Course overview

Level 3 Animal Management Advanced Technical Diploma City of Bristol College

This one-year, full-time course is designed for those wishing to progress into the animal care sector, either straight into employment or into higher education.  

You will gain the skills, knowledge and experience to look after and care for small and large animals. 

You will study a range of topics alongside carrying out mandatory work experience at a placement of your choosing. There is also a requirement to attend a local farm every other week to gain large animal experience. 

Your qualification is assessed through a variety of written and practical assessments under controlled conditions and includes two exams.  

Once you have successfully completed this 1 year course, there is the opportunity of staying on at college to complete the second year to gain the full Level 3 extended diploma in animal management.  

Dates and applications

Please hover over the ‘i’ button to find out more about course fees and applications.

Level 3 Animal Management Advanced Technical Diploma SBSA and Construction Centre
Bristol
Course Code
LMF1161C01-1
Dates
02/09/2024 - 19/06/2025
Duration
1 years
Days
Date/Day(s) Being Finalised
Hours per week
12.50
Start Time
09:00
Location
SBSA and Construction Centre
Fee
This course is still in its planning phase; course details - including fee information - are subject to change. In June, course details will be finalised and enrolment will open.
Apply
Course Code Dates Duration Days Hours per week Start Time Location Fee
LMF1161C01-1 02/09/2024 - 19/06/2025 1 years Date/Day(s) Being Finalised 12.50 09:00 SBSA and Construction Centre
This course is still in its planning phase; course details - including fee information - are subject to change. In June, course details will be finalised and enrolment will open.
Apply

Additional information

Who is this course for?

This course is for young people aged 16-18.

You should be an animal lover with a keen interest in learning about animal health, welfare and management, and an aspiration to work with animals in your career.

What you'll learn

You will learn about a number of topics from our experienced lecturers including:

  • Animal Health and Husbandry 
  • Animal Feeding and Nutrition 
  • Animal Behaviour and Communication 
  • Biological Systems of Animals 
  • Animal Welfare and Breeding 
  • Exotic Animal Health and Husbandry 
  • Small Animal Rehabilitation  
  • Pet Store Design and Management 

Course entry requirements

5 GCSEs at Grade 5 and above to include Maths, English and Science. 

How is the course delivered and assessed?

You will learn about the theory and practice behind the different aspects of animal management at college in the classroom and in our specifically-designed and vet-checked Animal Care Centre.

Your college learning will be enhanced and developed through visits to a range of animal environments. 

You will learn to work to industry standards, incorporating health and safety for your workplace, alongside handling, husbandry and feeding small animals, exotics and farm animals. 

Through your work experience placement in year one, you will spend 150 hours learning in a real animal management setting. Your work will be assessed at set dates throughout the course by exams, written tests and practical tasks. 

Future career and study opportunities

If you successfully complete the Technical Diploma in year one, you can progress to the Extended Technical Diploma in year two.

This would enable you to progress to a university level course. For example:

  • Animal Health and Management
  • Animal Behaviour and Welfare
  • Wildlife Conservation
  • Zoo Management

You might prefer to seek an apprenticeship, for example in animal care or veterinary support, to gain work experience while you continue to train. Or you could seek employment for example as an animal technician, animal welfare assistant, veterinary care support assistant, animal centre manager or dog trainer.

Additional costs

To ensure that you work to professional standards, you will be required to wear a uniform in the Animal Centre, for which the cost is approximately £30.  

You will need wet weather clothing for working outdoors, including suitable footwear for working at the farm. You may need to purchase your own boots if you have none suitable or will be awarded £35 if eligible for LSF, and we will buy these for you. 

You will also be required to contribute to educational activities, approximately £130 for the year, plus a further £24 for your revision guides which we provide at a discounted price. 

If you are on a limited income, you may be eligible to receive help with these costs from our Learner Support Funding Bursary. 

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