About this course
T-levels are new courses that follow on GCSEs and have been developed in collaboration with employers and are tailored to prepare students for work and higher education by aligning content with industry needs.
T Levels are an alternative to A levels, apprenticeships and other 16 to 19 courses. They are equivalent to 3 A levels and they focus on vocational skills and can help you into skilled employment, higher study or an apprenticeship.
The T Level in Animal Care offers a unique chance to gain real-world experience through industry placements, providing essential skills and knowledge for careers in the animal industry, or pursuing higher education.
This T-level is a two-year programme that combines classroom theory and practical lessons and bespoke work placements with employers to give you practical experience in your chosen field.
You will spend 80% of the course in learning, gaining the skills that employers need. The other 20% is a meaningful industry placement, where you can put those skills into action.
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Brackenhurst is set in stunning countryside just a bus ride away from Nottingham city centre, next to the town of Southwell. -
At Brackenhurst, you’ll have access to incredible facilities. These include an Animal Unit, Equestrian Centre, laboratories, library and gardens and fields that are overflowing with plants and wildlife. -
Studying with us means that you’ll be a part of an amazing learning environment. You get all the perks of being part of a big university, but you will still enjoy the comforts of a friendly college.
What you’ll study
Over two years, you will undertake classroom-based learning, developing an understanding of a broad range of issues relevant to employability, such as sustainability, ethical principles, communication, business and health and safety.
You will also study animal related subjects, including practical animal handling, Animal Behaviour, Nutrition, Anatomy and Physiology as well as Animal Health.
The specialist pathways of Animal Management and Behaviour or Animal Management and Science will provide you will specialist subject knowledge that will help you develop threshold competence in an occupation that will enable you to work I the animal industry.
You will work in our animal unit which is well stocked with a wide variety of companion and domestic animals. This will prepare you for working in the animal industry and will support your external work placement.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
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How you're taught
You’ll learn in our fantastic facilities and be taught by tutors who have real-life experience of working within the animal industry. You can expect the course to be split so that approximately 30% is practical work and 70% is theory work.
You will be taught through lectures, group discussions and practical demonstrations. You’ll also get to go on trips to various locations.
The course includes a work placement. This allows you to develop your skills and knowledge in the animal industry, and looks good to future employers. You can work at places like veterinary centres, boarding kennels, catteries, or zoos.
How you’ll be assessed
You’ll be assessed through written assignments, external practical assessments and exams.
The employer-set project ensures students have the opportunity to combine core knowledge and skills to develop a substantial piece of work in response to an employer set brief related to current industries themes. The employer-set project is a separate part of the T Level programme to the Industry Placement.
Careers and employability
After completing this course there are a number of options and routes that you can take.
After completion of your T-Level in Animal Care and Management you could then choose to continue your studies and go onto a degree or choose a career in an animal-related industry.
Future jobs within the animal industry include:
- Animal Care Assistant
- Animal behaviourist/trainer
- Animal welfare/rescue assistant
- Dog walker/Dog handler/Pet sitter
- Trainee zookeeper
- Trainee veterinary nurse
Placement opportunities
Each T Level includes an in-depth industry placement that lasts at least 45 days. Students get valuable experience in the workplace; employers get early sight of the new talent in their industry.
Campus and facilities
Study an animal course at Brackenhurst and you’ll have access to some fantastic facilities.
Our specially designed Animal Unit is home to over 250 animals from around 70 different species. These include small animals such as rabbits, cats, dogs, reptiles and birds, as well as larger animals like goats and donkeys. All our animal courses include hands-on, practical lessons at the unit. You’ll also help our technicians to care for the animals on a day-to-day basis.
As well as your subject-specific facilities, you’ll also find:
- a library, including fully equipped computer rooms
- modern classrooms and teaching areas
- laboratories
- our careers and employability service
- a dining room and Costa Coffee
- our student shop
- a common room.
Entry requirements
UK students
For 2026 entry you'll need:
- Five GCSEs at Grade 4 / C or above including English, Maths and Science or equivalent
OR
- Successful completion of a relevant Level 2 Foundation Study Programme
- Successful completion of a relevant Level 2 Study Programme at Merit or above.
Additional requirements for UK students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
International students
We welcome applications from international students who do not require a student route visa. Please email our FE Team or call on +44 (0)115 848 5299 to discuss how your qualifications match our course requirements.
Additional requirements for international students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
