Level 3 Animal Management (2 Year)

Course Overview

This work-related programme will cover the knowledge and technical skills that you will need to progress into Higher Education or to gain employment within the animal care industry.

In September 2025, we will be delivering both the City & Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Animal Management and the City & Guilds T-Level Technical Qualification in Animal Care and Management [Level 3]. Students with the appropriate entry requirements for the T-Level will be automatically interviewed for this study programme via a 1:1 discussion with the T-Level Course Lead at enrolment and would typically possess a GCSE profile containing 5 GCSEs at Grade 5 or above, including English, maths and science and a discussion.

Entry Requirements

New Students

Four GCSEs at grade 4 or above including Science, English and maths.*

Progressing Students

Progression to the two-year Level Three Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Animal Management requires that the individual has achieved a Distinction in their Level Two Technical qualification and English and maths at a Grade 4 in English, and a GCSE Grade 3 in maths [or vice versa] Unfortunately It is not possible for a learner to attend two GCSE resit classes within the timetable at Level Three.

Progression to the two-year Animal T Level requires that the individual has achieved a Distinction overall in their L2 Technical study programme and English and maths at a Grade 4. Unfortunately It is not possible for a learner to attend GCSE resit classes within the timetable at Level Three.

All students will also need to have a satisfactory reference from their current Course Lead in relation to attitude to their studies, timely completion of coursework, good standards of behaviour, attendance and punctuality.

Students with the appropriate entry requirements for the T level will be automatically interviewed for this study programme via a 1:1 discussion with the T Level Course Lead at enrolment and would typically possess a GCSE profile containing 5 GCSEs at Grade 6 or above, including English, maths and science.

*The College reserves the right to ask for a school reference if required

What the course covers

This Extended Diploma challenges you with a combination of practical and theory sessions. Theory sessions in this course include animal behaviour, wildlife rehabilitation, ecology, animal welfare and zoo management. Practical work takes place at the college’s Animal Care Unit, where you will develop skills in handling and caring for a range of small and large animals. We work closely with the Cats Protection animal charity on our rehoming centre for cats.

This course forms part of a programme study which will be tailored individually to boost your employability and which will include Maths and English as necessary.

The course is made up of a selection of different modules. You will study these modules and put the skills you learn to use by accumulating 200 hours of work experience over the two years .

Modules/Units include:

• Animal Accommodation
• Animal Anatomy & Physiology
• Animal Biology
• Animal Feeding and Nutrition
• Animal Handling and Safe Working
• Animal Health and Welfare
• Estates Skills
• Ecology and Conservation
• Exotic Health and Husbandry
• Specialist Project
• Wildlife Management and Rehabilitation
• Work Experience
• Zoological Collections
• Kennel and Cattery Management
• Pet Store Design and Management

*The route followed in the second year of the course is Animal Management.

As part of this course you will be required to attend an external work placement for a total of 315 hours over the duration of your course, the awarding body determines the number of hours required to pass this qualification.

Students will have the opportunity to take part in two short courses throughout their two years of study.

In year one students will complete a short Small Animal First Aid course, delivered by a fully trained member of college staff. On successful completion, students will receive a college certificate. This course is included as part of the programme and is available at no additional cost. This will allow learners to gain basic hands-on experience dealing with emergency situations in industry.

In the students’ second year of studies, they will also have the opportunity to take part in an additional six-week short course, aligned with the Raptor Awards standards and delivered in partnership with Willows Bird of Prey Centre. This course is not widely offered at colleges and universities.

This specialist course introduces students to the unique field of bird of prey management, with modules covering raptor husbandry, safe handling techniques, flying birds of prey, relevant legislation, and other key aspects of falconry and raptor care.

The course provides valuable hands-on experience and insight into this specialist sector of animal management, helping students broaden their practical skills and knowledge. Please note that this short course includes an additional course cost.

Fees and funding

Please note:

• Students aged 16 to 18, or those aged 16 to 24 who have a valid EHCP, studying Further Education courses are not charged course fees.
• For more information about financial support, please click here.