Our Level 3 course provides a range of different sized options in terms of units covered, level of study and providing opportunities for progression either into employment or higher education. The majority of our students take a two-year programme completing an Extended Diploma in Animal Management which is equivalent to three A-levels or a Diploma in Animal Management which is the equivalent to two A-levels. Students are able to develop practical skills in animal husbandry and gain underpinning knowledge of animal-related topics. Students will work with a range of animals inclusive of small mammals, farm livestock, exotic and zoo species housed in our extensive animal collection which is managed by our highly experienced and knowledgeable Animal Technicians. The courses also provide an opportunity for students to develop employability skills alongside gaining confidence in becoming independent learners.
Course Overview
FF3OANM1B0
Fri, 03 Jul 2026
Five x GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English, maths and science. This qualification is ideal for those wishing to progress to university or conti...
Five x GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English, maths and science. This qualification is ideal for those wishing to progress to university or continue with further academic studies on completion.
Course information
This programme is made up of a mixture of units including: Breeding and Genetics, Animal Biology, Animal Health & Diseases, Animal Behaviour, Animal Welfare & Ethics, Advanced Animal Nutrition, Investigate Research Project, Industry Placement, Exotic Animal Husbandry, Ecology and Conservation.
2 years There are options for learners to study a one-year Diploma or Extended Certificate if preferred.
This course is delivered on site across three days per week. The other two days are required for independent study whereby students will have the opportunity to work independently at home on coursework, homework and exam revision. When in College, students participate in a range of theory and practical lessons but it should be noted that this course is predominantly theory based. There is also an extensive industry placement programme to undertake where learners have the opportunity to gain vital employability skills and network with local employers experiencing first hand the industries they are interested in progressing into.
Assessment takes place through the completion of examinations, synoptic assessment, homework and successful completion of industry placement.
There are two qualifications available:
Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Animal Management (1 Year) leading on to the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management (2 years).Note that you would need to complete the full two-year programme for consideration of entry to university.
You will complete industry placement every week at our fully licensed, commercial Animal Centre/BCA Zoo as part of your professional development and a set number of hours of external industry placement (approximately 6 weeks over two years).
This course can lead to employment within: Dog Training, Pet Sitting, Dog Walking Services. Veterinary Nursing. Animal Rehoming/Welfare. Animal Science Research. Conservation Fieldwork. Media Research. Animal Handling in the Military/Police. Zoo Keeping. Animal Technician. Students can also progress (subject to meeting specified entry requirements) into higher education studying subjects such as animal behaviour and welfare, zoology, animal science, conservation, ecology and veterinary nursing.
3
Working in the animal industry can be highly rewarding but it requires hard work and dedication. You will need to be comfortable with working outdoors in all weathers, be physically fit and be able to carry out routine husbandry tasks e.g. checking livestock out on our 400-acre estate, dog walking, cleaning out enclosures, preparing a range of animal feeds and working with ALL of our animals to provide the highest possible standard of care. We have a strict dress code for working in our Animal Centre and, as such, you need to be prepared to follow instructions from all staff in order to maintain your own health, safety and welfare and that of our animals. If you have a learning difficulty or disability or additional educational need, please let us know when you apply so that we can fully assess for any support you may require.
Book an open day & come visit us!
Come along to one of our open days and explore everything on offer.
