T Level Technical Qualification in Animal Care and Management

Ask a Question Course Brochure How to Apply 
LOCATION & START DATE
Duchy College Stoke Climsland - 31 August 2026
LEVEL
Level 3 Levels Explained
DURATION
2 years
LEARNING AREA
Animal Management & Veterinary Nursing Find out more
ATTENDANCE
Full-time

Course information

T Levels are new courses which will follow GCSEs and will be equivalent to three A Levels. These two-year courses have been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so that the content meets the needs of industry and prepares learners for work.

Our state-of-the-art animal management centre at Duchy College Stoke Climsland provide dedicated access to a huge range of animal species such as small mammals, exotics, birds, aquatics, and farm animals. Learners will also have the opportunity to visit and access real industry environments.

Caring for animals can be an extremely fulfilling and rewarding career; from working in kennels and catteries to wildlife rescue, there are a wide range of careers available upon successful completion of the course. Completing this course will allow you to start your career in the animal care industry or prepare you for university.

If you find an area of study you love whilst completing the course you can choose to go on to further study at university, for example qualifying as an animal nutritionist, zoologist, behaviourist or conservationist.

The qualification will help you gain an understanding of the Animal Management industry, and you will cover topics such as:

• Health and safety
• Business
• Working in the agriculture, environmental and animal care sector
• Sustainability.

You will also study Animal Management and Behaviour topics such as:

• Health and welfare of animals
• Animal environmental needs
• Animal behaviour and influencing change

You will have the opportunity to gain practical skills and put your new knowledge into use! We also offer a range of trips; this range from day trips to local animal attractions all the way up to an amazing chance to travel to Africa and assist the Conservation effort.

There will also be lots of opportunities to build your confidence, use your initiative and develop your skills which will help you progress in the next stage of your life whatever you chose to go on to do.

Entry requirements for external applicants and school leavers
• Four or more GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including English and/or Maths, or successful completion of a relevant Level 2 qualification.
• Functional Skills Level 2 in English and/or Maths will be considered as alternatives to GCSE, but a GCSE resit may be required depending on grade.

Entry requirements for existing learners with the Cornwall College Group
• Successful completion of previous course and maths and/or English at GCSE Grade 4 or Functional Skills Level 2.

Entry requirements for external applicants and school leavers
• Four or more GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including English and Maths, or successful completion of a relevant Level 2 qualification.
• Functional Skills Level 2 in English and/or Maths will be considered as alternatives to GCSE, but a GCSE resit may be required depending on grade.

Entry requirements for existing learners with the Cornwall College Group
• Successful completion of previous course and maths and/or English at GCSE Grade 4 or Functional Skills Level 2.

Please note: Some of our courses may have extra entry requirements or need a bit more information, like evidence or experience. Don't worry—we’ll guide you through everything when you apply!

Additional mandatory parts of the T Level that need to be achieved: • An industry placement of 315–350 hours (45–50 days).

Learners must complete:

A core exam consisting of two externally set exams covering knowledge about both the industry and about the Animal Management topics.

One Employer-set Project:

The Employer-set Project will consist of a real industry-style brief. The brief will require the use of relevant maths, English and digital skills. It will allow learners to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the content and their skills to solve occupationally relevant situations and/or problems.

And One Occupational Specialism from the following:

These will include two or more assessments that will feature a considerable practical element and are composed of a series of holistic practical tasks relating to Animal Management and Behaviour.

On completion we will help support your next steps, and whatever your aspiration we can help you on the path to achieving it; whether that’s owning your own business, becoming a vet nurse or working in conservation in Africa.

Want to go to University? You could study subjects, such as Zoology, Conservation or Animal Health or could decide to specialise and go onto study in a related area, such as Veterinary Nursing.

Want to get straight into Industry? You will be qualified for a wide range of jobs such as an Animal Care Assistant, Kennel worker or Pet shop assistant.

Duchy College Stoke Climsland

Duchy College Stoke Climsland

Set on stunning rolling hillsides, our campus epitomises the very best of land-based education. The recent addition of the £4 million Future Farm research facility means students and businesses are at the heart of the next evolution of environmental farming. Whether it’s a love of horses, sport, protective services, heavy machinery or animal care, nobody forgets their time at Duchy College Stoke Climsland. It’s time to secure your #careercollege experience.


Find out more about our Stoke Climsland campus


Related Topics

Start your application

Course type 16-19
Apply now
16-18 Tuition fees: £0
If you’re aged 16-18 when you begin your course, you will usually be eligible for free tuition. Detailed information can be found in our Financial Support section.
Financial support for School Leavers
Ask a Question Download a course brochure
Share

Course Code 15055-DSC-25

Courses listed on this website are indicative of the subject, nature and level of study. The College reserves the right to alter specific qualifications titles, awarding bodies and levels of qualification, which can change in year. Any cost may also vary, based on personal funding eligibility. The Cornwall College Group reserves the right to withdraw any course listed at any time.

T Level Technical Qualification in Animal Care and Management Level 3 Duchy College Stoke Climsland TLevel, Animal, Zoo
Cornwall College Career Dashboard

Why choose a career in Animal Management & Veterinary Nursing?

Aquarist

£ 

Average salary

Find our more about a career as a
Aquarist

Veterinary Nurse

£ 

Average salary

Find our more about a career as a
Veterinary Nurse

Zoo Keeper

£ 

Average salary

Find our more about a career as a
Zoo Keeper

Kennel Attendant

£ 

Average salary

Find our more about a career as a
Kennel Attendant