Animal Management Level 3 Extended Diploma

If you are a self-confessed ‘animal person’, a career in animal management might be perfect for you.

Did you know 47% of the UK’s population has a pet, meaning there are over 24 million pets in the UK? With a qualification in animal management, you will be spoilt for choice when considering your next steps!

New for 2019, our animal management programme offers exciting and rewarding opportunities to work directly with animals, based at our brand-new animal management centre in Banbury. Designed specifically for school leavers, this course is an ideal qualification for those intending to progress directly to employment in animal care and management or associated industries. On completion, you will gain a nationally recognised Level 3 vocational qualification to enter employment or progress to further education and training.

Our centre is home to an incredible variety of species, allowing you to develop confidence and skills across all major taxa. You will gain hands-on experience working with mammals (both domestic and exotic), avians (domestic and tropical), fish, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Additionally, the centre has developed a rare breeds breeding programme in proud support of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST).

As part of your training, Level 3 students will actively participate in all aspects of daily husbandry for these animals, including:

  • Animal training and enrichment

  • Breeding programmes and population management

  • Enclosure design and habitat creation

  • Routine animal health, feeding, and nutrition

  • Safe handling and restraint techniques

Beyond the centre, your learning will be complemented by real-world applications. Projects throughout the year involve supporting active charities and environmental organisations. You will also benefit from guest speakers, a dedicated careers week, and various trips to zoos and aquariums. As a core part of your vocational journey, you will also be expected to undertake valuable work experience directly with employers in the industry.

You will learn a range of different skills including:

  • assessing animals health
  • maintaining safe environments
  • managing animal accommodation
  • monitoring feeding

Throughout the course, you will be expected to care for our range of animals in our Animal Management centre in Banbury College.

You will assist with the movement and handling of animals and develop your confidence and abilities to work with and care for animals.

You’ll care for fish and aquatic environments as well as prepare, clean and maintain animal accommodation.

This programme can lead to a wide variety of university courses such as:

  • animal behaviour
  • animal science
  • companion behaviour
  • wildlife rehabilitation
  • zoo management

Graduates from the course can enter professions such as:

  • animal welfare officers
  • veterinary nurses
  • wildlife officers
  • zoo keepers

You need to have 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and Maths

Why Banbury and Bicester College?

  • Clear routes of progression with qualifications ranging from foundation level to degree level!
  • Industry experienced teaching staff give you the responsibility and independence you need to take charge of your own future.
  • 150+

    Courses available

  • 2018

    Rated "good with outstanding areas" by Ofsted in 2018

  • 79+

    years of teaching experience

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