This course, which is validated by the Royal Agricultural University, will provide you with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge for a range of career opportunities including animal conservation, welfare, research and management. Throughout both years of the course, the 'work based learning' modules provide an important insight into employment and the transferable skills required by the modern animal care industry. The skills and knowledge gained provide valuable information for possible career progression. Between December and August of the first year of the course, 210 hours have to be spent in the animal industry either in UK or abroad. During the second year, the vocational day (with a minimum requirement of 105 hours total), is spent in an animal care industry of your choice. Throughout the course, you will work with the college’s extensive collection of animals, ranging from invertebrates, reptiles and the more common companion species and livestock to captive exotics. You will also visit a variety of animal-related enterprises and have opportunities to take part in a wildlife study tour to experience locations such as the Galapagos Islands, Borneo or Kenya. Exotic destinations which our students have utilised for their extended work placement period include: Sri Lanka, Thailand, South Africa, Ecuador, Costa Rica, America, Africa, and Greece, enabling them to have first-hand experience of current animal conservation, rescue and rehabilitation methods throughout the world.