T Level Technical Qualification in Animal Care and Management

Combine your interests in animals and science with our T Level course. Learn about key topics such as sustainability, climate change and biosecurity while developing essential knowledge and skills across the agriculture, environmental and animal care sectors, with a focus on health and safety, business management and practical animal science applications.

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 will 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
• Health and safety
• You will develop your knowledge and understanding of:
• Working within the agriculture, environmental and animal care sectors, 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 science and the various disciplines relevant to the industry. You’ll 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
• Types and sources of nutrients required by animals
• Animal behaviour

For the 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:

• Animal behaviour, security and breeding practices
• Managing animal health and welfare
• Safe animal handling practices
• Scientific investigations in animal science, including practical laboratory skills

Assessment takes place across both years through a combination of written examinations, controlled assessments and the practical application of scientific and animal management skills.

Year 1

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

Year 2

• Research Project – a controlled assessment requiring you to investigate an animal science-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 laboratory skills.
• Final Science Knowledge Test – assessing your understanding and application of the specialist scientific knowledge developed throughout the programme.
• The assessment approach has a strong scientific and applied focus, requiring learners to demonstrate both theoretical understanding and the ability to use their knowledge confidently in practical, laboratory and industry-related contexts.

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 include roles such as:

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

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