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About the course.
Focussing upon the major principles and practices of animal care and welfare, from managing a pet shop or grooming dogs to caring for exotic animals, you will be able to start or build on a career in the Animal Care Industry.
You may have some experience in animal care or have gained your Level 2 qualification. You want to develop the skills to be a more senior worker or manager, or to prepare for higher-level training.
You’ll gain an in-depth insight into the techniques and science of animal management. You will cover topics including animal biology, husbandry and animal nutrition.
You’ll also gain plenty of practical experience in your choice of skills, from wildlife surveys to animal training. Learning will be through practical sessions, group discussions, research and assignments.
Course Progression
Completion of this qualification gives the learner the opportunity to progress onto higher education degree courses, as the this Technical qualification has UCAS points (varies depending on final grade achieved).
Other qualifications available
Click below to read more about the Level 2 – Animal Care course and the Level 3 – Practical skills course.
Course Start
September
Course Length
Year One: 11 months
Year Two: 11 months – Both on a full-time basis (four days a week)
Year Two: 11 months – Both on a full-time basis (four days a week)
Location
Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital, Haddenham (near Aylesbury)
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
2025/27 -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.
19+ Course fees are £1,906 (year one, 2025-26) and £1,934 (for year two, 2026-27). Payment in instalments may be possible but needs to be agreed in advance.
19-24 year olds may qualify for full or partial course fees funding, depending on eligibility criteria. Contact Bucks College Group for details of funding exemptions.
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; Trainee animal husbandry technician
