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Tutor Support Included

Learning remotely doesn’t mean you’re on your own! You’ll be able to message your tutor through our industry-leading learning platform.

Flexible Payment Options

Enrol today from £9.99 deposit & spread the cost over 24 months

Learn At Your Own Pace

Study wherever and whenever you want. You’ll have access to your course for one year so you can fit your learning around your other commitments.

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Level 3 Diploma in Zookeeping (RQF)

Get in touch with us and we’ll call you back
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Practical Placement Locations - Dartmoor Zoo - Colchester Zoo - Blackpool Zoo - Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park Practical Placement Locations - Dartmoor Zoo - Colchester Zoo - Blackpool Zoo - Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park
OUR PASS RATE
Animal Care & Veterinary Science (National Average 74.9%)
86.8%

This Course at a Glance

  • Work directly with animals during practical training
  • Learn about conservation, zoo design and disease prevention
  • Confidently enhance your skillset
  • Complete the course within a year
  • Employer recognised RQF qualification
  • Dedicated tutor guides your learning
  • Provides 24 UCAS Tariff Points
  • SALE Savings End Midnight Sunday 31st March
  • SALE Savings End Midnight Sunday 31st March

Level 3 Diploma in Zookeeping (RQF)

This Course at a Glance

  • Work directly with animals during practical training
  • Learn about conservation, zoo design and disease prevention
  • Confidently enhance your skillset
  • Complete the course within a year
  • Employer recognised RQF qualification
  • Dedicated tutor guides your learning
  • Provides 24 UCAS Tariff Points

About Your Diploma 

The SEG Awards Level 3 Diploma in Zookeeping is a comprehensive course that allows you to delve into the world of zookeeping, giving you an opportunity to work closely with animals and wildlife. 

Achieving this qualification will turn your passion for animal welfare into a rewarding career. Expanding your understanding of zookeeping and how to care for large animals with complex needs in a zoo or safari setting. 

The course, which is open to learners aged 16 or older, consists of theory-based online learning and practical training. This will involve direct contact with many species, including penguins, sea lions, giraffes, aardvarks, and more. You will gain first-hand experience of working in a zoo, as well as develop essential skills and put into practice what you have learned. 

The theory element of the course is studied online from home, at your own pace and with full tutor support. The practical training involves spending 1 week with one of the following participating zoos: 

  • Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park 

  • Colchester Zoo 

  • Dartmoor Zoo 

  • Blackpool Zoo 

During this time, you will delve into the behaviours of different species. You will also learn about conservation and sustainability, as well as specialist care for reptiles. 

Find out more about the placement in our videos below! 

By studying this course, you will be eligible to apply for ZSL Fellowship, which if successful, gives you unlimited access to ZSL London and ZSL Whipsnade Zoos. The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) works on conservation and sustainability efforts for wildlife habitats around the world. 

UCAS Status 

Learners looking to go to university or continue their training at a Higher Education (HE) provider after completing one of our Level 3 animal courses will benefit from UCAS Points. 

All our Level 3 animal qualifications are allocated a certain number of UCAS Tariff Points, ranging from 8 to 48 points. These are used to meet entry requirements for higher education establishments. So, if you are keen to pursue the next stage of your career, this Level 3 course will help you achieve it. 

UCAS logo

Getting Started 

learndirect is the UK’s leading online course provider, helping more than 4 million students across the country. Our online courses give you the flexibility to engage with your studies on your terms.  

No matter what your commitments are, online learning works around you, so you’re able to progress with your studies at a pace appropriate to your circumstances. The only date you’ll need to keep in mind is when you book the practical element of the course. 

You’ll gain essential knowledge on the fundamentals of zookeeping and work towards a fulfilling new career. With no classes to attend or a timetable to stick to, you’re in control of the pace and place of your learning, and you can start straight away! 

What’s more, we have dedicated and experienced online tutors to support you throughout your course, as well as all the material being readily available as soon as you enrol. 

 

+ Free Upgrade Self-Paced Online Learning With Tutor Support Self-Paced Online Learning With Tutor Support PLUS On-Demand & Live Classes
Access your course materials immediately
Tutor support via our market-leading platform
Study around existing commitments
Progress as quickly as you’d like
Tailored individual learning plan to help you succeed
Engaging content; from videos to interactive quizzes
Industry-leading 5 days marking turnaround
Live class scheduled between 10 am to 8 pm daily (including weekends)  
Access to our video library of previous lectures available on-demand  
Interact with your tutors directly during your class  
Network with like-minded students via our chat functionality  
Take live classes multiple times or access recordings as you like  

Modules

Zookeeping Level 3 Diploma (RQF) Modules

The course consists of 12 compulsory units. 

Unit 1: Zoos in History 

On completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Understand the development of zoos over time  

  • Know the roles of the modern zoo 

  • Understand modern zookeeping roles 

Unit 2: Zoological Conservation 

On completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Know different zoo conservation strategies  

  • Understand the complexities of captive animal breeding programmes 

Unit 3: Zoo Enclosure Design and Improvement 

On completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Know the health and safety requirements for enclosure design 

  • Understand zoo animal enclosure improvement  

  • Know about general zoo design 

Unit 4: Legislation in Zoos  

On completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Know legislation related to zoos in the UK and Europe  

  • Know organisations related to zoos in the UK and Europe  

  • Understand legislation and organisations related to aspects of zookeeping 

  • Understand legislative control of transporting zoo animals 

Unit 5: Education in Zoos 

On completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Know how to present information to others  

  • Understand design of zoo signage 

  • Know the importance of zoos to current and future generations 

  • Understand collaborative working in zoos 

Unit 6: The Role of the Media in Zoos 

On completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Know the advantages of the media to zoos  

  • Know the different forms of exposure of a zoo to the media 

  • Understand how Zookeepers are involved with the media 

Unit 7: Zoo Animal Nutrition 

On completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Understand how to source information on zoo animal nutrition 

  •  Know how to store and maintain animal feeds 

  • Know the link between animal nutrition and health 

Unit 8: Zoos Animal Management 

On completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Understand the information required by Zookeepers to manage animals in a zoo  

  • Know the importance of accurate record keeping in zoos 

  • Understand the skills required to observe animals in a zoo 

  • Know the importance of teamwork in a zoo and as part of a wider multidisciplinary team 

Unit 9: Zoo Animal Health 

On completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Know zoo animal diseases  

  • Understand the prevention of ill health in zoo animals 

  • Understand zoo animal behaviour in relation to good and ill health 

Unit 10: Zoo Animal Enrichment 

On completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Know the reasons for provision of environmental enrichment 

  • Understand the benefits of environmental enrichment 

  • Know the use of animal training for enrichment 

Unit 11: Stress in Zoo Animals 

On completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Understand zoo animal behaviour 

  • Know the signs of stress in zoo animals 

  • Understand the management of stress in zoo animals 

Unit 12: Animals in Captivity 

On completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Know the needs of captive animals 

  • Know the methods used to assess the welfare of animals in captivity 

  • Understand the ethical considerations of keeping animals in captivity 

  • Understand the breeding of animals in captivity 

1 week of Practical Training at Participating Zoo 

On completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Know what is involved in the design of enclosures 

  • Understand the diet requirements of primates 

  • Have a strong knowledge of conservation and sustainability 

  • Understand animal training and behaviours 

  • Know about zoo administration and the specialist care of reptiles and invertebrates 

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements 

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification but learners must be aged 16 or over. 

Minimum Age Restriction 

16 

Average Completion Timeframe 

You have 24 months to complete your course. 

Placement or Practical Required 

This course does not include a mandatory placement. However, learners have the opportunity to complete an optional placement that is offered at Blackpool Zoo, Colchester Zoo, Dartmoor Zoo, and Jimmy's Farm. Please note, minimum group sizes apply. 

If Placement or Practical Required, When? 

Learners can choose the practical location and dates that suit them best once the threshold has been met. 

Certification Timeframe 

Learners can expect their certification within 6 months of completing the course, following the (EQA) External Quality Assurance of assessment. 

Course Fees 

All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered. 

*You will have access to the course for 24 months. 

When studying your Zookeeping Level 3 Diploma (RQF), you will undergo a variety of assessments overseen by our qualified experts. After completing each unit, you need to provide a portfolio of evidence. 

As you’re in control of the pace in which you learn, you’re also in charge of when you hand in your assignments. This enables you to take as long as you need to thoroughly understand the unit before completing any assignments. 

Practical Training 

The practical elements of your course give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge in real-life scenarios with a 1-week practical placement at a zoo. 

The practical training programme includes both theoretical and hands-on learning. You will be able to experience the day-to-day aspects of working in a zoo. 

The week will include: 

  • Studying animal nutrition and behaviour 

  • Conservation and sustainability 

  • Specialist care of reptiles and invertebrates 

  • Zoo administration: Including ZIMs, EEPs, Studbook management, Zoo licensing 

  • Allocated time to research personal projects and areas of interest 

  • Direct contact with a range of animals such as giraffes, penguins, prosimians, aardvarks, tapirs and sea lions 

Also, if you undergo your practical training, you may have the opportunity to apply for a job role at the zoo should you be successful. The career possibilities are far and wide. 

*Please note that dates for the practical training will be provided upon enrolment. 

SEG Awards

SEG Awards logo

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be awarded the Zookeeping Level 3 Diploma (Qualification Number: 610/3324/8). 

Skills and Education Group Awards offer qualifications and assessments which are regulated by CCEA, Ofqual and Qualifications Wales. They are driven by delivering a high-quality and trusted service to Centres and learners, so that everyone gets the education they deserve.

After obtaining the SEG Awards Level 3 Diploma in Zookeeping, you will have the opportunity to embark on a fulfilling career. The conservationand care of wildlife species is a cause that many people are passionate about, and by achieving this accredited qualification, you will be able to make a real-life difference. 

Given the wealth of specialist information taught during the course, as well as the essential practical elements, you will possess the knowledge and skills required to work in several roles. Having a Zookeeping Level 3 Diploma (RQF) could potentially lead you towards a career in one of the following roles: 

  • Zookeeper 

  • Wildlife Ranger 

  • Zoo Vet Assistants 

  • Zoologist 

  • Wildlife Park Keeper 

  • Curator and More! 

ZSL Fellowship 

By studying for the SEG Awards Level 3 Diploma in Zookeeping, you not only enhance your career prospects, but you also become eligible for ZSL Fellowship. The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is an international conservation charity that is dedicated to ensuring that wildlife habitats continue to thrive. 

Through science, field conservation and the work of ZSL London and ZSL Whipsnade Zoos, habitats are getting the help they need, continuously tackling the challenges that come their way. By undertaking the Zookeeping Level 3 Diploma (RQF), you can apply for a Fellowship. If successful, you will get unlimited access to both zoos and borrowing rights to zoological texts. 

zsl logo

  • SALE Savings End Midnight Sunday 31st March
  • SALE Savings End Midnight Sunday 31st March

Level 3 Diploma in Zookeeping (RQF)

This Course at a Glance

  • Work directly with animals during practical training
  • Learn about conservation, zoo design and disease prevention
  • Confidently enhance your skillset
  • Complete the course within a year
  • Employer recognised RQF qualification
  • Dedicated tutor guides your learning
  • Provides 24 UCAS Tariff Points

About Your Diploma 

The SEG Awards Level 3 Diploma in Zookeeping is a comprehensive course that allows you to delve into the world of zookeeping, giving you an opportunity to work closely with animals and wildlife. 

Achieving this qualification will turn your passion for animal welfare into a rewarding career. Expanding your understanding of zookeeping and how to care for large animals with complex needs in a zoo or safari setting. 

The course, which is open to learners aged 16 or older, consists of theory-based online learning and practical training. This will involve direct contact with many species, including penguins, sea lions, giraffes, aardvarks, and more. You will gain first-hand experience of working in a zoo, as well as develop essential skills and put into practice what you have learned. 

The theory element of the course is studied online from home, at your own pace and with full tutor support. The practical training involves spending 1 week with one of the following participating zoos: 

  • Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park 

  • Colchester Zoo 

  • Dartmoor Zoo 

  • Blackpool Zoo 

During this time, you will delve into the behaviours of different species. You will also learn about conservation and sustainability, as well as specialist care for reptiles. 

Find out more about the placement in our videos below! 

By studying this course, you will be eligible to apply for ZSL Fellowship, which if successful, gives you unlimited access to ZSL London and ZSL Whipsnade Zoos. The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) works on conservation and sustainability efforts for wildlife habitats around the world. 

UCAS Status 

Learners looking to go to university or continue their training at a Higher Education (HE) provider after completing one of our Level 3 animal courses will benefit from UCAS Points. 

All our Level 3 animal qualifications are allocated a certain number of UCAS Tariff Points, ranging from 8 to 48 points. These are used to meet entry requirements for higher education establishments. So, if you are keen to pursue the next stage of your career, this Level 3 course will help you achieve it. 

UCAS logo

Getting Started 

learndirect is the UK’s leading online course provider, helping more than 4 million students across the country. Our online courses give you the flexibility to engage with your studies on your terms.  

No matter what your commitments are, online learning works around you, so you’re able to progress with your studies at a pace appropriate to your circumstances. The only date you’ll need to keep in mind is when you book the practical element of the course. 

You’ll gain essential knowledge on the fundamentals of zookeeping and work towards a fulfilling new career. With no classes to attend or a timetable to stick to, you’re in control of the pace and place of your learning, and you can start straight away! 

What’s more, we have dedicated and experienced online tutors to support you throughout your course, as well as all the material being readily available as soon as you enrol. 

 

+ Free Upgrade Self-Paced Online Learning With Tutor Support Self-Paced Online Learning With Tutor Support PLUS On-Demand & Live Classes
Access your course materials immediately
Tutor support via our market-leading platform
Study around existing commitments
Progress as quickly as you’d like
Tailored individual learning plan to help you succeed
Engaging content; from videos to interactive quizzes
Industry-leading 5 days marking turnaround
Live class scheduled between 10 am to 8 pm daily (including weekends)  
Access to our video library of previous lectures available on-demand  
Interact with your tutors directly during your class  
Network with like-minded students via our chat functionality  
Take live classes multiple times or access recordings as you like  

Modules

Zookeeping Level 3 Diploma (RQF) Modules

The course consists of 12 compulsory units. 

Unit 1: Zoos in History 

On completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Understand the development of zoos over time  

  • Know the roles of the modern zoo 

  • Understand modern zookeeping roles 

Unit 2: Zoological Conservation 

On completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Know different zoo conservation strategies  

  • Understand the complexities of captive animal breeding programmes 

Unit 3: Zoo Enclosure Design and Improvement 

On completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Know the health and safety requirements for enclosure design 

  • Understand zoo animal enclosure improvement  

  • Know about general zoo design 

Unit 4: Legislation in Zoos  

On completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Know legislation related to zoos in the UK and Europe  

  • Know organisations related to zoos in the UK and Europe  

  • Understand legislation and organisations related to aspects of zookeeping 

  • Understand legislative control of transporting zoo animals 

Unit 5: Education in Zoos 

On completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Know how to present information to others  

  • Understand design of zoo signage 

  • Know the importance of zoos to current and future generations 

  • Understand collaborative working in zoos 

Unit 6: The Role of the Media in Zoos 

On completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Know the advantages of the media to zoos  

  • Know the different forms of exposure of a zoo to the media 

  • Understand how Zookeepers are involved with the media 

Unit 7: Zoo Animal Nutrition 

On completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Understand how to source information on zoo animal nutrition 

  •  Know how to store and maintain animal feeds 

  • Know the link between animal nutrition and health 

Unit 8: Zoos Animal Management 

On completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Understand the information required by Zookeepers to manage animals in a zoo  

  • Know the importance of accurate record keeping in zoos 

  • Understand the skills required to observe animals in a zoo 

  • Know the importance of teamwork in a zoo and as part of a wider multidisciplinary team 

Unit 9: Zoo Animal Health 

On completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Know zoo animal diseases  

  • Understand the prevention of ill health in zoo animals 

  • Understand zoo animal behaviour in relation to good and ill health 

Unit 10: Zoo Animal Enrichment 

On completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Know the reasons for provision of environmental enrichment 

  • Understand the benefits of environmental enrichment 

  • Know the use of animal training for enrichment 

Unit 11: Stress in Zoo Animals 

On completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Understand zoo animal behaviour 

  • Know the signs of stress in zoo animals 

  • Understand the management of stress in zoo animals 

Unit 12: Animals in Captivity 

On completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Know the needs of captive animals 

  • Know the methods used to assess the welfare of animals in captivity 

  • Understand the ethical considerations of keeping animals in captivity 

  • Understand the breeding of animals in captivity 

1 week of Practical Training at Participating Zoo 

On completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Know what is involved in the design of enclosures 

  • Understand the diet requirements of primates 

  • Have a strong knowledge of conservation and sustainability 

  • Understand animal training and behaviours 

  • Know about zoo administration and the specialist care of reptiles and invertebrates 

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements 

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification but learners must be aged 16 or over. 

Minimum Age Restriction 

16 

Average Completion Timeframe 

You have 24 months to complete your course. 

Placement or Practical Required 

This course does not include a mandatory placement. However, learners have the opportunity to complete an optional placement that is offered at Blackpool Zoo, Colchester Zoo, Dartmoor Zoo, and Jimmy's Farm. Please note, minimum group sizes apply. 

If Placement or Practical Required, When? 

Learners can choose the practical location and dates that suit them best once the threshold has been met. 

Certification Timeframe 

Learners can expect their certification within 6 months of completing the course, following the (EQA) External Quality Assurance of assessment. 

Course Fees 

All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered. 

*You will have access to the course for 24 months. 

Excellent Marking

Assessment

When studying your Zookeeping Level 3 Diploma (RQF), you will undergo a variety of assessments overseen by our qualified experts. After completing each unit, you need to provide a portfolio of evidence. 

As you’re in control of the pace in which you learn, you’re also in charge of when you hand in your assignments. This enables you to take as long as you need to thoroughly understand the unit before completing any assignments. 

Practical Training 

The practical elements of your course give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge in real-life scenarios with a 1-week practical placement at a zoo. 

The practical training programme includes both theoretical and hands-on learning. You will be able to experience the day-to-day aspects of working in a zoo. 

The week will include: 

  • Studying animal nutrition and behaviour 

  • Conservation and sustainability 

  • Specialist care of reptiles and invertebrates 

  • Zoo administration: Including ZIMs, EEPs, Studbook management, Zoo licensing 

  • Allocated time to research personal projects and areas of interest 

  • Direct contact with a range of animals such as giraffes, penguins, prosimians, aardvarks, tapirs and sea lions 

Also, if you undergo your practical training, you may have the opportunity to apply for a job role at the zoo should you be successful. The career possibilities are far and wide. 

*Please note that dates for the practical training will be provided upon enrolment. 

Qualifications

SEG Awards

SEG Awards logo

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be awarded the Zookeeping Level 3 Diploma (Qualification Number: 610/3324/8). 

Skills and Education Group Awards offer qualifications and assessments which are regulated by CCEA, Ofqual and Qualifications Wales. They are driven by delivering a high-quality and trusted service to Centres and learners, so that everyone gets the education they deserve.

After obtaining the SEG Awards Level 3 Diploma in Zookeeping, you will have the opportunity to embark on a fulfilling career. The conservationand care of wildlife species is a cause that many people are passionate about, and by achieving this accredited qualification, you will be able to make a real-life difference. 

Given the wealth of specialist information taught during the course, as well as the essential practical elements, you will possess the knowledge and skills required to work in several roles. Having a Zookeeping Level 3 Diploma (RQF) could potentially lead you towards a career in one of the following roles: 

  • Zookeeper 

  • Wildlife Ranger 

  • Zoo Vet Assistants 

  • Zoologist 

  • Wildlife Park Keeper 

  • Curator and More! 

ZSL Fellowship 

By studying for the SEG Awards Level 3 Diploma in Zookeeping, you not only enhance your career prospects, but you also become eligible for ZSL Fellowship. The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is an international conservation charity that is dedicated to ensuring that wildlife habitats continue to thrive. 

Through science, field conservation and the work of ZSL London and ZSL Whipsnade Zoos, habitats are getting the help they need, continuously tackling the challenges that come their way. By undertaking the Zookeeping Level 3 Diploma (RQF), you can apply for a Fellowship. If successful, you will get unlimited access to both zoos and borrowing rights to zoological texts. 

zsl logo

OUR PASS RATE
Animal Care & Veterinary Science
86.8%
(National Average 74.9%)
Online &
Practical Learning
12 units
297 guided
learning hours

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