Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Animal Management

This course is suitable if you have a passion for animals and want to go on to 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.

P10473

Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn

Full-Time

Further Education

Animal Care

Available Sessions

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

Why Study This Course

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 practical element of this course, including working with small animals and a placement, will increase your experience within the animal care industry.

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 and South Africa to work on a wildlife reserve.

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

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.

You will need:

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
Human and Animal Interactions
Practical Skills in Animal Science
Animal Metabolism
Advanced Animal Nutrition
Exotic Animal Husbandry (Bangor and Lisburn)
Farm Livestock Husbandry (Downpatrick)
Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Management

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.

Available Sessions

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

For more information or help with this course send us an enquiry and a member of our team will get back in touch.

Available Sessions

Title	Campus	Start	Spaces
Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Animal Management Y10473BF1A-25/26-FT	Bangor	01/09/2025	18	More Info
Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Animal Management Y10473DF1A-25/26-FT	Downpatrick	01/09/2025	18	More Info
Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Animal Management Y10473LF1A-25/26-FT	Lisburn	01/09/2025	20+	More Info
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.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

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.

Explore Further Education