Level 3 Practical Animal Skills

Applications Open - Monday 2nd November 2026

Applications Close - Open all year

How to Apply – Please apply through KentChoices and use your KentChoices login which your school should provide

PLEASE NOTE - Popular courses can fill up quickly so apply early to avoid disappointment

If you have any queries regarding the courses, please contact EKC Canterbury College

You can make up to 5 applications to Colleges within the EKC Group, that is:

• EKC Ashford College
• EKC Broadstairs College*
• EKC Canterbury College*
• EKC Dover College
• EKC Folkestone College*
• EKC Sheppey College

*Junior Colleges exist in these locations.

Please only add one course or T Level per application, except for A Levels at EKC Canterbury College, where up to 4 A Level courses can be added per application. At your interview, you and the tutors can discuss the best level and courses in order for you to progress.

Level 3 Practical Animal Skills

During your time at College, you will develop a strong foundation in animal management while building the knowledge, behaviours and skills that employers expect within the landbased sector. A range of units will be taught on the course including: • Animal Management • Sustainability and the environment • Biosecurity • Project Management • Customer Care • Health and Safety • Business Development Choosing EKC Canterbury College also means you have access to our Spring Lane Campus, where you can gain practical experience working with a variety of animals, including goats, meerkats, guinea pigs and snakes. Your industry placement is a key part of your studiesl, giving you the opportunity to apply your knowledge in a working environment. This experience helps you develop the technical and transferable skills employers value, while building confidence and understanding of the sector. Through our strong links with local employers, you will also have opportunities to develop your skills beyond the classroom by hearing from guest speakers and College alumni. Examples include visits from Howletts Animal Park and the UK Owl and Raptor Centre, where students have had the opportunity to handle birds of prey, including hawks, eagles and owls.

The assessments are designed to test your knowledge of the animal care sector and ensure you are ready for your next steps. Your final grade will be calculated through a combination of practical assignments, coursework completed throughout the year, and an externally set assessment.

This study programme is designed to help you move quickly toward advanced jobs, higher education, or apprenticeship opportunities if you know what you want to do next and meet the entry requirements needed for success. Achieving a Level 3 qualification will improve your future earning potential and career choices. It also allows you to progress to Higher Education, Higher Apprenticeships, and Degree Apprenticeships. These can lead to roles like advanced technician or skilled supervisor at Level 3, and eventually to management or professional status as you continue your studies. To study at Level 3, including all T Level and A Level programmes, you will need an average entry score of 5.0 from your best 6 GCSE subjects, including English and Maths.

On completing this course, there will be a wide range of progression routes available to you. These include, starting your career in a variety of Animal Management roles such as Zookeeper, Animal Care Worker or Dog Handler. You can also progress onto University, giving you the chance to work towards specialist careers.