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Riseholme Animal Management students holding snake

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Subject

Animal Management

Level

Level 3

Study Mode

Full-Time

Duration

1-2 years

Start Date

September 2026

The course

Practical vs Theory

20%

80 %

Are you looking to launch a career working with animals? Studying the Level 3 in Animal Management will provide you with a broad range of knowledge and understanding about a wide variety of animals, whilst enabling your progression by developing your employability skills and preparing you for further study. The course will provide you with a basis of academic, technical, and practical skills regarding the care of companion, farm, and exotic animals in various industries. In year two, you will be able to study specific modules related to one of three pathways: Animal Conservation, Ecology and Zoological Collections Animal Science and Welfare Animal Behaviour and Welfare The course is designed to serve the needs of all aspects of the animal sector, by providing the basis of academic, technical, and practical skills regarding the care of companion, farm, and exotic animals in various industries. You will have the exciting opportunity to work with a range of species in our highly prized and industry-relevant animal unit, including otters, wallabies, and lemurs; cuscus, chameleon, and cockroaches; tortoises, tarantula, and tenrec; alongside our specialist nocturnal room, reptile room, and aquatics room. From meerkats and skunks to hamsters and goats, you will develop animal handling and husbandry skills for each species you work within their specialist environments, building knowledge and learning to look critically at appropriate animal behaviour, habitat and welfare. You will also have the opportunity to gain vital work experience with local animal businesses to develop industry-specific knowledge and skills, and experience a true taste of the career you have set your sights on. Upgrade and upskill as you progress through your Animal Management course with us. At the end of your first year on your Level 3 programme, you will have the opportunityto complete additional qualifications in animal husbandry and dog walking. These industry-based qualifications will prepare you for life following your College course, offering insight into the world of work and setting your career prospects and experience above others.

Course Information

  • To provide you with a broad range of knowledge and understanding about a wide range of animals, whilst enabling your progression by developing your employability skills or preparing you for your year two programme in Animal Management, depending on your career goals.
  • To provide you with the basis of academic, technical, and practical skills regarding the care of companion, farm, and exotic animals in various industries.
  • To develop your animal handling and husbandry skills with a wide variety species and specialist environments.
  • To give you the opportunity to gain vital work experience with local animal businesses to develop industry-specific knowledge and skills, and experience a true taste of the career you have set your sights on.

Year 1

  • Animal welfare and ethics (exam)
  • Practical animal husbandry
  • Animal behaviour
  • Animal health and diseases
  • Work experience
  • Animal biology (exam)
  • Animal nursing/Wildlife ecology and conservation management/Animal Grooming

Year 2

  • Animal Conservation, Ecology and Zoological Collections Pathway: Animal welfare and ethics, Practical animal husbandry, Animal behaviour, Animal health and diseases, Work experience, Animal biology, Wildlife ecology and conservation management
  • Animal Science and Welfare Pathway: Animal breeding and genetics, Investigative research project, Practical skills in animal science, Business management, Animal metabolism, Exotic animal husbandry, Advanced animal nutrition, Farm livestock husbandry
  • Animal Behaviour and Welfare Pathway: Animal breeding and genetics, Investigative research project, Practical skills in animal science, Business management, Exotic animal husbandry, Animal nursing, Animals in boarding establishments, Human and animal interactions

You will need five GCSEs at grade 4 or higher, including Science, English and Maths, or a relevant BTEC Level 2/First Diploma or equivalent*. A satisfactory academic reference is also needed.

*If you have GCSEs at grade 4 that do not include Science you will be offered the Level 2 Diploma in Animal Care and will move to Level 3 following successful completion of the Level 2.

If you have GCSEs at grade 4, including Science, but English and/or Maths are achieved at grade 3 or below, we may offer you the Level 3 Animal Management with English and Maths.

You will learn through a mixture of theory and practical sessions.

You will normally be in college three days a week.

You will complete approximately 150 practical hours with an external work placement.
You will be assessed through external exams, practical work, theory assignments, reports, posters, presentations and lab experiments. Upon completion of the course, you will be graded Pass, Merit or Distinction
  • Folder with dividers to organise your work and assignments
  • Stationery including notepad for use in class, pens and pencils
  • College-branded white laboratory coat (unless otherwise informed)
  • College-branded blue kennel coat
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including steel toe capped footwear (boots, shoes, or wellies)
  • Waterproof outdoor clothing and footwear (for work experience)
Almost all areas of the animal industry require experience and qualifications. Our Level 3 courses allow you to gain practical work experience in the industry, and also collect UCAS points to enable you to move on to a Foundation Degree or BSc Hons Degree, giving you the best start in the industry. This course will support progression into Animal Science, Conservation, Zoology and/or Animal Management and Training degrees.
The practical skills and knowledge that are consolidated throughout the course put you in good stead for joining the animal industry with a strong work ethic and reputation behind you. You will be equipped to seek out a career working in commercial kennels, animal rescue centres, laboratories, veterinary practices, zoos and animal collections or self-employed as a dog walker, pet sitter, running animal parties.
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