Advanced Technical Diploma in Animal Management – Level 3

This course provides in-depth knowledge, skills and work experience to help you gain employment within the animal management industry or to progress to higher education or apprenticeship programmes.

You will be taught in both a practical and theoretical environment relating to the industry of animal management. This course is ideal for someone looking to improve upon their basic animal skills and knowledge and to open up employment opportunities within the animal management sector. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to participate in a range of enrichment activities.

You need to be highly motivated and to demonstrate a keen interest in the animal management industry. A place on the course is subject to interview and you will have to evidence:

• A minimum of four GCSEs at grades C/4 or above, including English, Maths and Science

OR

• An Intermediate Diploma (Level 2) in a related subject to a Merit standard.

Please take into consideration that this course requires an element of physical activity: you will work hands-on with a range of animal species (small and large) and you will need to complete work experience as part of your course.

To progress to Year 2 of this course, you will be required to obtain a Pass grade or above during the first year.  At the end of Year 1 you will choose a specialist pathway of study for your second year. This will be in discussion with your personal tutor, taking into consideration your career goals and aspirations.

In Year 1 the course will cover:

• Animal feeding and nutrition
• Animal biology
• Animal training
• Work-related experience
• Animal behaviour and communications
• Pet allied services
• Animal welfare and breeding
• Pet store management
• Health and safety
• Animal health and husbandry

You will also be expected to continue with English and Maths qualifications if you have progressed from a subject-relevant Level 2 course but are yet to achieve a GCSE grade 4 in both subjects. (If you are 19+, this is not applicable.)

In Year 2 of the programme, we are offering Animal, Zoo and Science pathways.

This course will be delivered on-site at Broomfield Hall. At level 3, most of the work undertaken will be in a classroom setting. Practical sessions based on our animal unit will also be timetabled. 

There is an element of work experience involved in the course: students will need to be prepared to approach local animal-based businesses to support them in the completion of their qualification. 

There may be an element of remote learning and students will be expected to carry out extra reading and complete homework during their study days. 

You will be required to supply your own:

• Steel toe-capped boots or wellingtons
• Derby College Group bottle green laboratory coat or tunic for practicals (which will be available to purchase at enrolment)
• Derby College Group polo and/or sweatshirt (information will be provided at enrolment on where to buy these from)
• Writing materials, to include a lever arch file, dividers and a memory stick
• Entrance fees to various establishments: as part of the course, you will visit several animal collections over the year, so allow around £50 for entrance fees.

During practical sessions, long hair is to be tied back and no nail varnish, false nails, false eyelashes or jewellery should be worn.

This course is continually assessed throughout the year. The various assessment methods include written assignments, practical and written exams.

This course can put you on the path to career roles such as veterinary nurse or zoo keeper, as well as supervisory roles in rescue centres, pet stores, kennels, catteries and dog grooming salons.

Derby College Group offers a range of one-day, weekend and evening courses relating to Animal Care, as well as a wide range of other land-based topics – please see the Derby College Group Part-time Prospectus for a full list and details.

For more information contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk