Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma 540 in Animal Management

Further Details
Course Code
LP00313
Location
Northop
Duration
Full Time, This is a 2 year full time course.
Department
Animal Care & Management
Start Date
01 Sep 2027
End Date
16 Jun 2028

Course Overview

Our Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Animal Management is designed to give you an in-depth understanding of the animal industry, equipping you with the advanced skills, knowledge, and experience you need to succeed. This two-year, full-time course will immerse you in the world of animal care, preparing you for exciting opportunities in a growing sector.

What You'll Learn

You'll gain invaluable practical skills and a comprehensive understanding of animal management, working with a diverse range of over a hundred species at our excellent Animal Care Centre. This includes everything from marmosets and chinchillas to various reptiles, fish, birds, amphibians, invertebrates, and farm animals.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll cover:

- Animal health: Explore animal housing, feeding, health and diseases
- Animal handling: Practise how to handle and restrain different animals
- Animal behaviour and welfare: Understand animal behaviour, communication, ensuring optimal welfare standards and effective training
- The science behind animal care: Delve into biology, anatomy, physiology, genetics, nutrition and breeding
- Wildlife and ecology: Learn about wildlife, rehabilitation, ecology and conservation
- Zoo and exotics focus: In your second year, you'll have a clear focus on the management of zoological collections, with specific areas of focus on
aquatics, avian and exotic species
- Professional development: Develop essential skills in business management, customer care, retail merchandising and estate skills.

You'll learn through a variety of engaging methods, including lectures, individual and group work, and a half-day per week of hands-on practical experience. We also integrate modern learning technology to make your experience as fun and effective as possible.

English and Maths are a vital part of this programme. We'll work with you to enhance your literacy and numeracy skills, and provide opportunities to re-sit GCSEs if needed. You’ll also achieve the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales qualification. This cou
Applying from a school in Wales: 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, to include:
English Language and Literature, or Cymraeg Language and Literature (First Language) (Single or Double Award) AND
Mathematics and Numeracy (Double Award) AND/OR
Science

Applying from a school in England: 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, to include:
English Language AND
Mathematics, or Functional Skills Maths at Level 2 AND/OR
Science

All the above are required for entry onto the 1080 route, but Mathematics or Science will be accepted for the 720 route.

Progressing Learners:
Progressing Learners (already at the College): Successful completion of a relevant Level 2 programme, plus appropriate qualifications in Communication and Numeracy, or their GCSE equivalent.

At Coleg Cambria we would encourage you to do the very best that you can in your exams. The better your grades the more options you will have, and may result in you gaining entry onto a higher level course.
Your progress will be assessed through an examination and a synoptic assignment in each year, along with controlled assessments and other tests, with support along the way in the form of practice and mocks.

You will do an external work experience placement in the animal industry during your first year to help you learn effectively and apply your skills in a real-world setting.

To progress to the second year, you’ll need to successfully complete year one.
This course opens doors to a wide range of exciting career pathways in the animal care industry and beyond:

*Progression to University: Many of our learners go on to study subjects like zoology, conservation biology, veterinary nursing, or animal welfare and behaviour at university. You could continue your studies at Coleg Cambria Northop by pursuing a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Animal Management. Remember, you’ll need to gain the required UCAS points for your chosen course. (Please note: while valuable, this course is generally not a direct route into veterinary science).

*Progression to a Work Based Apprenticeship in Animal Care.

*Employment: you could find work in a range of roles including zoos, wildlife conservation, veterinary surgery practices, animal rescue centres, pet stores, education and training or animal welfare organisations.
Some courses may require kit/uniform to be purchased. Please see attached kit list for further information.
Useful downloads
Useful Downloads
Kit List

Ready to begin your journey?

Our Open Days

Our Open Days are your chance to explore the College and find out about the range of courses we offer.

Wales Butchery Conference 2026
27/10/2026

Start - 10:00

Finish - 15:00

November Open Event – Deeside & Deeside Sixth
12/11/2026

Start - 17:30

Finish - 20:00

November Open Event – Llysfasi
07/11/2026

Start - 10:00

Finish - 13:00

November Open Event – Bersham Road
19/11/2026

Start - 17:30

Finish - 20:00

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Got a question?

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