Level 3 in Animal Management

National Extended Certificate, National Diploma and National Extended Diploma
Study Area: 16-18 & 19+
Duration: 1 Year or 2 Years
Attendance: Full Time

Course Overview

The number of A-Levels that a BTEC is equivalent to depends on the number of modules studied.

A BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate is worth a single A-Level.

A BTEC Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Animal Management is worth 1.5 A Levels

A BTEC Level 3 National Diploma is worth two A-Levels.

A BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma is the equivalent of three A-Levels

Working with animals is becoming an increasingly popular career option. It is a rewarding profession that involves the care, welfare, handling, health, behaviour and accommodation of a variety of animals. Many people begin working with animals from a young age, with an instinctive desire to care for a range of species, not just domestic pets.

Job opportunities include dog handling, wildlife rangers, vets and zoologist with several more career options within the military. Students gain hands on experience within the animal care unit at College and a local animal collection.

This course will give you the opportunity to experience real life situations dealing with the health, handling and behaviour of different animals. These experiences include regular offsite visits to a variety of events across the north of England and in working with our extensive range of animals in-house.

The course consists of 2 external exams for Unit 3 Animal Welfare and Ethics, and Unit 2 Animal Biology. You will also complete a further 5 modules including Animal Health and Diseases, Animal Behaviour, Practical Animal Husbandry and Work Experience.

Start Date

September 2025

Entry Requirements & Interview Process

This is an advanced course suitable for those with at least 5 GCSEs at grade C or grade 5 or above to include Maths, English and Science and/or a relevant Level 2 qualification at a Distinction or equivalent/relevant work experience, additionally you may be required to undertake a taster session or task with course tutors.

Candidates will also need a satisfactory reference from their school or current tutor. Successful applicants will be asked to complete a research question prior to enrolment.

If your application is successful you will have an interview with a specialist tutor.

Progression

Students can progress from the National Extended Certificate to the National Diploma and the L3 Foundation Diploma in Animal Management leads onto the National Extended Diploma.

This National Extended Diploma enables progression to a University to study for a degree in Zoology, Animal Welfare, Marine Biology or Veterinary Medicine.

Other progression routes include public service sectors such as the Police-Dog and Mounted sections and the Army Royal Veterinary Core, or you may wish to enter directly into employment within the industry.

Assessment Methods

  • Written Assignments
  • Presentations
  • Posters
  • Practical Competency Assessments
  • External Examinations

Course Fees

This course is free for students age 16 – 18. For students 19+ please contact our Student Services Team on 01422 399367 for more information.

Awarding Body

Pearson

Career Opportunities

Veterinary Assistant/Nurse
£13,000 – £24,000

Manager in Animal Husbandry
£13,000 – £43,000

Level 3 in Animal Management

Study Area: 16-18 & 19+
Duration: 1 Year or 2 Years
Attendance: Full Time
Unsure of which course to pick?

Calderdale College has a set of standard entry requirements. Apply for the course you want to study and we will help you get there.

There are a lot of courses available – work focused, practical and academic so it is important to think about the future and whether you want to proceed to university, move onto another course or get a job. We offer BTECs, Apprenticeships, T Levels, NVQs, VRQs, Degree Level Courses and more.

If you’re still not sure, don’t worry, just speak to a member of our advice and guidance team who will advise you.

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