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Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Animal Management

This exciting course takes place in our indoor and outdoor animal units, where you will have the opportunity to work with over 50 different animal species.

From African dormice and a red foot tortoise, to leaf cutter ants, a Japanese raccoon dog and goats, you'll gain hands-on, practical experience to prepare you for degree level study and a career in this exciting industry.

Our successful animal management alumnus, Alex, completed this course and gained impressive experience as a Zookeeper at Blackpool Zoo while completing his Zoo Management degree at University of Chester.

When will I start the course and how long will it take?

The course will start in September and will take two years to complete.

This course will take place at our STEM Centre Campus, Pocket Nook Street, St Helens, WA9 1TT.

What will I study?

During the first year of your course, you will study the following:

  • Animal feeding and nutrition
  • Animal health and husbandry
  • Animal nursing
  • Animal welfare and breed development
  • Animal behaviour and communication
  • Biological systems of animals
  • Small animal rehabilitation
  • Animal training
  • Principles of health and safety
  • Work experience

During your second year, you will study:

  • Aquatic welfare and breed development
  • Avian health and husbandry
  • Zoological collections
  • Exotic animal health and husbandry
  • Wildlife management and rehabilitation
  • Business management in the land based sector
  • Estate skills
  • Customer care and retail merchandising
  • Undertake specialist project in land based sector

How is it assessed?

During this course, you will be assessed through a combination of controlled assessments including assignments, exams and practical assessments.

Do I need any previous qualifications to start this course?

You should have five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English, maths and science, and preferably a minimum of five days voluntary experience within the animal sector.

What are the course fees?

If you are a school leaver, aged 16-18, (under the age of 19 on or before 31st August 2024), you do not pay tuition fees or examination and registration fees and may be eligible for additional support depending on your financial situation. For more information, please visit our dedicated financial support page.

What can I go on to do once I have completed this course?

The industry is worth £1 billion to the UK's economy and has 13,000 businesses, 78,000 employees and lots of volunteers, which means there are plenty of career opportunities to take advantage of!

The Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma Animal Management carries up to a maximum of 168 UCAS Tariff Points, and previous students have progressed on to university to study a variety of animal-related and science degrees such as zoology, zoo management, veterinary science and animal behaviour.

Are you ready to apply?

Are you

ready to apply?

Simply fill in our online form here.

However, if you still have questions in relation to this course and wish to receive further information, please submit your enquiry here.

Ref: Craig Sproat/Jodie Monaghan

Knowsley Safari Park
St Helens Council
Merseyside Dogs Home

Inspiring Success

Picture of our student, Ellie

“My tutors are so passionate about animal care, so I really looked forward to coming into College every day!”

Ellie, Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma

Read Ellie's full story
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