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Course Code
PFFN01171
Level
Level 3
Course Type
Further Education
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
2 Years
Start & End
1 September 2025 - 4 June 2027
Location
Newtownabbey
Interview Required?
Yes

As animal management has a range of different career routes, class trips and visits to animal related businesses, the zoo and other animal care providers is a requirement of this course.

UCAS application support will be provided by experienced animal management tutors and the college’s career support department who will provide personal statement guidance and career advice when applying to university or seeking employment.

This Level 3 Animal Management qualification is equivalent to three A Levels and is a full-time two-year programme.

The course will give you a wide range of knowledge and skills essential to progress within the animal sector through the study of units directly related. There is an attendance commitment requirement of approximately 16.75 hours per week, may vary dependant on the needs of the course.

Examples of the subjects you will study while completing this course include:

  • Understand and promote animal health
  • Manage animal accommodation
  • Understand animal anatomy and physiology
  • Plan and monitor animal feeding
  • Understand the principals of animal biology
  • Understand animal handling and safe working
  • Undertake and review work related experience in the land based industries
  • Undertake an investigative project in the land-based sector
  • Business management in the land-based sector 
  • The course will be assessed by a combination of practical work and assignments.

A total of 180 credits are required to achieve the full 3 A-Level equivalent in Animal Managment.

If you are accepted onto this course without a Grade C in Maths and/or English you will be required to complete the relevant Essential Skills qualification.

Some of our Level 3 in Animal Management students share their experiences about the course.

Animal Management Student Testimonials

This qualification will give you the skills needed for direct employment in the animal management sector, and is suitable for those who wish to enter a particular specialist area of work, such as:

  • Animal technician
  • Animal breeding associate
  • Animal welfare centre manager
  • Pet-store manager
  • Animal nutritionist
  • Kennel and cattery Assistant
  • Animal officer/inspector 
  • Livestock manager

There are many roles in this sector where recruitment is at graduate level.  The qualification carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as meeting admission requirements to many relevant courses, for example:

  • BSc (Hons) in Animal Management
  • BSc (Hons) in Agriculture
  • Foundation Degree in Animal Management and Behaviour (FdSc)
  • Foundation Degree in Animal Management (FdSc)
  • HND Animal Management
Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1 July in the year of proposed entry to the course and minimum 4 GCSEs Grade C or above including Maths, English and Science or equivalent, or Level 2 qualification in Animal Care (at grade Merit or above), subject to interview.

In the event of oversubscription, the college will use the following enhanced criteria:

  • GCSE grade C or above in English and Maths. Equivalent qualifications will be considered.

Course Fees

This course is free of charge.

Further Education (Level 1-3) full-time courses including Apprenticeships have no course fees for most students:

Level 3 Further Education (full-time)

There are no tuition fees for Level 1 - 3 full-time students aged between 16 and 18.

If you are aged 19-24 and have already achieved a Level 3 qualification, fees will apply. Details of fees are available from any campus reception.

If you are aged 25 or older, fees will apply unless in receipt of a FE grant. (If you are aged 25 or older, admission to a full-time Further Education course will be considered on an individual basis at the College's discretion).

Level 3 Access Courses (full-time)

If you are in receipt of a FE grant, no fees apply.

If you are aged 19 or older and have already achieved a Level 3 qualification (3 A Level equivalent), fees will apply.

Details of fees are available from any campus reception.

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