Quick Summary
Combines animal biology and anatomy with practical training in health, welfare, husbandry, and behaviour management in one qualification.
The 315-hour placement provides direct hands-on experience and professional contacts within an animal center, rescue facility, zoo, or veterinary environment.
A direct route into animal science or veterinary nursing degrees, higher apprenticeships, or junior roles like animal technician or welfare assistant.
What is this T-Level?
IN A NUTSHELL
The Animal Care and Management T Level is a vocational qualification for 16–19 year olds who want to work with animals in settings such as veterinary practices, zoos, wildlife organisations, rescue centres, or equine facilities.
It combines classroom-based learning in animal biology and welfare with a substantial industry placement in a real animal care environment. The qualification is designed with employers in mind, meaning the skills you develop are directly relevant to the workplace.
It carries up to 168 UCAS points, making it a valid route into animal-related degree programmes as well as direct employment.
Animal care is a competitive field; many roles are oversubscribed. This T Level gives you documented workplace experience that sets you apart from candidates with only academic qualifications.
Placement settings vary widely - from vet practices to zoos - so discuss options with your college early to secure the most relevant placement for your career goals.
About the course
1. Core Component
Animal biology, anatomy, and physiology
Animal behaviour and welfare principles
Health, nutrition, and disease prevention
Legislation and ethics in animal care
Business and communication skills in animal settings
Health and safety in animal care environments
2. Occupational Specialism
Animal Management
Veterinary Nursing Support
Wildlife and Conservation Management
Equine Management
(Specialism availability depends on your college or training provider.)
3. Industry Placement
A minimum of 315 hours (roughly 45 working days) with a real employer. Not optional, it is a required part of the qualification.
Written exams covering core animal science and welfare knowledge
Employer-set project: a real-world brief or task completed during the course
Practical assessments within your chosen specialism
Pass/Merit/Distinction/Distinction* grading (similar to BTEC)
This could suit you if…
You are passionate about animal welfare and care
You want practical, hands-on experience as part of your qualification
You are considering a career in veterinary nursing, zookeeping, or wildlife work
You are comfortable with the realities of animal care (illness, injury, euthanasia)
You want a qualification that stands out to animal sector employers
Animal handling and care — safe, practical skills in handling, feeding, and monitoring a range of animals
Scientific understanding — applying biology and anatomy knowledge to real animal health and welfare situations
Observation and assessment — identifying changes in animal behaviour or condition and responding appropriately
Welfare and ethical judgement — understanding and applying animal welfare legislation and best practice
Communication — working with colleagues, owners, and the public in professional animal care settings
Practical workplace confidence — built through 315+ hours of hands-on placement experience
Treat your placement as the most important part of the course — employers in this sector hire based on attitude and experience above grades
Volunteer outside of your placement hours wherever possible; the more animal experience you build, the stronger your CV
Take the science seriously — understanding animal biology properly makes you a far better practitioner, not just a better exam candidate
Be realistic about the emotional demands of the role and build resilience early
Network actively with your placement employer and ask for references or a written record of the skills you demonstrated
Employment
Animal care assistant or manager
Veterinary nurse or veterinary care assistant
Zookeeper or wildlife officer
Animal rescue and rehoming worker
Equine groom or yard manager
Pet boarding or grooming professional
RSPCA or wildlife charity worker
Animal behaviourist (with further study)
Apprenticeships
Strong pathways exist into Level 3 and Level 4 apprenticeships in veterinary nursing, animal management, and equine care. Many employers in the animal sector actively value T Level candidates for their placement experience.
Below are potential degree paths related to this T Level.
Please note: University acceptance of T Levels varies. Always verify individual entry requirements before applying.
Equine Studies BSc/BA
Zoology BSc
Animal Science BSc
