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.  All practical animal handling and husbandry will take place in our purpose-built animal centre facilities on-site at the South Bristol Skills Academy.

You will study a range of topics alongside carrying out mandatory work experience at a placement of your choosing.

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
08/09/2025 - 18/06/2026
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 08/09/2025 - 18/06/2026 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.

There is also the opportunity to study for this qualification if you are 19+. Please ask for details upon the application or interview.

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 x GCSEs at grade C/4 or above including English Language and Maths.

We will invite you to a course information meeting event where you will receive information, advice and guidance about the course you have applied for. This will be an opportunity for you to gain valuable information about the course and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

You will need to provide a copy of your last school report and / or a reference from an employer or relevant professional, this will include attendance. This is to ensure we can support you to be able to achieve well on the course.

Applicants with 85% or below attendance will have been deemed not to have met this criteria. All applicants are given an opportunity to discuss any evidence- based mitigating circumstances that may have affected the reference / school report. We are firmly committed to finding the right course for you to ensure you can flourish. Talk to us today if you have any concerns about the application process, we are here to help take you to the next level.

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 specially designed and vet-checked Small Animal Centre.

Your work will be assessed at set dates throughout the course by exams, written tests, controlled assignments and practical tasks.

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

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

You will have enrichment and employer involvement from experts visiting the college.

Through your work experience placement in year one, which you will need to find and apply for yourself, you will spend 150 hours learning in a real animal management setting. This will be monitored and evidenced for your awarding body and will ensure that you achieve the full qualification.

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. The cost is approximately £36 and other protective workwear is approximately £50 (only payable if you do not already have suitable boots and gloves).

There is a fee for trips and educational activities which is approximately £160.

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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What next?

Where to find us