Whether your passion is animals, wildlife conservation or growing flowers and plants, this practical course will be the first step on the ladder to developing the core skills needed for further study or to work in Land-Based and/or Animal Care.
You will spend time in the Animal Unit getting hands-on experience with the animals – feeding, cleaning and looking after them. Our menagerie includes Meerkats, Armadillos, Dogs, Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Degus, Snakes, Ferrets, Tarantulas, Chickens, Goats, Alpacas, Geckoes, Bearded Dragons and a Tegu.
Other sessions will be spent learning about wildlife, the countryside and horticultural skills you will have the opportunity to learn skills such as seed sowing, planting and plant division along with woodland skills, wild life conservation and community projects.
This learning programme helps you develop the skills that employers are looking for.
With us, you’ll learn from talented tutors in fantastic facilities. We pride ourselves on our investment in your future, and your success at the heart of everything we do.
- Entry Level 3 English and Maths
- A suitable land-based entry level qualification
You can apply using our online application form and clicking the Apply Now button at the top of this page. For more information support with your enquiry or application please contact Student Services by emailing learn@dearne-coll.ac.uk or by calling 01709 513355.
After you have completed your Level 1 Land- based qualification you can either:
- Move onto our Level 2 Stepping Stone Programme
- Level 2 Diploma in Animal Care
- Level 2 Diploma Practical Horticulture
- Level 2 Diploma in Countryside Management
- 16-18 year olds do not need to pay course fees
- Those aged 19 or over may not need to pay fees depending on their circumstances. Find out if you qualify here.
If you have not already achieved a level 4 English and Maths GCSE, you will continue to work towards these qualifications at a level that is appropriate for you. You will either be studying Functional Skills from Entry 1 – Level 1 or be in a GCSE class.
“One of the best things about college is that you get to meet like-minded people - everyone studying on your course is interested in the same sort of stuff and often have similar motivations.”
Emily Puk Level 3 Countryside Management Former student at Wingfield Academy![]()
We make every effort to ensure information within our online course directory is accurate and a true representation of the courses we are offering in 2022-23 or 2023-24. However, we do reserve the right to make changes if necessary.