Animal Care
Grimsby Insitute’s Animal Care course is a particularly hands-on experience. During your time on this course, you’ll develop an understanding of new Innovations in different areas of the industry and how sustainability can be contributed to at all levels. The animal care department is equipped with a range of professional working environments, reflecting the diversity of the industry, including a wide range of different animals - both indoors and outdoors. Our facilities include a mock veterinary practice room, commercial dog grooming parlour, commercial canine day kennels and a Blue Cross cattery. We also provide the opportunity for you to hear from guest speakers and take part in enriching trips and visits. Past trips have included industry days working as zookeepers and visits to farms, zoos and areas of conservation.
Study at Level:
Entry Level
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
- Animal welfare, health and nutrition
- Handling
- Weighing
- Biology, anatomy and physiology
- Using maths to solve ecology and conservation problems
- Identifying signs of poor health in animals
- Preventative treatments to maintain animals already in good health
- Management of animal care-related businesses
- Health and safety
- Animal life cycles
- Animal behaviour
- Animal breed development
- Advancements in the animal care industry.
Entry requirements for our courses depend on the specific requirements of each Programme of Study and an individual’s previous experience, which will all be discussed during the interview process. The following list offers a guide as to what you might be expected to achieve to gain entry on to a particular level of a course.
PLEASE NOTE IN SOME AREAS WHERE THERE IS A HIGHER MATHS, ENGLISH OR SCIENCE CONTENT, OR WHERE TECHNICAL SKILLS ARE REQUIRED, THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS ARE HIGHER THAN STATED BELOW. APPLICANTS ARE ADVISED OF ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COURSES AT THEIR INTERVIEW AND THIS IS CHECKED AT ENROLMENT. FOR CREATIVE COURSES A PORTFOLIO REVIEW OR AUDITION MAY BE REQUIRED AT INTERVIEW.
Entry Level 3 Programmes
No formal entry qualifications but subject to approval from the Foundation Learning Assessment Team.
Level 1 Programmes
GCSEs grades1-2 or E to G or equivalent, including Foundation Awards and Entry Level Certificates.
Level 2 Programmes
Minimum of 4 GCSEs grade 3 (previously D) or above including Maths and English language OR Minimum of 4 GCSEs grade 3 or above including Maths and English language and relevant subject qualification OR Minimum of Level 1 course in chosen subject at merit or above and English language and Maths at Level 1.
Level 3 Programmes
Minimum of 5 GCSEs grade 4 (previously C) or above including Maths and English language OR Minimum of 5 GCSEs grade 4 or above including Maths and English language and relevant subject qualification OR Minimum of Level 2 course in chosen subject at merit or above and English language and Maths at level 2.
Progressing to each level of study
Once you successfully completed your course you may be able to progress to the next level, following a satisfactory interview with a Tutor. If you’ve finished your Level 3 course you will be offered advice and guidance from our Career Advisers on how to apply for a place at University through UCAS, or how to apply for a job or an Apprenticeship.
Entry Level, Level 1 and Level 2 courses generally last one year; Level 3 courses will usually last for two years.
You’ll get to take part in work experience within each unit of the Animal Care programme, giving you a hands-on, real-world experience of what it’s like to have a career working with animals.
Work Experience Opportunities include:
- Local veterinary centres
- Wildlife parks
- Rescue centres
- Urban & Rural farms
- Pet shops
- Zoos
Throughout the academic year, you’ll hear from a variety of guest speakers and industry professionals as well as having the opportunity to participate in fun and educational trips & visits.Previous trips include Whirlow Hall Farm in Sheffield, Crufts, Flamingo Land and the Yorkshire Wildlife Park.
Career opportunities:
- Animal rescue
- Veterinary nursing
- Veterinary nursing assistants
- Animal training
- Animal rescue
- Zoo management
- Pet shop management and education.
- University & Further Studies
Want to take animal care even further? Why not consider a specialty university course in animal management, animal behaviour, conservation and ecology or zoo management.
