Animal Management - Level 3 National Foundation and Extended Diploma

This course will give you the skills, understanding and knowledge needed to pursue an animal-related career, such as working in a zoo, becoming a veterinary nurse, working in conservation, animal welfare inspector, animal trainer or even as an animal nutritional scientist designing pet food.

You will cover the core theoretical and practical areas of working within animal businesses and be able to contextualise the captive environments for animals to their wild counterparts. You will take part in research, investigation, analysis and interpretation of many subject areas within the world of Animal Science. This will prepare you to be ready to jump straight into your first animal-related job or to progress into Higher Education to further enhance your prospects within the sector.

The course comprises a mixture of taught lessons, practical animal care sessions and laboratory-based activities. You will also engage in at least 150 hours (per year) of work experience and have further opportunities to learn from trips and visits during the course to develop a wide understanding of Ecology, Conservation, Zoological Science as well as Farming in the UK.

Our animal department has recently undergone a redevelopment in excess of £200,000, and houses over 50 different animal species across all the taxonomic groups, ranging from Degu's, Rabbits, Tenrecs, Newts, Toads, Tomato Frogs and Iguanas, to Snakes, Insects, Spiders and Scorpions.

Extended Diplomas have two one-year programmes. You need to finish the first year before moving on to the second.

This course consists of two separate qualifications. In your first year of study, you will work towards the Level 3 Foundation Diploma. Following successful completion of this qualification, you will be able to progress to the Extended Diploma. Our Extended Diplomas offer equivalent UCAS points to studying 3 A Levels.

Topics covered can include:

Year 1

• Animal Biology
• Animal Welfare and Ethics
• Practical Animal Husbandry
• Animal Behaviour
• Animal Health and Diseases
• Work Experience in the Animal Sector
• Exotic Animal Husbandry

Year 2

• Animal Breeding and Genetics
• Investigative Research Project
• Practical Skills in Animal Science
• Animal Metabolism
• Aquatic Animal Health and Husbandry
• Farm Livestock Husbandry
• Zoological Animal Health and Husbandry
• Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Management

You will need:

• Four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language, Maths and Science or an equivalent Level 2 qualification at Merit (and Functional Skills in English and Maths at Level 2/GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4 or above)

All applicants must have an interview and assessment to confirm that the course is suitable for them.

Assessment is continuous throughout the year and takes place weekly. Final grades are awarded through the completion of written assignments and projects and performing practical work that is assessed internally within the college. There will also be 3 written examinations, assessed externally via Pearson, the BTEC awarding body.

1. Animal Welfare and Ethics
2. Animal Biology
3. Breeding and Genetics

Aged 16-18

If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31st August prior to the start date of your course and you have the legal right to remain in the UK for the duration of your programme then your study with us will be free. Please see here for the documents you will need to show us.

Some courses will have other associated costs, such as for specialist materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support, see here for details.

The Extended Diploma in Animal Management is designed for students wishing to follow careers that are suitable for higher education. For example

• Veterinary Nursing
• Ecologists
• Marine Biologists
• Zoologists
• Animal Behaviourists
• Animal Conservationists
• Animal Researchers
• and even some veterinary-related disciplines and pathways