Diploma/Extended Diploma in Animal Management (Advanced) - Level 3
Overview
This is a great stepping stone for a successful career in animal care and management.
Throughout your time on the course, you will undertake a range of tasks including animal health and husbandry, animal nutrition, behaviour, welfare and management.
Study will combine both theory and practical with students spending time in a range of external placements including local farms as well as the college's own small animal unit.
Start dates and fees
| Start Date | Code | Annual Fee (Age) | Actions |
| 16-18 | over 19 |
| Sep 2025 | 1514A1201 | FREE | TBC | Apply |
* If you are aged 19-23 (as of 31 August 2025) and studying your first Level 3 course then that course may be free. Please contact us for more details. If you are aged 19 or over and either studying a second Level 3 course or qualifying Level 4, 5 or 6 course you may be able to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover the costs.
What will I study?
- Animal behaviour
- Animal biology
- Animal health and diseases
- Animal welfare and ethics
- Investigative research project
- Practical animal husbandry
- Small animal rehabilitation.
- Work experience in the animal sector.
Entry requirements
- Five GCSEs at grade 4-9 including English language and maths
OR
- GCSE grade 4-9 in English language and maths plus completion of the Technical Certificate in Animal Care (Intermediate) - Level 2 at Merit level.
If you are a young person who is not currently studying a traditional GCSE programme, we will consider alternative qualifications such as functional skills and vocational qualifications.
Please contact our admissions team for further information - admissions@wnc.ac.uk.
Applicants aged over 19:
- If you do not have the entry requirements listed above you may still be accepted to study if you can provide relevant experience, a strong portfolio of work and a commitment to the subject.
Study programmes - essential skills for employment
If you’re aged 16-18 (or 19-25 with an EHC Plan), we want to make sure you have the best possible chances of landing an awesome job once you finish college.
Therefore, if you do not have GCSE grade 4-9 in either English Language or Maths, you will study one or both of these courses alongside your full-time study programme. If you do have GCSE grade 4-9 in English Language and Maths then you will not be required to undertake these subjects. By doing so, you'll be building a stronger set of skills that will significantly boost your employability in the future.
Think of it as a chance to supercharge your knowledge and abilities. You'll be equipped with the tools necessary to tackle the world beyond college with confidence. Plus, we'll be right here to support you every step of the way.
How long is the course?
1-2 years.
How will I be assessed?
- Exams
- Course work
- Practical assessments.
What can I progress onto?
- Skilled employment
- Higher level apprenticeships
- Higher Education (university*).
*As we are a partner college of Nottingham Trent University (NTU), you may qualify for various benefits should you choose to apply to NTU after completing your college course. This could include a Progress NTU offer, where you would receive an offer one grade below their standard offer. For instance, a typical offer for one of their courses might require 128 UCAS tariff points. With Progress NTU, your requirements would be 120 UCAS tariff points. For further details, please call us on 0808 100 3626 or discover more about this benefit here.