Animal Management - Level 3 Extended Diploma (BTEC)

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 or even as a nutritional scientist designing pet food.

You will cover the core theoretical and practical areas of working within an animal business environment, preparing 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 of a mixture of taught lessons, practical animal care sessions and laboratory based activities. You will also engage in at least 80 hours of work experience and have further opportunities to do even more throughout the course.

Our animal department has recently undergone a redevelopment in excess of £200,000, and added over 100 animal species across all the taxonomic groups, ranging from mouse lemurs, ground squirrels and cloud rats to tree frogs, chameleons and praying mantises.

This course consists of two separate qualifications. In your first year of study, you will work towards the Level 3 90-Credit 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 & Ethics
• Practical Animal Husbandry
• Animal Behaviour
• Animal Health & Diseases
• Work Experience in the Animal Sector
• Exotic Animal Husbandry

Year 2

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

Much of the assessment across the course is done through completing written assignments and performing practical work that is assessed internally within the college. There will also be some written examinations, assessed externally via Pearson, the BTEC awarding body.

School Leavers

If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31 August in the year you begin your course, and have been resident in the UK/EU/EEA for the past 3 years, it will be free. Some courses will have other costs associated, such as for materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support when studying at college – please click here for more information.