Other Courses
- Agriculture - Level 1 - Hadlow Campus
- Agriculture - Level 2 - Hadlow Campus
- Agriculture - Level 3 - Hadlow Campus
- Agriculture Engineering - Level 2 - Hadlow Campus
- Animal Management - Level 1 - Hadlow Campus
- Animal Management - Level 2 - Hadlow Campus
- Carpentry & Joinery - Level 1 - Hadlow
- Carpentry (Site) - Level 2 - Hadlow
- Countryside Management (Fisheries) - Level 3 - Hadlow Campus
- Equine Management - Level 3 - Hadlow
Animal Management - Level 3 - Hadlow Campus
Hadlow College
Tonbridge Road, Hadlow, Kent, TN11 0AL
National Diploma (BTEC)
Level 3
Available start dates
Available start dates
Tuesday, 08 September 2026
Hadlow College
2 Year(s)
Full time
Not applicable
Application Instructions
Applications Open - 26th September 2025
Applications Close - 14th August 2026 for application forms - please visit www.hadlow.ac.uk if applying after this date for GCSE Open Events and Open Enrolment Dates.
How to Apply - Apply through KentChoices
PLEASE NOTE - Popular courses can fill up quickly so apply early to avoid disappointmentourses can fill up quickly so apply early to avoid disappointment
Course Summary
Students will attend taught sessions where they complete both written and practical work, developing knowledge and skills. A portfolio of practical work and a diary of work experience, along with records of employer engagement (trips and guest speakers) will all be created by students and used in assessment as part of the work experience unit. The course is assessed by a portfolio of theory-based assignments, practical assessments, and formal exams.
Course Details
The Animal Management Unit and College estate is utilised throughout the qualification to help students develop a wide range of skills. These include practical hands-on skills whilst looking after animals and the wider skills needed in the workplace, such as teamwork and, in the second year, supervising others. The qualification provides a diverse knowledge base and covers not only the finer details of animal care but wildlife management and ecology, conservation, and management skills. These skills are developed through practical sessions during timetabled lessons and animal duties. Work experience and duties take place outside normal College hours and will include early morning duties, holidays, and weekends throughout the course. Additional short employability driven courses are available during each academic year. These courses support students wishing to gain meaningful part time work during their studies. These short courses are available for Level 3 students but are subject to an additional registration & certification fee.
How will it be delivered and assessed?
Students will attend taught sessions where they complete both written and practical work, developing knowledge and skills. A portfolio of practical work and a diary of work experience, along with records of employer engagement (trips and guest speakers) will all be created by students and used in assessment as part of the work experience unit. The course is assessed by a portfolio of theory-based assignments, practical assessments, and formal exams.
Entry requirements
Minimum of 4 GCSEs at Grade 4 or equivalent, must include English and Maths at GCSE Grade 4. Keen interest in the subject and commitment to the curriculum area.
Your next steps...
Successful completion of this qualification will provide you with the opportunity to apply for one of our many Higher Education courses or directly into employment. Some employment opportunities from studying a two-year qualification include animal technician, animal welfare centre assistant, wildlife conservation technician, assistant zookeeper, livestock keeper and kennel/cattery worker. In some cases, students have directly entered work in supervisor roles.
For more courses like this, check our courses page.