Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Animal Management

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

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.