- Duration
2 years
- Attendance
- 3 days per week
- Location
- Plumpton College
Course Overview
This programme is aimed at those who wish to work with animals in a role which supports management and is equivalent to studying three a-levels over two years.
Entrants will normally have some experience of working with companion animals. The programme develops both technical knowledge and practical skills through lectures, practicals, demonstrations, visits and one day per week at a work placement. Students will be assessed through coursework, exams and practical assessments.
This course is an excellent preparation for employment in animal collections, pet shops, rescue centres and small charities. It also affers students the opportunity to progress into higher education.
Careers Hub
We offer impartial careers guidance to all of our students, email careers@plumpton.ac.uk to explore your next step or to book an appointment – we’re here to help.
Industry Work Placement
All students on our Level 3 programme are required to take part in an exciting industry placement along side their vocational programme consisting of 150 hours per year. Second year students will also have to complete a number of volunteer days in our Animal Care Centre on weekends and holidays. Both of these opportunities will give you a chance to gain valuable skills in a real working environment whilst being pared with your ideal employer.
There is flexibility on how students complete the placement; it can be during non-college weekdays, weekends, in blocks or over the holiday period. You will receive all of the necessary information during your interview, and if you have any queries in the meantime please contact workexperience@plumpton.ac.uk
Qualifications Gained
- BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Animal Management
- Plumpton Certificate
- GCSEs in English & Maths if appropriate
Entry Requirements
Either:
- You will need to have achieved 5 GCSEs between a Grade 9-4 (A-C) including English, Maths and Science. (There is also an opportunity to undertake either Maths OR English alongside this course IF 5 other GCSEs have been gained.
- Level 2 Technical Diploma in Animal Care at a Merit/Merit grade or above.
- Mature students without the above requirements will be considered individually.
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.
Students aged 19-23 studying their Level 1, 2 or first Level 3 may be entitled to tuition fee waiver depending on criteria eligibility.
Students aged 24+ who are studying a second Level 3 course or aged 24+ who are studying their first Level 3 course will have to pay tuition fees, depending on the course.
Students on low income who can prove they earn less than £25,000 (from September 2024); are unemployed; or receive state benefits could be entitled to a tuition fee waiver.
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, which contribute to quality resources and equipment for their studies.
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 depending on the course studied.
Work Experience
Work experience enhances your studies and is an important part of your course. It ensures you leave 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.
