Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming

Course Code

Dog Grooming Stylists

Course Duration

35 weeks - one academic year

Location

Start Date

7 September, 2026

Cost

£3400.00 (adult learner loan available)
Female dog grooming students combing dog's coat

This Level 3 Diploma for Professional Dog Grooming Stylists course is suitable for school leavers and adults who already hold the Level 2 Certificate for Dog Grooming Assistants and want to progress in the dog grooming industry by becoming professional stylists or salon managers or start their own dog grooming business.

You need to hold the City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate for Dog Grooming Assistants to start this qualification.

You will gain the practical skills and knowledge that are important for working as a Professional Dog Groomer. 

You could be self-employer, work for a business or franchise, and it could be based in a salon or a mobile unit.  You could also progress to further learning and training in this area. This qualification covers the skills you will need to progress to work as a Professional Dog Groomer.

All candidates must have successfully completed 7863-02 Level 2 Certificate in Dog Grooming prior to enrolment/registration.

Modules

  • Health and safety, legislation and codes of practice for the dog grooming industry  
  • Styling and finishing dogs.  
  • Health checking and handing a dog in a dog grooming environment  
  • Customer service and record keeping in a dog grooming environment 

Learners enrolled on the Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming will have access to:

  • Two fully operational industrial-standard dog grooming salons 
  • A large and diverse client base, providing access to over 300 dogs for practical training 
  • Modern grooming stations designed to replicate a professional salon environment 
  • Up to date industry standard grooming equipment and tools 
  • Bathing, drying, clipping, scissoring and styling equipment 
  • Professional products and resources to support practical learning 
  • Experienced industry trained tutors and assessors 
  • Real world grooming experience with a variety of breeds, coat types and grooming requirements 
  • Safe and professional learning environments that reflect current industry practices 
  • All grooming equipment provided by the College (learners are only required to purchase their own grooming tunic)

One full day per week for the duration of the course working in the colleges onsite dog grooming salons with a wide range of different breed types.

Plus, specialist work shop sessions on Asian fusion and equipment maintenance from industry experts.

To gain this qualification, candidates must successfully achieve the following assessments: 

  • A two hour Nationally set written exam which covers the knowledge and understanding within the qualification
  • Practical synoptic assessments 
  • A practical assignment which covers health checks, first aid and grooming of dogs with different coat types and for different requirements

Support is provided by personal tutors and specialist dog grooming assessors

Once you have successfully completed this qualification, you could go on to study other Level 3 College-based Animal Management qualification over one year, or two years.

Go into employment or start your own dog grooming business.

Course Details

Qualification

Level 3

Exam Board

City & Guilds

Study Mode

Full Time

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