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About the course
This course is designed for anyone passionate about animal care and welfare – whether you dream of managing a pet shop, grooming dogs, working with wildlife, or caring for exotic species. It provides the knowledge and hands-on skills you need to start or advance your career in the Animal Care Industry.
If you already have experience in animal care or have achieved a Level 2 qualification, this course will help you take the next step. You’ll develop the expertise to progress into more senior roles, move into management, or prepare for higher-level study.
Throughout the course, you’ll explore the science and techniques of professional animal management, with key modules covering animal biology, husbandry, and nutrition. Alongside this, you’ll build practical skills tailored to your interests—ranging from wildlife surveys and animal training to specialist care practices.
Learning takes place through a mix of hands-on workshops, group discussions, research projects, and assignments, giving you both practical ability and theoretical understanding.
Course Progression
Successful completion of this qualification opens the door to higher education, as it carries UCAS points (amount depending on your final grade). You’ll be well-prepared to continue your studies at degree level or to step confidently into senior positions within the animal care sector.
Other qualifications available
Read more about Level 2 – Animal Care, Level 3 – Practical skills and T Level Foundation Programme
Course Start
Course Length
Year Two: 11 months – Both on a full-time basis (four days a week)
Location
Days & Entry Requirements
Four days: Three weekdays PLUS one day at the weekend, every week for the duration of the course.
Note: Courses run from start September to end of July – with two weeks off at Christmas and two weeks at Easter. We do not break for half-terms or bank holidays.
Entry Requirements: 4 GCSEs including English, Maths and Science/Biology at grade 4 / C or above.
Independent study skills are required to work at this level, plus all students need to be enthusiastic, complete a successful interview, plus attend every day of a hands-on trial week
Course Content – Year One
Advanced Technical Diploma in Animal Management (540)
031 Animal Management (theory exam)
- 303 Animal Health & Husbandry
- 304 Animal Feeding & Nutrition
- 305 Animal Behaviour & Communication
030 Synoptic Assignment
- Covers above units, plus:
- 307 Animal Welfare & Breeding
- 300 Principles of health and safety (multiple-choice exam)
- 302 Undertake and review work related experience in the land-based industries (portfolio)
- 306 Biological systems of animals (theory exam)
- 310 Exotic Animal Health and Husbandry (assignments & assessments)
- 315 Animal Nursing (assignments & assessments)
- 326 Small Animal Rehabilitation (assignments & assessments)
- 831 Employer Involvement (attendance at EI activities)
Students will undertake extensive practical work experience throughout this year
Students must pass all units before the end of Year One in order to enrol onto Year Two
Course Content – Year Two
Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Animal Management (1080) (Wildlife)
041 Animal Management (theory exam)
- 308 Wildlife Ecology and conservation
- 309 Wildlife management and rehabilitation
- 328 Ecological concepts and application
- 364 Business management in the land-based sector
040 Synoptic Assessment
- Covers above units, plus:
- 317 Farm Livestock Husbandry and Welfare (assignments & assessments)
- 329 Population Surveys, Ecology and Conservation (assignments & assessments)
- 362 Undertake Estate Skills (assignments & assessments)
316 Zoological Collections (assignments)
367 Undertake a specialist project in the land-based sector (assignments)
833 Employer Involvement (attendance at EI activities)
Students will undertake extensive practical work experience throughout this year
Plus
Students will also cover CV writing, job applications, UCAS applications, interview techniques, team working, dealing with the public and employability skills, across the two years
2026/28 -Funding Support
On enrolment, ALL students need to purchase uniform tops. This is not covered by your course fees.
16-18 year-old students (age at the start of each academic year) are exempt from tuition and registration fees.
Students aged 19+ Course fees are £1,981 (year one, 2026-27) and £1,998 (for year two, 2027-28). Payment in instalments may be possible but must be agreed in advance.
19-24 year olds may qualify for full or partial course fees funding, depending on eligibility criteria. Please contact Bucks College Group for details.
What careers could this lead to?
Achieving this qualification may help you work in roles such as: Kennel and cattery worker/supervisor, Pet store assistant/supervisor, Animal Hospital care assistant, Wildlife assistant, Dog grooming assistant, Animal feed sales rep, Pet Sitter or Dog Walker, Trainee zoo keeper or aquarist or Trainee animal husbandry technician.
This qualification is a fantastic foundation for anyone passionate about working with animals – whether you’re starting your career, looking to gain hands-on experience, or hoping to progress to more specialist roles in the future.
