Ready for Level 3?
Applications for September 2027 are open. Apply online in 10 minutes.
Level 3 Foundation Diploma Animal Management
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.
Got a question? Ask us
How you’ll learn
The Science Behind the Animals You Work With
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.
Core Science
- Animal biology
- Breeding and genetics
- Animal welfare and ethics
- Animal health and disease
Practical and Industry
- Practical animal husbandry (the day-to-day care of animals)
- Animal behaviour
- Work experience
Entry and progression
What you need and where it leads
- Entry requirements
- This course Level 3
- Further study
Entry requirements
- An existing animal care qualification, OR
- GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4 or above
- A genuine interest in animals and the science behind the work
- Successful interview with our team
If you've come up via a Level 2 route and still need to top up your Maths or English, you can keep working on those alongside the course, built into your timetable.
Not sure you meet these? Talk to us and we will help you find the right starting point.
- Level 5 FdSc Animal Welfare Science At University Campus DoncasterAlso at University Campus North Lincolnshire 32 UCAS points
- Level 3 Level 3 Extended Diploma Animal Management At this college
See all 3 courses
At this college
At University Campus Doncaster
At University Campus North Lincolnshire
Careers it can lead to
- Animal Care Services Occupations £23,700 a year
- Veterinary Nurses £26,600 a year
Typical pay is the UK median for each job (Lightcast, October 2026).
Life on the course
See what it’s really like
Our facilities
On-Campus, On Field, On Placement
Practical work is central to Level 3. You'll work across the Animal Centre, field visits, and a real industry work experience placement.
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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
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Field visits to Valley Wildlife
Regular visits to work with a wide variety of larger animals including alpacas, donkeys, pigs, goats and sheep.
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Work experience placement
Built into the year, giving you direct exposure to the industry.
On-Campus Animal Centre · 100+ Species · Work Experience Placement
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.
For parents and carers
Supporting your child’s journey
Real Career Prospects
These qualifications lead to real jobs. Our courses are built around the skills that employers are actually hiring for, locally and nationally.
See career optionsFinancial Support Available
Bursaries 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 infoTutors With Real Experience
Our tutors bring real industry experience into the classroom. They teach what's actually used in the world of work, and students consistently say this is what makes the course work.
Your next step
Apply now, come and see us first, or ask us anything.
Want to visit first?
FE Open Event – 12th January 202712th January 4:30pm to 7:00pm
Got a question?
Ask us about the course, entry requirements or funding.
Call 0800 358 7575
What happens after you apply
1
You apply
Apply online and you’ll get a confirmation email.
2
You meet your tutor
We’ll invite you to an interview to talk through the course and your plans, and make sure it’s right for you.
3
You get an offer
We’ll email you a conditional or unconditional offer.
4
You get ready to start
Come to a taster session in the summer, then enrol in August, bringing your results.