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01995 642222

We have received a record number of applications for this programme, for prospective students looking to start with us in September 2024.

We are currently not accepting any further applications.

City and Guilds Level One Certificate / Diploma in Land-based Studies- Animal Care (14-16 Programme)

About the course

This course is currently being reviewed. Applications will not open until a decision has been made.

This course provides a basic introduction to the care of a variety of domestic animals. Areas of study will include feeding, cleaning and handling animals as well as additional modules covering work safety and skills development in the land-based industries. Time will be spent in the classroom and in the College’s Animal Studies Centre. Students must have an interest in the subject and have some prior experience of working with animals. A portfolio of written work must be completed as well as a short on-line assessment each academic year.

Parents/Schools, please note when completing the application form you must use child’s name and DOB but the parent/school email and telephone number. All official documents, interview and enrolment information will be emailed on the parent/school email provided and this could be anytime from the time of application through to September. If the email changes it is important you let us know. Failure to do so could lead to the application being withdrawn from the process

Read more

Course modules

Year 1

Assist with the preparation and maintenance of animal accommodation

You will learn about different types of animal housing and bedding and then practically prepare and clean out Animal Academy animals.

Animals in the wild and in society

This unit looks at animals such as wildlife and exotic zoo species. It identifies the different terminology associated with classifying animals and adaptations animals have developed over time to become better species.

Assist with the care of animals

In this unit students learn how to keep different species of animals healthy and happy.

Assist with the handling and restraint of animals

You will assist others in handling a variety of animals. You will also learn about moving them around and retraining them e.g. for the vet.

Principles of the Care of Animals

In this unit the student will learn about the principles of animal care

Entry requirements & additional information

Entry requirements

This course gives a practical introduction to the animal industry. Students need to be over 14, demonstrating confidence and competence in basic animal care skills. Academic qualifications are not essential, just a willingness to learn.

Learning and assessment

Time will be spent in the classroom and in the College’s Animal Academy developing practical skills. Students must have an interest in the subject and have some prior experience of working with animals.

A portfolio of written work must be completed as well as a short online assessment.

Progression

Year 10 students may wish to continue into year 11 to complete additional units. Year 11 students may progress onto a full time Further Education or Apprenticeship Programme.

Careers

Employment in kennels, catteries, pet shop, grooming parlour, welfare societies e.g. RSPCA.

Special requirements

Costs that are mandatory for the course:

Course fees apply for school-educated students (see 14-16 prospectus).

Equipment and/or Clothing:

  • College warehouse jacket (purchased via animal studies centre approx. £30), Wellington boots or other sturdy work boots.
  • Tetanus vaccination up to date.
  • 2 x lever arch files
  • 2 x dividers
  • Pens/Pencils (coloured) (approx. £10)

Animal Studies

Britain is well regarded as a nation of animal lovers, from companion pets to large animal collections. This has resulted in a multi-million pound industry, ranging from well known national pet feed companies to pet stores, catteries and kennels and numerous other businesses providing for the needs of animals.

If you care about animals and have a deep interest in their health and wellbeing, Myerscough provides an excellent opportunity for you to further your studies. You'll develop a range of skills and have the opportunity to care for a range of animals including dogs, cats, rabbits and ferrets, farm animals, reptiles and amphibians and a range of invertebrates.

Our new £3m Animal Studies Centre
Our new £3m Animal Studies Centre

Our Animal Studies Centre

Myerscough College’s Animal Studies Centre has tripled in size after the completion of a £3 million extension and major refurbishment. The new Animal Studies Centre features specialist classrooms, dedicated indoor and outdoor areas for different animal groups, as well as spacious private rooms, reception and study areas, all fully equipped with the latest I.T technology.

The Animal Studies Centre also offers a range of services to the public, from grooming and healthcare through to behaviour classes and hydrotherapy for injury recovery.

Water dragon
Water dragon

Our Animals

As part of your course at Myerscough College, you'll get to work with a wide range of animals, from dogs and cats through to chameleons, iguanas and snakes, fish and invertebrates. You'll also get to help look after the College Alpacas, Bailey and Icicle - two of the department's biggest characters.

A choice of learning locations

As well as our £3m Animal Studies Centre at our Preston Campus, we also offer Animal Studies courses at our learning centres, including our new Animal Studies Centre at Croxteth Park in Liverpool, Walton Hall in Warrington and Witton Park in Blackburn. 

Scottish Wildcats at Myerscough College
Scottish Wildcats at Myerscough College

Scottish Wildcats

Myerscough College plays a key role in the conservation of Britain's most iconic native predator, the Scottish Wildcat as part of Scottish Wildcat Action's conservation and breeding programme. There could be as few as 100 of these timid and elusive cats left in the wild and this work goes a long way to ensuring their survival.

cat in basket
cat in basket

Blue Cross Rehoming Centre

The Animal Studies Centre is now officially working in partnership with Blue Cross and now has a rehoming centre on the Myerscough Campus. This gives a fabulous experience for students who get the opportunity to work in a real life rehoming environment, gaining a valuable insight into the workings of a cattery and developing skills for employment within the animal sector.

Latest news, Animal studies

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING OUR VOCATIONAL OFFER FOR HOME EDUCATED STUDENTS FROM SEPTEMBER 2025

Tuesday 12th November 2024 update

Myerscough College is committed to providing high quality technical education across the land-based and sports sectors. Our 14-16 curriculum provision will remain in place for the 2025/26 academic year, starting September 2025, but it will need to be accessed via applications from local schools, on behalf of their pupils.

After extensive discussions with our Local Authorities (LAs) regarding the future of home education, it is clear that the government is focused on prioritising the reintegration of many home educated young people back into mainstream education. In light of this direction, we have made the strategic decision to change the Elective Home Educated (EHE) element of our 14-16 programme, in order to align with this broader educational policy.

The only change being implemented at Myerscough is the method of applying for a place and that, moving forward, Electively Home Educated applicants must be enrolled with (or linked to) a secondary school. That school can then submit an application for the programme.

This change will not impact students who are already currently attending Myerscough College through their schools.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this decision, please do not hesitate to contact the Home Educated support teams at your relevant local authority. They will be able to provide information about available school places for September 2025 entry. Once a suitable school has been identified you can start a dialogue with them about the option of attending Myerscough. If discussions are successful, the school can submit an application.

For information about the content of the 14-16 curriculum you can email us at 14to16@myerscough.ac.uk or call 01995 642222.

 

 

Additional support

Myerscough will arrange for copies of academic reports to be sent to educational providers in order to support and enhance the likelihood of securing a school or alternative provision placement for students.

Additionally, please access the links below to help with guidance and support during this transition period:

https://www.youngminds.org.uk/professional/resources/supporting-school-transitions/

Supporting children's transition to secondary school: guidance for parents and carers | Anna Freud

Myerscough College, St Michael's Road, Bilsborrow, Preston, PR3 0RY

For all enquiries please see our contact page or call 01995 642222.

UK Provider Registration Number: 10004478