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Level 3 in Animal Management with English and Maths

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Subject

Animal Management

Level

Level 3

Study Mode

Full-Time

Duration

1-2 years

Start Date

September 2025

The course

Practical vs Theory

20%

80 %

Are you looking to launch a career within the animal management industry but not sure what area to pursue? This course is ideal for you.

Studying the Level 3 in Animal Management will provide you with a broad range of knowledge and understanding about a wide variety of animals, whilst enabling your progression by developing your employability skills and preparing you for further study.

The course will provide you with the basis of academic, technical, and practical skills regarding the care of companion, farm, and exotic animals in various industries.

You will have the exciting opportunity to work with a range of species at our highly prized and industry-relevant Animal Management Centre, including otters, wallabies, and lemurs; cuscus, chameleon, and cockroaches; tortoises, tarantula, and tenrec; alongside our specialist nocturnal room, reptile room, and aquatics room.

From primates to porcupine, to hamsters and goats, you will develop animal handling and husbandry skills for each species you work within their specialist environments, building knowledge and learning of animal behaviour, habitat and welfare.

You will be required to complete vital work experience with local animal businesses to develop industry-specific knowledge and skills, and experience a true taste of the career you have set your sights on.

Upgrade and upskill as you progress through your Animal Management course with us. During your Level 3 programme, you may have the opportunityto complete additional modules in animal nutrition and dog walking, as well as practical skills to prepare you for life following your College course, offering insight into the world of work and setting your career prospects and experience above others.

Please note that the modules may be subject to change.

Course Information

  • To provide you with a broad range of knowledge and understanding about a wide range of animals, whilst enabling your progression by developing your employability skills or preparing you for your year two programme in Animal Management, depending on your career goals.
  • To provide you with the basis of academic, technical, and practical skills regarding the care of companion, farm, and exotic animals in various industries.
  • To develop your animal handling and husbandry skills with a wide variety species and specialist environments.
  • To give you the opportunity to gain vital work experience with local animal businesses to develop industry-specific knowledge and skills, and experience a true taste of the career you have set your sights on.

Year 1

  • Animal welfare and ethics (Exam)
  • Practical animal husbandry
  • Animal behaviour
  • Animal health and diseases
  • Work experience

Year 2

  • Animal biology (Exam)
  • Investigative research project
  • Aquatic animal health and husbandry
  • Exotic animal husbandry
  • Animal grooming
  • *Modules subject to change

You will need four GCSEs at grade 4 or equivalent, including English and Maths, and a GCSE at grade 4 in Science, or a relevant BTEC Level 2 / First Diploma or equivalent*. A satisfactory academic reference is also needed.

*If you have four GCSEs at grade 4 but not Science you will be offered Level 2 Diploma in Animal Care and may then have the opportunity to move to the Level 3 course following successful completion of the Level 2, and achievement of Maths and English GCSE.

You will learn through a mixture of theory and practical sessions, including presentations, group work, and independent research.

You will normally be in college three days a week. You should dedicate time outside of college to revision and assignments.

You will complete a minimum of 150 practical hours with an external work placement each year.
You will be assessed through external exams, practical work, theory assignments, reports, posters, presentations and lab experiments. Upon completion of the course you will be graded Pass, Merit or Distinction
  • Folder with dividers to organise your work and assignments
  • Stationery including notepad for use in class, pens and pencils
  • College-branded white laboratory coat (unless otherwise informed)
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including steel toe capped footwear (boots, shoes, or wellies)
  • Waterproof outdoor clothing and footwear (for work experience)
Almost all areas of the animal industry require experience and qualifications. Our Level 3 courses allow you to gain practical work experience in industry, and also collect UCAS points to enable you to move on to a HNC or Foundation Degree which in turn gives you the best start in the industry.
The practical skills and knowledge that are consolidated throughout the course put you in good stead for joining the animal industry with a strong work ethic and reputation behind you. You will be equipped to seek out a career working in commercial kennels, animal rescue centres, laboratories, veterinary practices, zoos and animal collections or self-employed as a dog walker, pet sitter, dog groomer or running animal parties.

Careers this course could lead into

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