Level 3 Animal Studies (1 Year)

Course Overview

This industry related programme will cover the knowledge and technical skills that will support you in your progression into employment within the animal care industry or progression into further specialist study such as a Dog Grooming qualification.

This study programme is composed of the City & Guilds Level Three Advanced Technical Diploma in Animal Management, and English/Maths as necessary. This qualification is a one year programme. This programme is particularly suited to those progressing from a Level 2 Certificate in Animal Care. It should be noted that top-up to a full 1080 qualification is not possible from this study programme.

Entry Requirements

Progression to the one-year Level Three Advanced Professional Diploma in Animal Studies requires that the individual has achieved at Merit in their Level Two Technical qualification and have Functional Skills level 1/ or GCSE grade 3 in both English and Maths and be working towards achieving both GCSE’s. All students will also need a suitable reference from their current course lead in relation to attitude to their studies, timely completion of coursework, good standards of behaviour, attendance and punctuality.

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

What the course covers

This qualification challenges you with a combination of practical and theory sessions. Theory sessions in this course include animal behaviour, animal welfare and feeding and nutrition. Practical work takes place in the 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 over the one year programme and put the skills you learn to use by accumulating 150 hours of work experience.

Modules/Units include:

• Animal Accommodation

• Animal Biology

• Animal Feeding and Nutrition

• Animal Handling and Safe Working

• Animal Health and Welfare

• Exotic Animal Health and Husbandry

• Work Experience

• Business Management in the Land-Based Sector

• Animal breeding

• Small Animal Rehabilitation

As part of this course you will be required to complete both internal and external work experience. You will attend an external work placement for a total of 75 hours during a two week placement in May and the remaining 75 hours will be collated internally which requires 100% attendance to all practicals. The awarding body determines the number of hours required to pass this qualification. You will attend trips and guest speaker activities to develop your industry knowledge.

Students 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.

In addition, 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.

Fees and funding

Please note:

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

This course is normally free however if you don’t qualify for fee remission the fees for 2026/27 will be:

£477 (plus registration fee to be advised at enrolment)

Please note: Fees are for 2026/27 entry and apply to students eligible for home fee status. The fees quoted are subject to personal circumstances and will be confirmed at the time of your enrolment, depending on eligibility criteria. For more information about financial support for students, please click here or email studentfinance@nescot.ac.uk

Essential Personal Protective Equipment

Students are required to purchase steel toe-capped boots, overalls and waterproof clothing. These can be purchased through our recommended supplier, details of which are available at enrolment.