Level 3 – Animal Management

Applications for September 2024 are now open.

Starts: September

Course Length:

Year One: 11 months

Year Two: 11 months - Both on a full-time basis (four days a week)

Location: Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital, Haddenham (near Aylesbury)

About the course

Focusing upon the major principles and practices of animal care and welfare, from managing a pet shop or grooming dogs to caring for exotic animals, you will be able to start or build on a career in the Animal Care Industry. You may have some experience in animal care or have gained your Level 2 qualification, or come in directly from passing your GCSEs. You want to develop the skills to be a more senior worker or manager, or to prepare for higher-level training. You'll gain an in-depth insight into the techniques and science of animal management. You will cover topics including animal biology, husbandry and animal nutrition. You'll also gain plenty of practical experience in your choice of skills, from wildlife surveys to animal training. Learning will be through practical sessions, group discussions, research and assignments.

Progression

Year Two achievers may go onto Higher Education to study a degree, as this qualification has UCAS points (varies depending on final grade achieved).

Days

Three week days, plus one day at the weekend, every week for the duration of the course.

Note: Courses run from September to end of July - with two weeks off at Christmas and two weeks at Easter. We do NOT break for half-terms or bank holidays.

Entry Requirements

For the first year: 4 GCSEs including English, Maths and Science at grade 4 / C or above (or instead of Science GCSE you could have a Level 2 Animal Care Diploma with a Distinction in the Biology Unit).

For the second year: Students must pass all units in the first year and demonstrate a commitment to learning to be enrolled onto year two.

Independent study skills are required to work at this level. All students need to be enthusiastic, complete a successful interview, plus attend every day of a hands-on trial week.

What careers could this lead to?

Achieving this qualification may help you work in roles such as: kennel and cattery worker/supervisor; pet store assistant/supervisor; animal hospital care assistant; wildlife assistant; dog grooming assistant; animal feed sales rep; pet sitter or dog walker; trainee zoo keeper or aquarist; trainee animal husbandry technician.

Year One - Advanced Technical Diploma in Animal Management (540)

• 031      Animal Management - Theory exam
  • 303       Animal Health & Husbandry
  • 304       Animal Feeding & Nutrition
  • 305       Animal Behaviour & Communication

  030      Synoptic Assignment

  • Covers above units plus:
  • 307       Animal Welfare & Breeding

  300      Principles of health and safety - Multi-choice exam

  302       Undertake and review work related experience in the land-based industries – Portfolio

  306      Biological systems of animals – Theory exam

  310      Exotic Animal Health and Husbandry – Assignments & assessments

  315      Animal Nursing - Assignments & assessments

  326      Small Animal Rehabilitation - Assignments & assessments

  831      Employer Involvement – attendance at EI activities

  Students will undertake extensive practical work experience throughout this year

Students must pass all units by the end of Year One in order to enrol onto the second year of this course.

Year Two - Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Animal Management (1080)

• 041      Animal Management - Theory exam
  • 308       Wildlife Ecology and conservation
  • 309       Wildlife management and rehabilitation
  • 328       Ecological concepts and application
  • 364       Business management in the Land-Based sector

  040      Synoptic assignment

  • Covers above units plus:
  • 317       Farm Livestock Husbandry and Welfare – Assignments & assessments
  • 329       Population Surveys, Ecology and Conservation - Assignments & assessments
  • 362       Undertake Estate Skills – Assignments & assessments

  316      Zoological Collections - Assignments

  367      Undertake a specialist project in the land-based sector - Assignment

  833      Employer Involvement – attendance at EI activities

  Students will undertake extensive practical work experience throughout this year

Plus students will also cover CV writing, job applications, UCAS applications, interview techniques, team working, dealing with the public and employability skills, across the two years.

2024/25 - Fees & Funding Support

On enrolment, ALL students will need to purchase uniform tops. This is not covered by course fees.

16-18 year-old students are exempt from tuition and registration fees.

19+ Course fees are £1,863 (year one, 2024-25) and £1,892 (for year two, 2025-26). Payment in instalments may be possible but needs to be agreed in advance.

19-24 year-olds may qualify for full or partial course fees funding, depending on eligibility criteria. Contact Bucks College Group