Where will this course lead?

This course is ideal for you if you are interested in Animal Management or if you would like a career in the animal care industry. On completion, this course provides UCAS points and possible entry into Higher Education. This course could lead to work with the RSPCA, working with Guide Dogs for the blind, Pet Shop management and trainee Veterinary Nursing.

What will I study?

Throughout your studies, you will cover 8 Units from the following list:

Animal Breeding and Genetics (Mandatory Unit) Practical Skills in Animal Science

Investigative Research Project (Mandatory Unit) Animal Metabolism

Advanced Animal Nutrition Animal Grooming

Farm Livestock Husbandry Zoological Animal Health & Husbandry

Human and Animal Interaction Business Management in the Animal Sector

Practical Estate Planning, Construction and

Maintenance Animal Management in a Retail Environment

Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Management Animals in Boarding Establishments

Principles of Animal Nursing Developing an Enterprise in the Animal Sector

Aquatic Animal Health and Husbandry Exotic Animal Husbandry

How will this course be delivered?

You will spend three/four days per week in College and one additional day on an animal related work placement.

What qualifications will I get?

After this year you will achieve a Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma which is the equivalent to 3 A-levels.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is continual over the year mainly by the completion of assignments, but there are a range of assessment methods including: external assessments, presentations and group work and students are also assessed practically on the Animal Care Centre and in the work place.

You will be given the opportunity to gain a Pass, Merit or Distinction in each subject.

How do I get a place on the course?

You will be required complete an application and to attend a College interview.

What are the entry requirements?

- Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Animal Management - with evidence of a good standard of work, attendance and behaviour throughout the course.

- You maintained and completed the necessary hours in a suitable work placement.

In addition to the above you also require:

- A suitable character or tutor reference

- A successful College interview

What else do I need to know?

You will need to purchase a pair of steel toe cap boots, a College boiler suit and a work placement polo shirt. There may also be various trips throughout the year. The price of these will become available upon application.

A good standard of English and Maths are essential for success in your course, your chosen vocation and life. Throughout your course you will continue to develop your English and Maths skills in your vocational classes.

In order to study the National Extended Diploma it is essential that students have a Grade A*/9 - C/4 in Maths and English.

If you have a Learning Difficulty or Disability please let us know when you apply. You will be offered support in your interview. If you need help completing your application we can help with this too.

Solihull College is an inclusive and diverse learning environment offering full-time and part-time courses to people from anywhere in the UK and overseas.

Have a question about the course?

Please contact Admissions on 0121 678 7000 with any queries.

What can I do after this course?

When you successfully achieve this qualification you can go onto a variety of HE courses including FdSc in Animal Behaviour and Welfare at Solihull College and other university courses such as Zoology, Animal Biology and Animal Behaviour, and careers in the animal care industries for example the RSPCA, pet shops, kennels and catteries, trainee veterinary nurse, ranger or wildlife conservation work.

Some students go on to set up their own businesses within the industry.

Location

Blossomfield Campus

Start Date

Sept-2025

Day

Various

Time

TBC

Course Fee

N/A For 16 to 18 Year Olds

Course Code

ANAJA033BCF0

Study Mode

Full Time

Zoo Keeper

Zoo Keepers work directly with animals on a daily basis, looking after their feeding, cleaning and health needs.

What’s Involved?

Zoo Keepers feed, wash, groom, trim and exercise animals. They clean animals' quarters and renew bedding as necessary. They also house, feed, exercise, train, groom horses, dogs and other animals in preparation for entry to shows, races and other events. They check animals for illness, treats minor ailments or call for vets if further treatment is required. They meet prospective owners and advise on animal selection and animal care. They patrol public areas to search for and capture stray or nuisance dogs, and transport captured animals to kennels.

Predicted Employment

How much can I earn?

£17,680
NATIONAL AVERAGE

Employment by Region

The career paths provided are to give you an idea of the careers that you could progress onto in the future. However, for some, you may need to complete higher level qualifications and gain experience before your dream job becomes a reality. The information provided is to support further research and to generate some initial career ideas when choosing a course. Please check entry requirements to degree courses, apprenticeships, and jobs as this may vary from year to year and across providers. For further advice and guidance, please contact: careers@solihull.ac.uk.