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Key details

Course area
Animal Science
Student types
16 - 18 coursesCourses for 19+ students
Course type
Full-time Further Education course
Course level
Level 3
Start date
Tuesday 1st September 2026
Location
Basford 664 Nuthall Road, Nottingham, NG8 6AQ
Course code
Parent course code:C035819 Child course code: Q035820
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Course introduction

Passionate about animals? Turn your love for them into a rewarding career with our City and Guilds Level 3 Animal Management qualification. This full-time, two-year course is perfect for those looking to work in the animal care, management industries or progress to higher education in this field.

You'll gain hands-on experience while developing essential skills in animal health and safety, husbandry and welfare, behaviour, communication, breeding, feeding and nutrition.

You will learn: 

This program gives you specialist technical skills, practical experience, and in-depth knowledge to prepare you for a variety of careers or further study in the animal management industry.

In Year 1, you'll develop a strong foundation in animal science and care, setting you up for more advanced learning in Year 2.

You will learn:

  • Principles of Health and Safety
  • Undertake and Review Work Related Experience in the Land-based Industries
  • Animal Health and Husbandry
  • Animal Feeding and Nutrition
  • Animal Behaviour and Communication
  • Biological Systems of animals
  • Animal Welfare and Breeding
  • Pet Store Design and Management
  • Animal Training
  • Pet Allied Services
  • You will also need to undertake a minimum of 150 hours work experience 

You can expect to be taught by our dedicated teaching team who offer a range of expertise, that they would like to share with you that include, behavioural and welfare of animals, farming, animal biology and equine, veterinary nursing, exotic and zoo experience. 

From the experience you gain you will be given the opportunity to self-source 150 hours work placement, so that you can further put your learnt skills into practice, to gain valuable employability skills. This then can help you progress into employment or allow you to progress to a higher level of study.

You will learn in our animal care facility, and you can take full advantage of our links with animal organisations such as White Post Farm. We also organise visits to places such as Wollaton Park, Crufts, Yorkshire Wildlife Park and expect guest speaker from the animal industry such as Woodgreen Pets charity.

Programme of Study

When you enrol on your chosen course you will be automatically enrolled onto a Programme of Study (PoS), which will include:

  • A vocational qualification
  • Personal and social development
  • Independent study
  • 150 hours of Work experience

Enrolling in the Programme of Study (PoS) at Nottingham College offers you the chance to acquire both work-specific knowledge and essential skills. Additionally, the PoS includes a 150-hour work placement related to your course, providing valuable hands-on experience.

The programme incorporates enrichment activities aimed at developing vital industry skills such as problem-solving, communication, teamwork, collaboration, and the ability to follow instructions. These experiences will enhance your CV, making you more attractive to potential employers. You will also participate in personal development sessions covering current and relevant topics like PREVENT, British Values, and keeping safe amongst others. Your personal development tutor will offer one-on-one support for your wellbeing and development, while a personal tutor will set academic targets to ensure you stay on track to achieve your goals.

Social action projects are another integral part of the PoS, allowing you to support local communities and charities. These projects will help you develop "future ready" skills, including professional behaviour and attitude, problem-solving and commitment, communication and collaboration, self-confidence, individuality and respect, and digital literacy. These competencies are crucial for becoming work ready.

Your timetable will also include independent study periods, where you will engage in activities such as research, revision, improving digital skills, and working on assignments.

Given the practical nature of the course, consistent attendance is crucial to your success and reaching your full academic potential. We expect full attendance in all classes to maximise your learning and development.

By committing to the Programme of Study at Nottingham College, you are setting yourself up for success both academically and professionally.

Course information

2 years

Level 3 City and Guilds Advanced Technical Diploma in Animal Management

You will need five GCSEs including English Language, Maths and Science at grades 4/C or above.

To earn this qualification, you'll need to complete a synoptic assignment, that is set externally and marked by your tutors, sit two exams these are set and marked externally and taken under exam conditions, showcase a portfolio of evidence, along with optional unit assessments that are set externally and marked by your tutors. But don’t worry, you will have plenty of support along the way to help you succeed. 

You may want to advance to higher education and could study courses such as:

  • Animal Management Foundation Degree
  • BSc (Hons) in Animal Management
  • BSc (Hons) in Animal Management with Wildlife and Conservation

There are a vast number of career options in the industry – whether you would like to be an Animal Carer, an Animal Welfare Officer, a Dog Groomer, a Farm Worker, a Horse Riding Instructor, a Kennel Assistant, a Park Ranger, a Veterinary Nurse or a Zoo Keeper – there are many choices available to you.

Animal nutrition is a growing area with opportunities in animal health, feed development and sales. Local government and animal enforcement organisations employ graduates to protect the welfare of pets, livestock and leisure animals like those used for racing and riding.

You will be expected to come prepared ready to study with the necessary stationery requirements. You will be expected to provide your own dark green lab coat and wellington boots.

To handle and restrain the animals you will need to have short clean nails, while wearing no hand/wrist jewellery and have (if necessary) your hair tied back.

There will be additional costs involved to travel to Stonebridge Farm, Wollaton Park and any other external trips that may be arranged during the year.

Students aged 16-18 don't have to pay tuition fees.

If you are aged 19 or over you may still be eligible for funding. Check out our Financial Help pages to find out more!

If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.

Careers related to this course

Select career:

Animal Care Services Occupations

Potential Earnings

£31,073.04

Average Earnings

£18,533.80

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Pathways

Agriculture and Animal Care

People in these occupations plant and harvest crops, run farms, carry out fishing and aquaculture operations, and care for livestock and other animals.
View more about this career

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.

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