Level 2 Diploma in Animal Care (2-year)

Applications Open - Monday 2nd November 2026

Applications Close - Open all year

How to Apply – Please apply through KentChoices and use your KentChoices login which your school should provide

PLEASE NOTE - Popular courses can fill up quickly so apply early to avoid disappointment

If you have any queries regarding the courses, please contact EKC Canterbury College

You can make up to 5 applications to Colleges within the EKC Group, that is:

• EKC Ashford College
• EKC Broadstairs College*
• EKC Canterbury College*
• EKC Dover College
• EKC Folkestone College*
• EKC Sheppey College

*Junior Colleges exist in these locations.

Please only add one course or T Level per application, except for A Levels at EKC Canterbury College, where up to 4 A Level courses can be added per application. At your interview, you and the tutors can discuss the best level and courses in order for you to progress.

The world of animal care and welfare is fast-moving and rewarding, and this Level 2 course is designed to help you build the skills and confidence to be part of it. If you’re thinking about working with animals, you’re likely someone who is caring, motivated and interested in animal behaviour and wellbeing, and this course will help you turn that interest into a future career. You’ll develop a strong understanding of animal care with practical activities, group work and real-life scenarios that reflect the needs of the sector. You will also benefit from access to our Spring Lane Campus, where you will work with a range of animals including snakes, goats, meerkats and guinea pigs, helping you understand their needs and build your confidence working with them. This two-year programme provides additional time to achieve a Level 2 in English and/or Maths, with additional trips, and employer engagement activities.

On our Level 2 course, you will develop an understanding of the skills needed to care for, handle and work with animals safely and effectively within the animal care sector. A key part of your studies is building confidence in both independent and team working, helping prepare you for a wide range of future opportunities. A range of units will be taught on the course including: • Animal Health and Welfare • Animal Handling and Restraint • Animal Feeding and Nutrition • Animal Accommodation and Enrichment • Working in the Animal Care Industry With access to our Spring Lane Campus, you can develop your skills with lots of practical experiences. Working with a variety of animals means you'll build your confidence and understanding of animal care before your next steps.

The assessments are designed to test your knowledge of the animal care sector and ensure you are ready for your next steps. Your final grade will be calculated through a combination of practical assignments, coursework completed throughout the year, and an externally set assessment.

I have at least four GCSEs at Grade 1, ideally including Maths and English, and I know what I want to be.

After completing this Level 2 course, many students choose to progress onto further study in animal care or related land-based subjects. Your options include joining our T Level in Animal Management, designed so you refine your skills, develop a deeper understanding of the sector and take part in an extended industry placement. You will be also supported to enter employment after successful completion of this Level 2 course, from entry-level roles to apprenticeships. Former learner, Paige, is now looking at her next steps: "Thanks to my course, I know I want to help people in the future and work alongside animals, so I’m thinking about going into animal therapy. "My favourite animals have to be the snakes. They're so docile and I feel like I've built up a close partnership with them. This really inspired my goals and what I want to work towards."