Fish Husbandry - Level 1

This course is a great practical first step towards working in aquatics, aquaculture or progressing to higher-level animal care and fishery management courses.

We're currently putting our fish tanks together and can't wait to share with you more details about the fish you'll be working with on this course.

What will I study on this course?

On this course, you'll cover the following:

• Caring for fish; develop skills specific to fish husbandry, including cleaning tanks, monitoring water conditions, feeding correctly and recognising common health issues.
• Feeding animals; understand nutritional needs and feeding techniques, applied to different species of fish and their dietary requirements.
• Animal accommodation; explore how to set up, clean and maintain living environments, including aquaria, tanks and pond systems.
• Monitoring and maintaining the environment; develop awareness of water quality, filtration, temperature and light to ensure healthy aquatic habitats.
• Keeping animals healthy; identify signs of illness or stress, prevent disease and carry out basic health checks in fish.
• Maintaining a fishery; gain hands-on experience with the upkeep of ponds and lakes, manage equipment and resources, monitor fish stocks and contribute to the health of aquatic environments.
• Aquatic environments; discover different types of aquatic habitats, learn about the species they support, understand the importance of conservation and practise simple maintenance tasks to protect these ecosystems.

Please note that the units you'll cover may change.

Whilst there are no general grade entry requirements for our level 1 programmes, you will be expected to show:

• A good attitude towards learning and a willingness to progress, including in English and maths (if applicable)
• A keen interest in the subject and a commitment to working hard

You will be invited to an information session and applicant experience day (if you have been offered a place before May) before you start your course to help ensure this is the best course for you.

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+	£900

* 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?

BTEC Level 1 Introductory Diploma in Land-based Studies (Fisheries Pathway)

How is my course assessed?

Assessed via assignments and practical assessments.