Level 3
Animal Management and Science, T Level
Level 3
Animal Management and Science, T Level
If you’re passionate about animal care, science, and protecting the natural world, this T Level gives you the specialist skills to take your next step with confidence. Combining classroom learning with real industry experience, this exciting two-year programme prepares you for a rewarding career working with animals in a wide range of settings.
Course Overview
The Animal Management and Science T Level is a two-year, full-time technical qualification developed in partnership with employers to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and experience required for a successful career in the animal sector. In your first year, you will spend three days a week in college and one day on industry placement, giving you an ideal balance of scientific theory, technical learning, and hands-on practical experience.
Based at our Knightstone Campus, you will study in modern facilities while regularly applying your learning at Puxton Park – our industry partner and winner of the National Farm Attraction of the Year. At the park, you will work with a diverse range of species and learn directly from expert animal keepers and professionals.
Our industry-experienced lecturers will guide you through advanced scientific concepts and practical competencies, ensuring you gain a strong foundation in both animal science and management. You’ll take part in real-world tasks that reflect current professional practice and prepare you for progression into skilled roles.
T Levels offer a high-quality technical alternative to A Levels. Developed in collaboration with employers, they ensure that students gain the precise knowledge and skills the industry is looking for. Each T Level is equivalent to three A Levels, demonstrating the depth and thoroughness of the qualification.
Practical sessions may involve caring for species such as tortoises, parrots, reindeer, owls, marmoset monkeys, meerkats, donkeys, goats, ponies, rare breed pigs, alpacas, cattle, emus, and stick insects. Working alongside experienced staff and engaging with visitors will help you build essential employability skills including communication, teamwork, customer service, and decision-making.
As a T Level student, you will also become part of our Animal Management Career Excellence Hub, giving you exceptional access to employers through guest lectures, trips, work experience opportunities, and recruitment events. This network provides valuable insights and connections to support your next steps in the animal care and management sector.
What will I study?
You will explore a wide range of animal management and science topics, including:
- Health and safety
- Business and working within the agriculture, environmental, and animal care sectors
- Sustainability
Science pathway topics include:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Cells and tissues
- Nutrition and digestion
- Animal behaviour
- Research methods
- Genetics
- Evolution
- Conservation
- Animal welfare
- Animal health
- Animal husbandry
- Laboratory techniques
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
How will I be assessed?
Assessment includes:
- Three examinations
- Three employer-set or practical projects
When you complete the T Level, you’ll receive an overall grade of Pass, Merit, or Distinction, along with a detailed breakdown of your achievements. T Levels also carry UCAS tariff points, helping you progress to higher education.
Additional Information
- You will complete a minimum 45-day industry placement, gaining hands-on experience at Puxton Park
- You’ll take part in an induction trip to a local zoo, with further trips available throughout the year
- Level 3 and T Level learners can also join a residential trip in the second year
- Guest speakers from across the animal sector will visit to share specialist knowledge and insights
- Uniform requirement: On Puxton Park days, you must wear the designated polo shirt and hoodie, available from Concept Wear in Weston-super-Mare
Entry requirements
You will need a minimum of five GCSEs at grades 9–4, including English and maths, or completion of the T Level Transition Programme.
What can I do after this course?
This T Level opens the door to a wide range of degree-level study and animal-related careers. You could progress into roles such as:
- Zoo keeper
- Animal care worker
- Animal technician
- Veterinary laboratory assistant
- Veterinary nurse
- Conservation assistant
You can also continue your studies at university, including related degrees in animal science, zoology, veterinary nursing, conservation, or biology.
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.
What to learn more? – Visit and see the facilities and chat to staff by signing up for our next open event
Have a quick question? – Use our Live Chat facility on the bottom right of this page.