Level 3 Foundation Diploma · Pearson · Full-Time · 1 year
The Foundation Diploma is for anyone who already has an animal care qualification, or GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4 or above. The course gives you the skills and knowledge to specialise in a specific area of animal management, or to progress to the two-year Diploma. You'll cover animal biology, behaviour, welfare and health, alongside practical animal husbandry (the day-to-day care of animals) and a work experience placement.
Year 1 of the full Level 3 programme. Pair with the Extended Diploma in year 2.
Other courses you might be interested in:
Level 1 Level 1 Award Animal Care
Level 2 Level 2 Extended Certificate Animal Care
Level 3 Level 3 Extended Diploma Animal Management
View all Animal Management courses →
At Level 3 the science comes in alongside the practical work. You’ll cover animal biology, breeding and genetics, animal welfare and ethics, animal behaviour, and animal health and disease. Practical animal husbandry, the day-to-day care of animals, sits at the centre of the year. You’ll work hands-on at our on-campus Hub Animal Centre, home to over 100 species across temperature-controlled vivariums and using the same diagnostic equipment found in top veterinary practices.
Field visits to Valley Wildlife continue, working with larger animals including alpacas, donkeys, pigs, goats and sheep. You’ll also complete a work experience placement, giving you direct exposure to the industry. By the end of the year you’ll be ready to progress to the Extended Diploma, with the combined two years opening up university routes including animal welfare science, veterinary nursing, zoology and conservation.
Written assignments, research projects, and case studies that let you explore topics in depth.
Hands-on tasks and practical demonstrations in realistic working environments.
Formal examinations to test your knowledge and understanding under timed conditions.
Job holders in this unit group care for animals held in kennels, stables, zoos and similar establishments, provide specialised training, grooming, clipping and trimming services for animals, and searches for […]
Veterinary nurses assist veterinarians in the treatment and care of sick or injured animals.
Practical work is central to Level 3. You'll work across the Animal Centre, field visits, and a real industry work experience placement.
The Hub Animal Centre (on-campus)
Over 100 species across temperature-controlled vivariums, including snakes, tarantulas and guinea pigs. Equipped with the same diagnostic tools used in top veterinary practices
Field visits to Valley Wildlife
Regular visits to work with a wide variety of larger animals including alpacas, donkeys, pigs, goats and sheep.
Work experience placement
Built into the year, giving you direct exposure to the industry.
Student Voice
Learning health and safety, cleaning and handling animals, and working at the farm has helped me prepare for future experiences within animal management.
These qualifications lead to real jobs. Our courses are built around the skills that employers are actually hiring for — locally and nationally.
See career optionsBursaries are available, and free meals are provided for those who qualify. If cost is a concern, there's help — and it's straightforward to apply.
Financial support infoOur tutors bring real industry experience into the classroom. They teach what's actually used in the workplace, and students consistently say this is what makes the course work.
Our facilitiesLevel
Level 3
Duration
1 year
Study Mode
Full-Time
Awarding Body
Pearson
Entry
Existing animal care qualification, or GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4+
Assessment
Coursework + Practical Assessment + Exams
Age
16+
Progression Routes
Route A: Foundation Diploma (Year 1) + Extended Diploma (Year 2) → University or industry
Route B: Local higher education routes: FdSc Animal Welfare Science at UCDon and UCNL; BSc (Hons) Applied Animal Welfare Science Top-Up at both
Applications for September 2026 are open. Apply online in 10 minutes.
Questions? Call free 0800 358 7575 or email dcinfocentre@don.ac.uk