T Level in Animal Care and Management

This study programme is designed to help you move quickly toward advanced jobs, higher education, or apprenticeship opportunities if you know what you want to do next and meet the entry requirements needed for success.

Achieving a Level 3 qualification will improve your future earning potential and career choices. It also allows you to progress to Higher Education, Higher Apprenticeships, and Degree Apprenticeships. These can lead to roles like advanced technician or skilled supervisor at Level 3, and eventually to management or professional status as you continue your studies.

To study at Level 3, including all T Level and A Level programmes, you will need an average entry score of 5.0 from your best 6 GCSE subjects, ideally including English and Maths.

The assessments are all designed to test your knowledge of the Animal Management sector and to ensure you’re ready for your next steps.

On a T Level, you can expect to complete dynamic coursework in addition to exams at the end of each year.

A large part of your final grade will be calculated with the completion of your industry placement. By taking part in an employer-set project, you’ll stand out from the crowd in today’s job market and leave College with a clear understanding of what employers in zoos, sanctuaries or other animal care settings need.

As T Levels are equivalent to three A Levels, former students have progressed to universities across the country. Your degree could be in subjects including Animal Management, Zoology, Veterinary Nursing, Animal Behaviour, or Wildlife Conservation. The choice is yours.

If university isn’t for you, then higher-level apprenticeships are also an option, allowing you to continue developing your skills while gaining industry experience.

Taking part in your industry placement means you will be well prepared to progress into a career within the animal care sector. The skills you develop are highly valued by employers and will support you in a range of roles working with animals.This could include options such as becoming a zookeeper or a dog handler.

You will also have opportunities to explore your next steps through events such as our careers fair, where you can speak to employers, universities and training providers, helping you make informed decisions about your future.

There are no fees for this course if you are under 18.

If you are aged 19 or above, please contact us for more information about fees and funding.

From working with industry partners locally, to exploring specialist animal environments further afield, we offer a variety of trips that will give you a deeper insight into animal management.

Recent highlights include collaborating with Lees Court Estate, a stunning 6,900-acre property and trips to the New Forest to complete reptile surveys and explore natural habitats.

By taking part in trips and working with local employers, you will also discover different areas of the industry and begin to shape the direction you would like to pursue after your time at College.

Communication, teamwork and leadership skills are also developed through social action projects that take place throughout the year. These projects help to make a positive difference locally, with previous examples including conservation-focused and animal welfare activities.

Every year we also open up our Spring Lane Campus, inviting the community to meet our animals and explore our facilities, while raising money for organisations across East Kent. During these events, you become the expert, demonstrating your knowledge and understanding of the wildlife and animals you have learnt to care for during your studies.