Course Overview

Awarded by City & Guilds, this distance learning programme (equivalent of up to 3 A levels depending on the qualification you achieve) is designed to give you an advanced level of understanding and skills in animal welfare and management. If you are looking to progress in the animal industry or continue onto degree level study, then this course could be for you!

During the programme you will learn about the health, welfare and care of a variety of animal species. In addition to the academic theory you will learn from online study, you will also undertake work experience in an animal related environment (300 hours in total when studying the full Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management). This will allow you to put into practice the animal care, handling and technical skills and knowledge you will be learning throughout the programme.

On completion of the course you will be able to use your new found knowledge to ensure that animals in your care are happy, healthy and cared for in an environment that allows them to thrive.

The City & Guilds Level 3 Animal Management programme is made up of the following qualifications, allowing you to choose the level of study and qualification that is right for you:

  • Level 3 Certificate in Animal Management – 30 credits required
  • Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Animal Management – 60 credits required
  • Level 3 90-credit Diploma in Animal Management – 90 credits required
  • Level 3 Diploma in Animal Management – 120 credits required
  • Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management – 180 credits required

Key Facts

  • Attendance: You will not be required to attend college. Your course materials will be supplied via our online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), and you will be allocated an assessor who will support you through the course.
  • Duration: Up to 24 months depending on the qualification you choose to study
  • Start date: You can start this programme at any time.
  • Location: This online programme can be studied anywhere in the UK or overseas. Previous students who have studied online with us have come from as far away as Bermuda, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong and Dubai!
Course Content

Depending on the level of the qualification you choose to undertake, during this programme you will cover some of the following units:

Mandatory Units

  • 301 – Understand and promote animal health
  • 302 – Manage animal accommodation
  • 303 – Understand anatomy and physiology
  • 304 – Plan and monitor feeding
  • 305 – Understand the principles of animal biology
  • 306 – Undertake animal handling and safe working
  • 307 – Undertake work experience in the land-based industries
  • 308 – Undertake an investigative project in the land-based sector
  • 310 – Understand and interpret animal behaviour and communication
  • 312 – Understand animal welfare and breed development
  • 317 – Understand the principles of animal breeding and genetics
  • 319 – Understand the principles of animal nutrition
  • 323 – Participate in business planning and improvement in the land-based sector

Optional Units

  • 311 – Understand the principles of animal nursing
  • 313 – Undertake dog grooming
  • 314 – Understand the principles and carry out the practice of exotic animal health and husbandry
  • 315 – Undertake kennel and cattery management
  • 316 – Undertake pet store design and animal management
  • 318 – Understand the principles of zoological animal health and husbandry
  • 325 – Understand the principles and carry out the practice of wildlife population surveys, ecology and conservation
  • 326 – Understand and undertake wildlife management and rehabilitation
  • 328 – Undertake retail merchandising for the land-based sector
  • 329 – Undertake the practices of equine health handling and husbandry
  • 330 – Undertake estate skills
  • 331 – Understand and carry out farm livestock husbandry
  • 333 – Understand the principles of inheritance and genetic manipulation

Assessment

You will complete assignments, written tests and practical assessments. Your practical assessments will be carried out by an allocated mentor in the organisation where you undertake your work experience.

Entry Requirements

In order to undertake this programme you must:

  • Be a minimum of 16 years of age.
  • Hold a Level 2 animal-related qualification at merit grade or above, OR 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above (including English, Maths and a Science subject).
  • Be either employed, or have a voluntary work placement arranged, in a suitable animal care environment for a minimum of 4 hours per week, to support the practical element of the course.
  • Have a mentor in place in the workplace, this is someone who has a level 3 or above qualification in animal management, or a minimum of 4-5 years’ relevant experience within the animal industry. You, your mentor and your employer will be interviewed prior to starting the course to assess suitability.
  • Be up to date with your tetanus vaccination.

Applicants that do not meet the academic entry requirements, but can demonstrate a high level of commitment and previous animal-related experience, will be assessed on an individual basis. Please contact us to discuss before applying.

Work experience requirements *

You should either be employed, or have a voluntary work placement arranged, in a suitable animal care environment for a minimum of 4 hours per week, for the duration of the programme.

Examples of suitable animal care environments include: a rescue centre, a pet shop which has animals for sale, a boarding kennels/cattery, animal charities, exotics/wildlife centres, zoo/wildlife parks, farm/livestock, stables, wildlife/ecological conservation sites.

International Applicants

If you are studying this programme overseas, please be aware that the programme is delivered in English and therefore you must be competent in reading and writing English language.

Course Fees

Course fees can either be paid in full before the beginning of the course, or via our ‘Pay As You Learn’ monthly payment scheme.

If you have not achieved your qualification by the planned end date detailed in your individual learning plan, you will be able to continue to receive support and access to your course by paying monthly direct debit payments until certification of your award.

Course Full fee Monthly Two equal instalments
Level 3 Certificate in Animal Management £3,450 £345 n/a
Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Animal Management £4,180 £418 n/a
Level 3 90-credit Diploma in Animal Management £4,870 £487 n/a
Level 3 Diploma in Animal Management £8,390 £420 £4,195
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management £11,950 £598 £5,975

Awarding Body Fees*: £257.20

* Awarding Body Fees are payable by all students or employers and recharged at cost and may be subject to change.

CAW Loans2Learn

The CAW Loans2Learn scheme is a personal loan that can help you to spread the cost of your course into manageable payments. The loan can be used to fully or partially cover your course fees (but does not cover any awarding body fees, such as enrolment and examination fees). More information can be found here.

Sources of financial help can be found on our student finance page. Before making any financial decision it is recommended that you seek advice from an independent source, for example the Money Advice Service.

These are current figures and may be subject to change. The differences in course fees reflect the level of funding that is available as a result of government policies and priorities. These may be as a result of age, employment status, previous education achievements, or location for example, and are outside the control of The College of Animal Welfare.

What Next?

After you have achieved this qualification you could pursue work in a variety of fields in animal care, for example: animal rehoming, dog training, pet sitting, dog walking, animal research, conservation or zookeeping. Take a look at our career profiles

You could also consider going on to train as a veterinary nurse. The Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management (180 credits required), in combination with a full level 2 qualification in Maths and English Language (e.g. GCSE Grade A*-C or Level 2 Functional Skills) will allow you to apply for the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing or Advanced Apprenticeship in Veterinary Nursing programmes, subject to employment in a veterinary practice that is approved to train veterinary nurses (a TP or aTP).

The Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management (180 credits required) is equivalent to up to 3 A-levels, which means students may also progress (subject to meeting specified entry requirements) into higher education. Degree study paths include animal behaviour, zoology, animal science, conservation, ecology and veterinary nursing.