Skip page header and navigation

Animal Management Level 3 (College Course)

  • Pibwrlwyd Campus
2 Years

This animal management course is a full-time level three programme which offers a range of exciting skills and learning opportunities for those who are passionate about animals.

The two-year course focuses on developing the skills required by employers in the animal management and environmental industries which enable learners to progress onto employment or degree level courses in these or related subjects.

150 hours of work experience are also required within the first year of study to help gain a better understanding of the industry and to benefit those applying for university or work. Students are expected to find and organise a placement themselves, within the sector they would like to work in.

At the end of year one, learners will complete the level three advanced technical diploma in animal management. Successful completion of year one is required for progression to year two.

At the end of the second year learners will complete the level three advanced technical extended diploma in animal management.

Course details

Study modes:
  • Full time
Course length:
2 Years

What you will learn

  • Students gain practical experience with a range of companion, equine, livestock and exotic animal species on and off campus. 
  • Taking part in visits and workshops involving employers which are organised as part of the course and relate specifically to course modules. 
  • Work experience (150 hours) is mandatory in year one of the course and aims to develop your employability skills 
  • There is plenty of access to learning support services

Students will study a number of mandatory units over two years alongside optional units that will be selected by the delivery team based on staff and resource availability.

  • Health and safety
  • Work 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
  • Wildlife and ecology conservation
  • Wildlife management and rehabilitation
  • Exotic animal health and husbandry
  • Pet store design and management
  • Animal training
  • Animal nursing
  • Aquatics Welfare and breed development
  • Avian Health and Husbandry
  • Farm livestock husbandry and welfare
  • Pet allied services
  • Small animal rehabilitation
  • Kennel and cattery management
  • Undertake estate skills
  • Business management in the land-based sector
  • Undertake a specialist project in the land-based sector

On completion of the second-year level three advanced technical extended diploma in animal management (1080) you could progress either into employment within the land-based sector or into higher education. 

Examples of career routes include kennel and cattery management, dog grooming, animal welfare, ecology and conservation work, animal nursing assistants, animal charities, specialist animal breeding, animal technician, animal rescue and rehabilitation work. 

Examples of higher education options includes a BSc (hons) in animal behaviour and welfare*, zoology, veterinary nursing, conservation, agriculture*, animal biology, animal behaviour and training. 


* Available at Coleg Sir Gâr

Assessment of the course includes externally set formal exams, written (synoptic) assessments and practical assessments aimed to test knowledge and practical skills.

This qualification is available to be assessed through the medium of English only.

All applicants need to have achieved a minimum of five GCSEs at grade A* - C to include both mathematics and English language or Welsh (first language) and ideally biology. 

Or you will have achieved a merit/distinction grade in a relevant level two qualification plus two GCSEs at grades A* to C in mathematics and English language or Welsh (first language) . You will also need a minimum of 85% attendance and a successful interview.

You will have access to a range of equipment and resources at college, however you will also be expected to purchase specific clothing for practical sessions namely overalls, scrubs waterproof trousers and wellingtons (ideally steel toe capped). The cost of equipment should be no more than £150 and this can be discussed at interview stage.

There is an opportunity for you to purchase hoodies, tops and coats with the college logo at the beginning of the academic year which is optional.

All learners are required to pay an administration fee of £25 prior to enrolment.

You will need to provide your own stationery and may also incur costs if the department arranges educational visits.