testing the use of English)
• Appropriate knowledge and/or experience gained in employment
• Landbased NVQs at Level 1 or experience appropriate for this level of study.
  
  
  

All students are strongly encouraged to attend the Summer School Foundation Certificate in Animal Care to ensure course choice is appropriate to their requirements.

You are welcome to contact the College to discuss with a course tutor an individual study programme that will help towards your intended career path. All applications are considered on an individual basis, following an interview at the College.

Prospective students will need to show a high degree of enthusiasm and dedication to the care and welfare of all animals, and must be aware of the considerable commitment required for a successful and rewarding career in this area. Students should also be aware that a large proportion of this course takes place outside and should therefore be prepared for working outdoors in all weather conditions.

Facilities
The main College site of Capel Manor is a manor house situated within thirty acres of estate. The Duchess of Devonshire Pavilion, which opened in July 2000, houses the IT suite, the Frances Perry Library and the Progression Centre. There are also well-equipped modern classrooms and a lecture theatre.

Practical sessions are carried out in the College's three specialist animal areas, which house a range of species from rats, mice, rabbits and chinchillas to exotic species such as reptiles, amphibians and fish. The large animal area houses a collection of livestock including pigs, goats, sheep, cows and poultry.

Students are required to work with all animals.

Venue
This course takes place at the College's main campus in Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield, Middlesex.

Fees
Unless stated otherwise, students aged 16-18 are exempt from tuition and registration fees =Interview Required

	Day	Start Date	Course Time	19+ Annual Tuition Fee	19+ Reg Fee	Length
		Sept	9am-4pm	£792	£125	1 year

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