Quick facts
| Qualification type | Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma |
| Duration | 1 year (potential to 'top up' to 2 years) |
| Study times |
You will be expected to be in college for a minimum of 3 days per week, from 9:00 to 4:00. Your timetable will be confirmed at induction but will include both theory and practical sessions. |
| Entry requirements |
GCSEs in Maths, English and Science along with two other GCSEs at Grade 4 OR Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths and English, plus GCSE Science and 2 others at Grade 4. |
| Campus |
West Suffolk College Sixth Form campus, Bury St Edmunds |
| Work placements | Yes (150 hours) |
Is it for me?
What you'll learn
- Principles of Health and Safety
- Undertake and Review Work Related 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
- Exotic Animal Health and Husbandry
- Animal Training
- Animal Nursing
Work experience placements
As part of your qualification, you must complete at least 150 hours of work-related experience in the animal sector. This is a compulsory requirement for passing the course. These hours are your chance to step into the real world of animal care, conservation, and welfare, gaining skills and contacts that can shape your future career. We recommend starting your search for a placement as soon as possible after your interview so you have plenty of time to find the right opportunity. While it's your responsibility to secure your placement, our friendly and experienced Work Placement Team is here to guide you and offer advice along the way. Placements should reflect your interests and future career goals. This could include local kennels, catteries, and canine creches, veterinary practices or animal hospitals, pet shops and grooming salons, zoos, aquariums, or exotic animal collections, wildlife rehabilitation centres or sanctuaries, ecological and conservation projects, farms, smallholdings, and equine centres. Most students choose to dedicate one day a week to their placement, with extra 'Work Placement Weeks' built into the college calendar so you can complete longer blocks of experience.
Assessment
- Your course is assessed through a mix of written, practical, and verbal tasks, as well as formal exams. You'll need to successfully complete all elements at Pass level or above to achieve the full qualification - including logging a minimum of 150 hours of work experience.
Here's what to expect:
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Written assignments - used in units such as Animal Nursing, Exotic Animal Health & Husbandry, and Animal Training.
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Practical assessments - to show your hands-on skills in Animal Nursing, Exotics, and Animal Training.
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Verbal presentations - part of the assessment for Animal Training and Animal Nursing units.
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Health & Safety exam - testing your understanding of safe working practices in the animal sector.
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Biological Systems exam - covering anatomy, physiology, and biological processes.
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Synoptic Assessment - a large practical and written project bringing together skills and knowledge from across the course.
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Final theory exam - testing your overall understanding of the qualification content.
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How your final grade is calculated:
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60% - Synoptic Assessment
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40% - Final theory exam
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While these two main assessments determine your overall grade, you must pass every unit and complete your work experience hours to be awarded the qualification.
Further study
- Animal Management Advanced Technical Extended Diploma Level 3 Year 2
Example careers
- Veterinary Nurse
- Veterinary Physiotherapist
- Veterinary Surgeon
- Veterinary Behaviourist
- Zookeeper Zoologist
- Marine Biologist
- Animal Trainer
- Wildlife Ranger
- Conservationist
- Animal Welfare Officer
- Environmental Health Officer
- Dog Groomer
- Pet Sitter/Walker
- Pet Shop Assistant
- Environmental Health Officer
Days & times
Starting September 2025