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Free Level 3 Animal Management Course in Stafford – South Staffordshire College Rodbaston Campus

CostFREE
Duration35 weeks
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body
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About this course

Free Level 3 Animal Management Course in Stafford. Classes run at South Staffordshire College Rodbaston Campus, full-time over 35 weeks per year across two years. You'll spend three days a week in college, one day on a work experience placement, and one day in self-study. The course covers both theory and practical work, giving you hands-on experience with a wide range of animal species. To apply, you'll need at least four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including science and either maths or English. A merit or above in a Level 2 Animal Care qualification may also be accepted.

Who this course is for

This course is great for anyone who has a passion for animals and has a keen interest in pursuing a career working with them. The course involves both theory and practical elements so you will be able to get stuck in and get hands on with a vast range of animal species and learn about their care and management.

This is a two-year, full-time study programme which means that you will be in college for three days a week, with one day at your work experience placement and one day of self-study at home.

As you may have seen on the Animal Care and Management career page, there are three different options at level 3 to apply for:

* 360 � for those that need to retake either maths or English

* 540 � for those that do not need to retake either maths or English

* T-Level

The 360 relates to the amount of guided learning hours on the course. On the 360, you will study animal-related modules for ten and a half hours per week, for thirty five weeks, whilst the other three hours per week will be made up of retaking either maths or English.

The 360 is equal to two A-Levels.

Entry requirements

You’ll need at least four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including science and either maths or English. If predicted grades show Level 4+ in both maths and English, apply for the 540 version without retakes. Alternatively, a merit or above in Level 2 Animal Care or similar, plus GCSE maths or English at grade 4+, is accepted.

What you will learn

  • You'll study the care and management of a wide range of animal species
  • You'll develop practical animal handling skills through hands-on sessions
  • You'll learn about animal behaviour and how to interpret it
  • You'll explore animal health, welfare, and nutrition
  • You'll gain knowledge of legislation and regulations that govern animal care
  • You'll build experience in a real workplace through a structured placement day each week

How you will learn

Learning combines classroom theory with practical sessions at the Rodbaston Campus. You'll be assessed through a mix of coursework, practical observations, and written assignments. One day each week is spent on a work experience placement, and one day is set aside for self-study. Assessment methods are set by City and Guilds and will be confirmed by the centre at enrolment.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. South Staffordshire College Rodbaston Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Zoo keeper, caring for animals in a zoo or wildlife park
  • Animal welfare officer, enforcing animal welfare standards
  • Veterinary nurse assistant, supporting clinical animal care
  • Kennel or cattery worker, managing day-to-day animal care
  • Wildlife rehabilitation worker, caring for injured wild animals
  • Animal technician, working in research or laboratory animal care
  • Farm animal technician, managing livestock health and husbandry

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, if you want to move into clinical animal care
  • Foundation Degree in Animal Science or Animal Behaviour, offered by universities and some colleges
  • BSc in Animal Management or Zoology, for a deeper academic route into the sector
  • Level 3 NVQ in Animal Care, if you want a work-based qualification alongside employment
Apply on southstaffs.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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