T Level in Animal Management and Behaviour

About the course

T Levels are technical qualifications - equivalent to three A Levels – that combine classroom study with industry placements. They have been designed to be of the highest standards, but also to equip you with the vital skills required in the workplace.

Myerscough College offers you the opportunity to study a T-Level in Animal Management and Behaviour, to develop a comprehensive understanding of the technical skills and techniques for animal husbandry. You will become familiar with handling animals from a range of species, which can be valuable for those with aspirations to work in zoos or other specialised environments. You will learn how to work safely and sensitively with animals so as to care for their welfare and health. It is a popular option for both school leavers and successful Level 2 Technical Certificate students.

Location: Myerscough College (Preston) or Croxteth Park (Liverpool)
Course length: Two Years
Available course dates: Please select a start date & location before you apply.

Location: Myerscough College (Preston)
Start date: September

Select Selected

Location: Croxteth Park (Liverpool)
Start date: September

Select Selected

Course modules

Knowledge Qualification

Knowledge Qualification

Working in the Agriculture, Environmental and Animal Care Sector

This module provides an overview of the diverse career opportunities within the agriculture, environmental, and animal care sectors. Students will gain insights into industry standards, job roles, and the skills necessary to succeed in these fields.

Ethics

This course examines ethical principles and dilemmas in the context of land-based industries. Students will explore topics such as professional integrity, ethical decision-making, and the impact of their work on communities and ecosystems.

Biosecurity

This module focuses on biosecurity measures critical to agriculture. Students will learn about the prevention and management of pest and disease outbreaks, strategies for maintaining animal health, and the protocols necessary to protect ecosystems from invasive species and pathogens.

Business

This comprehensive module covers the fundamentals of running a successful business within the land-based sector. Topics include business planning, marketing, management, and the strategic development of enterprises in agriculture, horticulture, and environmental management.

Communication

Effective communication skills are crucial in land-based sectors. This module focuses on verbal and written communication, active listening, and the use of digital tools to enhance professional interactions in agriculture, environmental management, and animal care.

Equality

This theme addresses the importance of equality and diversity in the workplace. Students will learn about relevant legislation, strategies for promoting inclusivity, and the benefits of a diverse workforce within land-based industries.

Health and Safety

This module covers essential health and safety legislation, regulations, and best practices applicable to land-based industries. Students will learn to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement safety protocols to ensure a safe working environment in agriculture, horticulture, and related fields.

Nutrition

Notifiable and zoonotic disease

Optimise animal environments to meet their needs

Apply techniques to influence positive animal behaviour

Research project into an animal to promote animal welfare and conservation

Finance

This course provides an introduction to financial management in the land-based sector. Students will learn about budgeting, financial planning, accounting principles, and the financial considerations specific to agricultural, horticultural, and environmental operations.

Information and Data

In this module, students will explore the importance of information management and data analysis in land-based studies. Topics include data collection methods, data interpretation, and the use of information technology to support decision-making and operational efficiency across various land-based disciplines.

Sustainability

This course explores sustainable practices in land-based sectors. Topics include the principles of sustainability, sustainable resource management, and the importance of integrating eco-friendly practices into professional operations across agriculture, environmental management, and animal care.

Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

Anatomy and Physiology - Continued

Animal Health

Animal welfare and husbandry skills

Relationship Management

This module teaches students how to build and maintain positive professional relationships. Topics include customer service, conflict resolution, teamwork, and networking strategies, all essential for successful careers in land-based industries.

Animal handling and transportation

Supply Chain

This course examines the supply chain dynamics within the animal sector. Topics include sourcing of animal equipment and materials, understanding market demands, logistics, and ensuring the sustainability and ethical considerations of supply chain practices.

Animal biology

Animal behaviour and training

Optimise the health and welfare of animals

Entry requirements & additional information

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for all T Levels will be a minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade 5 (including Maths, English and Science).

T-Levels are available for 16 to 19-year-old students. They are also available to students up to the age of 24 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan.

Applicants are expected to show a strong commitment to the industry and ideally, have some practical work experience working with animals prior to starting the course.

Learning and assessment

This course is designed for students who wish to develop the core practical skills and knowledge to seek employment in the Animal industry. It will prepare you for entry into a practical employment position within the industry. Alternatively, it provides an ideal progression route to higher education.

Assessment of technical qualifications is a mixture of internal practical assessment of skills conducted by the teaching team, internal written assignments marked by the teaching team, an externally set synoptic examination that combines the knowledge and practical skills of all of the mandatory units, an external online exam that combines the knowledge of all mandatory units, an online health and safety exam and a employer set project. The assessments and exams are spread throughout the two years.

Progression

The T-Level in Animal Management and Behaviour course allows progression to;

Advance to higher education with university-level agriculture or and-management courses.
Enter the workforce directly with the skills needed for a successful career.

Careers

Employment opportunities the Animal industry are currently very good and the T Level provides the qualification and experience for entry into the industry at an operational level with future prospects for management.

Opportunities include:

On completion of this T Level you will be able to explore careers such as:

Animal care assistant
Animal behaviourist/trainer
Animal welfare/rescue assistant
Dog walker/pet sitter
Trainee zookeeper
Trainee veterinary nurse
Dog handler

Work experience

In order to successfully complete your T level qualification, you will need to complete a minimum of 315 hours (45 days or 9 working weeks) of Industry Placement with a maximum of two employers. We will assist you in helping to secure a suitable placement.

T level Industry Placements are expected to provide you with real work experience as part of your wider studies. It should be linked to your main course of study so you can develop up to date technical knowledge, and skills and apply your college learning to real work activities. Your placement should reflect your pathway, and be related to your occupational specialism.

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 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.

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

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.

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.