Course overview
Modules
This programme is for adult learners only (19+). A broad Level 3 programme designed for adult learners combining animal science, welfare, behaviour and practical animal management. Learners develop the scientific knowledge, practical competence and professional skills needed to progress within the animal industry or to further Level 3 study.
Modules include:
Animal Biology – anatomy, physiology and biological processes in animalsAnimal Welfare and Ethics – welfare needs, legislation, ethics and responsible animal managementAnimal Behaviour – understanding, observing and interpreting animal behaviourAnimals in Boarding Establishments – care, welfare and management of animals within boarding environmentsAnimal Health and Diseases – maintaining health, recognising disease and understanding prevention and treatmentPractical Animal Husbandry – developing safe, confident and effective practical animal care and husbandry skills
The programme combines classroom-based scientific study with substantial practical animal experience. Successful learners can progress to the second year of the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Animal Management, subject to meeting progression requirements.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment takes place throughout the programme through a combination of externally assessed examinations and internally assessed assignments and practical work.
External Assessment
Animal Biology – assessed through a written examination.Animal Welfare and Ethics – assessed through a written examination.
Internal Assessment
Animal BehaviourAnimal Health and DiseasesPractical Animal HusbandryAnimals in Boarding EstablishmentsAssessment includes written assignments, practical observations, reports, case studies and other applied activities.
Learners need to demonstrate both academic knowledge and practical competence. Assessment takes place throughout the year, so good attendance, organisation, meeting deadlines and independent study are important for success.
What is it like to be a student on this course?
Challenging, varied and hands-on. You will start to think more like an animal professional, combining scientific theory with practical husbandry, behaviour, welfare and health. You will be expected to research independently, meet deadlines and apply your knowledge rather than simply remember facts. This is an adults only course, bringing together learners with a wide range of prior experiences. Peer support and group activities are therefore rich and varied!
Industry links
The programme draws on the varied life and employment experience of its adult learners while developing professional knowledge of the animal sector. Practical learning, industry-focused assignments, visits and engagement with animal organisations allow learners to explore how animal health, welfare, behaviour and husbandry are applied in professional settings.
Work experience
Industry placements enhance your studies and are an important part of your course. They ensure you develop the key skills, knowledge and behaviours necessary to be successful in your chosen industry, resulting in you leaving college ready for the world of work. It is compulsory to undertake an element of work experience when studying a Level 1, 2, or 3 course. The number of hours you must complete will depend on your level of study.
Course Level:
- Level 1 – Minimum of 30 hours of industry placement
- Level 2 – Minimum of 75 hours of industry placement
- Level 3 – Minimum of 150 hours of industry placement (per year of your course)
- T Level – Minimum of 315 hours of industry placement
Entry requirements
4 GCSEs at Grade 4 and above to include English and Maths
Or
a Level 2 Diploma in a related subject plus English and Maths at grade 4 and above
Progression routes
The Foundation Diploma provides a flexible one-year Level 3 route for adult learners who want to develop their knowledge and skills in animal management. Learners may progress to further Level 3 study, employment or higher education, depending on their existing qualifications and experience.
On successful completion, learners can top up to the full Extended Diploma by completing a second year of study, providing a larger Level 3 qualification and additional UCAS tariff points.
At Plumpton, progression opportunities include our FdSc Applied Animal Behaviour & Conservation, with the opportunity to progress further to BSc (Hons) Applied Animal Behaviour & Welfare or BSc (Hons) Applied Zoology & Animal Conservation.
Where a learner already meets the required UCAS tariff through previous qualifications and/or can demonstrate appropriate professional experience, we can also consider an application to our university-level Animal Studies courses after completion of the one-year Foundation Diploma, without requiring completion of the Extended Diploma. Entry is considered individually against the requirements of the relevant higher education programme.
This programme is for adult learners only (19+).
Bursaries
Financial support could be available to you depending on your household income, eligibility criteria, and level of study. A bursary, which is money given directly by the Government, could help fund bus travel, accommodation, course equipment, college meals, or educational trips.
Course Fees
Students aged 16-18 on 31st August in the year of starting the course do not pay tuition fees.
Adults aged 19+ may be entitled to a tuition fee waiver on certain courses (where the Government pays the tuition and assessment fee) if any of the following apply:
You are aged between 19 and 23 and:
- This is your first Full Level 2 or Full Level 3 qualification.
- You are undertaking English and Maths up to and including Level 2.
- You are unemployed or economically inactive and your gross annual income is below £26,800.
- Your course is part of the Level 3 Free Courses for Jobs offer (and you meet the earnings threshold)
You are aged 24+ and:
- You are studying a Level 1 or Level 2 course and are unemployed, economically inactive, or earning below £26,800 gross annually.
- You are undertaking English and Maths up to and including Level 2.
- Your course is part of the Level 3 Free Courses for Jobs offer (and you meet the earnings threshold)
All students pay a standard facility fee of £150 to use communal, non-educational facilities.
Material fees apply to Floristry, Blacksmithing and Metalwork, Agricultural Engineering, and Motor Vehicle students.
Equipment & PPE
Students on a 14-16, Level 1, 2, 3, or Foundation Learning course may be required to purchase equipment such as a uniform, PPE, or kit before starting their course. Material fees are applicable depending on the course studied.
Start dates
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