Diploma in Animal Care - Level 2

What will I study on the course?

Our Diploma in Animal Care programme covers the basics of animal husbandry (care), health, welfare, behaviour and biology.

Wisbech campus

Exotics pathway

Mandatory units:

• Maintain Animal Health and Welfare
• Undertake Practical Animal Feeding
• Maintain Animal Accommodation
• Work experience placement to develop your confidence and the skills needed for employment

Optional units

• Contribute to the Care of Exotic Animals
• Introduction to Caring for Zoo Animals
• Introduction to Caring for Ornamental Aquatics

Companion pathway

Mandatory units

• Maintain Animal Health and Welfare
• Practical Animal Feeding
• Maintain Accommodation
• Work Experience placement to develop your confidence and the skills needed for employment

Optional units

• Introduction to the Principles and Practices of Animal Behaviour and Handling
• Understand the Principles and Practices of Animal Establishments
• Introduction to Animal Breeds and Grooming

Nursing pathway

Mandatory units: Maintain Animal Health and Welfare

• Undertake Practical Animal Feeding
• Maintain Animal Accommodation
• Work experience placement to develop your confidence and the skills needed for employment

Optional units

• Contribute to the Nursing of Animals
• Understand British Wildlife Species, Habitats and Rehabilitation
• Understand the Basic Principles of Animal Biology

Cambridge campus

Animal Science pathway

Mandatory units

• Maintain Animal Health and Welfare
• Undertake Practical Animal Feeding
• Maintain Animal Accommodation
• Work experience placement to develop your confidence and the skills needed for employment

Optional units

• Understand the Basic Principles of Animal Biology
• Contribute to the Nursing of Animals
• Introduction to Caring for Zoo Animals

Animal Care/Welfare pathway

Mandatory units

• Maintain Animal Health and Welfare
• Undertake Practical Animal Feeding
• Maintain Animal Accommodation
• Work experience placement to develop your confidence and the skills needed for employment

Optional units

• Animal Behaviour and Handling
• Understanding British Wildlife species Habitats and Rehabilitation
• An introduction to caring for zoo animals

After this course you could progress into further study, take on an Apprenticeship or get into employment.

Successful completion of this course can lead you to gaining employment in a variety of settings such as: animal shelters, kennels, catteries and pet shops.

You will need:

• 4 or more GCSEs at Grade 3 or higher, with at least one Grade 4 in either English, maths or science.

Or:

• A merit grade in a full level 1 in animal care studied at CWA or another further education provider. This does not include level 1 courses studied at school alongside GCSEs. You will also need improved grades in English or maths.
• Good behaviour

How long is this course?

1 year

When does this course start?

02/09/2026

How many hours / days per week is this course?

Full-time courses at CWA are generally 3 - 4 days per week (though you may be in for an extra day if you are resitting English and / or Maths). The college day is typically longer than a day at school and students will need to plan their individual study in their free time (including individual study hours which are recorded at college in the Learning Resource Centre or other study areas). Work experience will be a key component of your course and most students will complete a minimum of 60 hours per academic year (on top of their college hours), depending on the course they are studying. CWA has a dedicated team of work placement co-ordinators to support you with this.

Age	Cost
16-18	Free*
19+	£720

* Some of our courses may have additional costs to cover trips, unform and equipment. These costs will be confirmed to you at enrolment.

Fee information

Though this course is free for those aged 16-18, there may be additional costs related to the programme, such as additional equipment and uniform, educational trips and work placement costs. Full details will be sent to applicants before enrolment.

Find all the information you need about course fees and financial help below.

Information on Fees and Financial Help

Adult (19+) learners

Depending on your age, course, educational history and personal circumstances, there may be options available for you to receive a course fully-funded by the government. Our fee calculator will help give you an idea on whether you'll be able to have your course fee waived or covered by an Advanced Learner Loan.

Complete our fee calculator

Learners with an active Education, Health & Care Plan

If you are aged 19 - 24 at the start of your course and have an active Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP), any course up to and including level 3 will be fully-funded by the government. This means you will not have a course fee to pay and any equipment considered essential to complete your course will be provided by the college.

What qualification will I achieve?

City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Animal Care.

How is my course assessed?

This programme is assessed via assignments and practical assessments continuously throughout the year.