Level 3
Animal Management, BTEC Extended Diploma
Level 3
Animal Management, BTEC Extended Diploma
Turn your passion for animals into a rewarding career with this industry-focused programme. You'll combine hands-on experience with in-depth scientific knowledge, developing the practical skills, confidence, and expertise needed for employment, apprenticeships, or university study within the animal management sector.
Course Overview
This two-year BTEC Extended Diploma is ideal if you are passionate about animal welfare and aspire to work with animals professionally. Equivalent to three A Levels, the course combines practical animal management skills with the scientific knowledge required by employers and universities.
Based at our Animal Management Centre at Puxton Park, you will benefit from Weston College's unique partnership with the National Farm Attraction of the Year. This exceptional learning environment allows you to work with a diverse range of animals while developing industry-relevant skills and knowledge. Approximately 30% of the course is practical and 70% is theory-based, giving you a strong understanding of both the hands-on and scientific aspects of animal management.
You will be taught by experienced tutors who have worked across the animal care and management sector and who bring valuable industry expertise into the classroom. Practical sessions at Puxton Park allow you to apply your learning in real-life situations, working alongside experienced staff and engaging with visitors to develop essential employability skills including communication, teamwork, customer service, and decision-making.
Our Animal Management programmes have been developed in collaboration with local and national employers, ensuring you gain the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to progress successfully into employment, apprenticeships, or higher education.
What will I study?
Throughout the programme, you will develop a broad understanding of animal care, management, welfare, and science.
Topics include:
• Animal biology • Animal welfare and ethics • Practical animal husbandry • Animal behaviour • Animal health and diseases • Animal nutrition • Wildlife conservation • Animal breeding and genetics • Animal nursing principles • Business and employment skills within the animal sector
You will also gain practical experience working with a wide variety of species and develop the professional skills required within the animal management industry.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment is primarily through coursework and practical assignments completed throughout the programme.
Assessment methods include:
• Practical assessments • Written assignments and reports • Research projects • Presentations • Professional discussions • Portfolio evidence
This qualification does not rely heavily on final examinations, making it ideal for students who prefer coursework-based learning.
Additional Information
Throughout your course, you will benefit from:
• Membership of Weston College's Animal Management Career Excellence Hub • Practical training at Puxton Park Animal Management Centre • Access to experienced industry-specialist tutors • Guest lectures from animal industry professionals • Employer engagement and recruitment events • Industry visits and enrichment activities • Residential trip opportunities in your second year • Dedicated work experience support
Work experience forms an integral part of this programme. You will complete a minimum of 315 hours of industry work experience across the two years, in addition to your practical learning at Puxton Park. Your timetable will typically include at least one day per week in a work placement, helping you gain valuable industry experience and build professional contacts.
Trips may include visits to organisations and attractions such as:
• Crufts Dog Show at the National Exhibition Centre • Twycross Zoo • Yorkshire Wildlife Park • Local zoos and wildlife attractions • Residential enrichment visits
A uniform consisting of a polo shirt and hoodie is required for practical sessions at Puxton Park. These can be purchased through Concept Wear in Weston-super-Mare.
Entry Requirements
• Five GCSEs at grades 9–4, including English at Grade 4 or above
OR
• A relevant Level 2 qualification and English at Grade 4 or above
You should also have:
• A genuine interest in animal care and management • A willingness to participate in practical animal handling activities • A commitment to completing work experience
Please note that students wishing to pursue Veterinary Science at university are normally advised to follow an A Level pathway.
What can I do after this course?
Successful completion of this qualification can lead directly to employment, apprenticeships, or higher education.
You could progress to:
• Higher education in Animal Management • Animal Behaviour and Welfare degrees • Zoology degrees • Wildlife Conservation degrees • Veterinary Nursing qualifications • Animal Science degrees
You could also progress to University Centre Weston programmes where appropriate.
Career opportunities may include:
• Animal Keeper • Zoo Keeper • Animal Welfare Officer • Veterinary Care Assistant • Animal Collection Manager • Wildlife Rehabilitation Assistant • Animal Nutrition Assistant • Kennel or Cattery Manager • Pet Store Manager • Conservation Assistant • Animal Education Officer
What do I do now?
Ready to apply? – Please use the ‘apply now’ button on this page. From here you'll be taken through to our application portal.
Want to learn more? – Visit and see the facilities and chat to staff by signing up for our next open event.
