Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Animal Management

The content of this Animal Management qualification has been developed in consultation with employers and professional bodies to confirm that the objective of the qualification is appropriate for learners interested in working in the sector. Higher education representatives have also been involved to ensure that it supports entry to the relevant range of specialist degrees. The qualification develops the knowledge, understanding and skills that provide an excellent basis for employment or further education.


Academic Year: 2024/25
Course Code: 10473
Campus: Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn
Study Type: Full-Time
Education Level Further Education
Department: Animal Care

Available Sessions

We have 3 sessions available for application on this course in Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn.

Course Overview

This qualification is equivalent in size to three A Levels and has been designed as a full-time two-year programme.

In the first year of the programme, you will complete a Foundation Diploma (1.5 A-Level equivalent) and will have the opportunity to exit at this stage.

On the successful completion of Year 1 those progressing to year two will top-up to the Extended Diploma (3 A-Level equivalent).  

The course will give you a wide range of knowledge and skills essential to progress within the animal sector and higher education.

There is an attendance commitment requirement of 15 hours per week.

There is a requirement to complete 150 hours of work experience in each year of the course.

Mandatory modules will include:  

Animal Breeding and Genetics (Exam)

Animal Biology (Exam)

Animal Welfare and Ethics (External Assessment)

Investigative Research Project

Practical Animal Husbandry

Animal Behaviour

Animal Health & Diseases

Work experience in the Animal sector

The Optional module may include:

Principles of Animal nursing

Animals in Boarding Establishments

Practical Skills in Animal Science

Animal Metabolism

Advanced Animal Nutrition  

Exotic Animal Husbandry

Farm Livestock Husbandry

Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Management

If you have a passion for Animals and want to go onto study an animal related subject at a higher level or meet the requirements for entry level job within the sector such as zookeeper, dog groomer, veterinary nurse or dog handler.

The content of this qualification has been developed in consultation with employers and professional bodies to confirm that the objective of the qualification is appropriate for learners interested in working in the sector.

Higher education representatives have also been involved to ensure that it supports entry to the relevant range of specialist degrees.

The qualification develops the knowledge, understanding and skills that provide an excellent basis for employment or further education.

There are six mandatory units which cover the following aspects of animal management:

• Animal Welfare – including ethics, practical animal husbandry and animal behaviour

• Animal Science – including animal biology and animal health and diseases.

The practical element of this course including working with small animals and a placement which will increase your experience with animals.

The course also provides the opportunity for students to apply for an international work placement as part of the Turing Scheme.

Students have previously travelled to Barcelona to work with horses.

The team are currently exploring the opportuning of students traveling to South Africa to work on a wildlife reserve.

This qualification supports progression to employment to support roles in the animal management sector, for example:

  • Animal care assistant
  • Animal nursing assistant
  • Dog grooming assistant
  • Zoo/wildlife trainee keeper
  • Animal charity fundraiser
  • Small and large animal handler
  • Animal training assistant

The qualification carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as contributing to meeting admission requirements for many relevant courses and could lead to:

  • BTEC Level 4 HNC in Animal Management - Delivered at SERC
  • BTEC Level 5 HND in Animal Management - Delivered at SERC
  • BSc (Hons) in Veterinary Science
  • BSc (Hons) in Veterinary Nursing
  • BSc (Hons) in Animal Management
  • BSc (Hons) in Agriculture
  • BSc (Hons) in Zoology
  • BSc (Hons) in Animal Science.
  • BSc (Hons) in Wildlife Conservation
  • BSc (Hons) in Animal Behaviour

Learners should always check the entry requirements for degree programmes with specific higher education providers.

 

A minimum of 4 Cs at GCSE level to include English (or equivalent), Maths (or equivalent) and a Science (or equivalent).

Science equivalents:

  • Level 2 Traineeship in Animal Care/OCN NI Level 2 Diploma in Animal Care (at Merit Grade) with at least a Merit in Introduction to Animal Biology
  • Level 2 Double Award in Principles and Applications of Applied Science (at Merit Grade)
  • BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Animal Care (at Distinction grade)
  • Access Level 3 Award in Foundation Studies with at least 55% in Biology 1

Available Sessions

Title Campus Start Spaces Apply or get more information
Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Animal Management
Y10473BF1A-24/25-FT
Bangor
02/09/2024
This Session is Full
Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Animal Management
Y10473DF1A-24/25-FT
Downpatrick
02/09/2024
1
Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Animal Management
Y10473LF1A-24/25-FT
Lisburn
02/09/2024
2

Please select a campus from the list above to view the available sessions.

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Terms & Conditions

Students will be required to comply with SERC's Terms & Conditions of study.

We strive to ensure the description of courses on SERC's website and in publications is accurate. However, for various reasons there may be occasions when the College may need to change arrangements or be unable to deliver classes due to circumstances such as reduced funding. If there are insufficient numbers applying for a course it may not be viable to deliver the class.

Further Education

Further Education

If you have just completed your GCSEs, Further Education is most likely the option for you. FE covers qualifications from entry to higher level qualifications such as Awards, Certificates, Diplomas, NVQ, BTEC and Apprenticeships.

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