Animal Management (Applied)

Course Overview

Animal Management is a practical Level 3 course for students who want to develop their understanding of animal care, welfare and management.

You’ll explore the science behind animal health and behaviour while building the practical skills needed to work responsibly with animals. The course considers a range of animal settings, including companion animals, farm livestock, exotic species and animals in managed collections.

You’ll learn how to support animal welfare, understand animal biology, apply safe working practices and make informed decisions about animal care. You’ll also develop the confidence to work independently, communicate clearly and use evidence to solve problems.

This qualification is equivalent in size to one A Level. It is ideal if you want to combine Animal Management with other Level 3 subjects and keep a broad range of university, apprenticeship and career options open.

What will I study?

You’ll develop knowledge and skills in areas such as:

• Animal breeding and genetics
• Animal biology, including anatomy, physiology and body systems
• Animal welfare, ethics and responsible animal management
• Practical animal husbandry, handling and accommodation
• Health and safety, biosecurity and risk assessment
• Nutrition, health and disease prevention
• Animal behaviour and the factors that affect it
• The legal, ethical and professional responsibilities of people working with animals

Modules

The qualification includes four mandatory units:

• Unit 1: Animal Breeding and Genetics
• Unit 2: Animal Biology
• Unit 3: Animal Welfare and Ethics
• Unit 4: Practical Animal Husbandry

Together, these units develop the scientific knowledge, practical understanding and professional behaviours needed for progression in the animal management sector.

Work experience: You’ll complete at least 75 hours of compulsory work experience with an animal-management employer as part of the course. This will help you build practical skills, understand professional expectations and explore future career options.

Entry requirements

Five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English Language or Mathematics and a Science subject.

Students should have a genuine interest in animal care and welfare, be ready to complete practical and written work, and be able to work safely and responsibly around animals.

Why should I choose USP College?

• Combine a specialist animal qualification with A Levels or another eligible Level 3 qualification.
• Develop practical knowledge of animal welfare, biology and husbandry alongside transferable academic skills.
• Learn through a balance of theory, practical work and real animal-management contexts.
• Build the confidence to progress into animal-related higher education, apprenticeships and employment.
• Benefit from links between the Level 3 course and USP College’s established Animal Management provision, including higher education progression routes.
• Develop the communication, research, teamwork and problem-solving skills valued by universities and employers.
• Benefit from USP College’s careers, employability and enrichment opportunities.

Additional costs

Students will need to purchase suitable clothing or footwear for practical activities. Costs for specialist visits or trips may also apply.

What could I do next?

Animal Management can support progression to a range of next steps, including:

• Higher education courses in animal management, animal behaviour and welfare, zoology, biological sciences, equine studies and related subjects
• Apprenticeships and employment in animal care, animal welfare, kennels and catteries, animal collections, pet retail, animal charities and related services
• Further specialist study in areas such as veterinary care, conservation, ecology or animal nursing

This course is a strong choice if you enjoy working with animals and want to develop the scientific, practical and professional skills needed for future study and animal-sector careers.

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