Dog Grooming Diploma (Level 3)

Course overview

You will gain the practical skills and knowledge that are important for working as a professional dog groomer.

Independent study skills are needed to be successful at this level. You will undertake a 15 day work placement in the dog grooming industry, and there is the expectation that you will also attend an industry placement in a grooming parlour, one day per week throughout your course.

You will learn

  • Health and safety, legislation and codes of practice for the dog grooming industry
  • Canine first aid
  • Canine anatomy and physiology
  • Styling and finishing techniques
  • Planning, styling and trimming
  • Trimming methods for different coat types
  • Health checks, handling and restraining dogs
  • Canine behaviour
  • Customer liaison and record keeping

Diploma in Dog Grooming – City & Guilds of London Institute Reference: 60303530

A Distinction grade on the Dog Grooming Assistant Certificate (Level 2), FS Level 2/GCSE grade 4 in Maths and English, or evidence of working at this level. Before you start your course, if you are aged between 16 and 18 years, you will be required to attend a fun and practical two-day preparation workshop where you will meet your tutors and other students on your course. Further details will be provided at the point of an offer being made.

On successful completion of this course you will be classified as a fully-qualified dog groomer, and you can start your own business or work for a business/franchise in a salon or a mobile unit. You could also progress to further learning and training in this area to develop your skills.

This is a full-time course. If you are aged 16, 17 or 18 at the start of this course, your tuition, exams and materials fees will be paid for you in full as long as you meet some basic criteria for UK residence. Find out more on our Fees and Funding page. If you are eligible, you can also apply for support with travel and other costs through our bursary process. Further information will be provided when you enrol.

If you are aged 19 or over on the day your course starts, you may be entitled to help with tuition fees for some courses. If you are in receipt of employment benefits, have a low income, or are studying towards your first substantial qualification, you may be entitled to free tuition. You will need to pay a materials fee if applicable to your course. Find further information about help with tuition fees on our Fees and Funding page.

Alisha’s story

Alisha studied Animal Care Diploma (Level 2) and Animal Management Advanced Diploma (Level 3), before progressing on to Dog Grooming Assistant Certificate (Level 2). Alisha’s story