Animal Management
STUDYING ANIMAL MANAGEMENT AT WESTON COLLEGE
You will get the chance to work with an exciting new range of animals thanks to our partnership with Puxton Park, including domestic, farm and exotic animals include tortoises, parrots, reindeer, owls, marmoset monkeys, meerkats, donkeys, goats, ponies, rare pigs, alpacas, cattle, emus, stick insects and more ...
You will be based both at South West Skills Campus and Puxton Park, where you will benefit from:
- A bespoke animal management campus.
- Weekly experience within an outstanding zoo farm.
- The opportunity to study and work with a wide range of animal species from insects to primates.
- Teaching from industry specialists.
- Opportunities to undertake meaningful and substantial work experience.
- Trips to animal establishments.
- Guest lectures from a wide range of industry specialists
Use this page to discover your perfect course, and apply direct right here.
Careers in Animal Management
Here are just a few examples of job titles that have shown to be the most popular listings in the South West region within the last year.
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Animals are extremely important to our lives and there is a huge variety of careers in the animal care sector. The animal care industry is worth £1 billion to the UKs economy. It has 13,000 businesses, 78,000 employees and lots of volunteers.
We've bundled the best education in the area with career boosted benefits - and are leveraging our contacts as one of the largest Colleges in the country to give you the best possible chance of success.
Our qualifications have been developed in conjunction with local and national employers and have a proven record of helping students gain animal management related jobs and onto relevant degrees.
Our programmes are endorsed by:
Animal Care Land Based Studies, Certificate
Turn your passion for animals into practical skills and industry experience. This hands-on course introduces…
Animal Care Technical Certificate
Take your first step towards a career working with animals on this practical, hands-on course. You'll…
Animal Management and Science, T Level
Combine your passion for animals with scientific knowledge and industry experience. This two-year T Level…
Animal Management, BTEC Extended Diploma
Turn your passion for animals into a rewarding career with this industry-focused programme. You'll…
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Turn your passion for animals into practical skills and industry experience. This hands-on course introduces you to animal care while helping you build the knowledge, confidence, and experience needed to progress into further study or a career working with animals. Course Overview The Animal Care Land Based Studies Certificate is the ideal sta...
Click HereTake your first step towards a career working with animals on this practical, hands-on course. You'll develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to care for a wide range of species while gaining valuable experience in a real animal management setting. Course Overview The Animal Care Technical Certificate is ideal if you are passionat...
Click HereCombine your passion for animals with scientific knowledge and industry experience. This two-year T Level develops the technical skills, practical experience, and confidence needed for university or a career in the animal management and science sector. Course Overview The Animal Management and Science T Level is a two-year technical qualificat...
Click HereTurn your passion for animals into a rewarding career with this industry-focused programme. You'll combine hands-on experience with in-depth scientific knowledge, developing the practical skills, confidence, and expertise needed for employment, apprenticeships, or university study within the animal management sector. Course Overview This two-y...
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OUR ANIMAL MANAGEMENT VIDEOS
Courses after College
Your journey to University Centre Weston starts here...
Our link with Puxton Park
The College has joined forces with Puxton Park, which will enable you to develop industry-specific skills working within the park’s extensive farmland and facilities, with a wide range of farm and domestic animals, which will significantly enhance your employability skills for the future.
The link will also allow you to gain broader experience in your customer service skills, by engaging with tourists, families and school parties; all helping to prepare you for the world of work.
Taken straight from our virtual open evenings, Charlotte (one of the lecturers) gives us a guided tour of our Animal Management facilities!
MEET THE TEAM
Charlotte Haines
Lecturer
"I spent 12 years working as a senior animal trainer of exotic species and presenter at Bristol Zoo Gardens"
Maxine Park
Subject Area Manager
"We have great students, a fantastic team and a beautiful Animal Management Centre, which I can't wait to show off to you all."
Laura Link
Curriculum Coordinator
"I was head veterinary nurse at a busy small animal hospital"
Gill Cook
Lecturer and Degree Animal Management Co-ordinator
"I am a qualified horse-riding instructor. I started work in the animal industry rescuing horses with the RSPCA…"
Tobias Capel
Associate Lecturer
"I have been involved in the conservation of sea-turtles where I was protecting green and loggerhead nests from people/predation as well as ensuring as many hatchlings made it to sea as possible…"
Sarah Leaney
Lecturer
"I was Displays Supervisor at Weymouth Sealife Park and Marine Sanctuary, where I was responsible for a team of aquarists looking after; seals, otters, penguins, sharks, jellyfish, seahorses…"
Julie Way
Lecturer
"I teach a range of subjects on the course but animal behaviour and welfare are my favourite topics..."
Mandy Patch
Lecturer
"I have been teaching since last year and love passing on my knowledge of the animal industry to others."
Latest news
THE FACILITIES
You will get the chance to work with an exciting range of animals thanks to our partnership with Puxton Park, one of the region’s top visitor attractions.
Your classroom lectures will come to life as you carry out practical sessions at the park, enabling you to develop industry specific skills working with the park’s specialist facilities and animals.
Puxton’s range of domestic, farm and exotic animals include tortoises, parrots, reindeer, owls, marmoset monkeys, meerkats, donkeys, goats, ponies, rare pigs, alpacas, cattle, emus and stick insects.
The partnership will also allow you to gain broader customer service skills, by engaging with tourists, families and school parties - all helping you prepare for the world of work.
You will be based both at Knightstone Campus and Puxton Park, where you will benefit from:
- A bespoke animal management campus.
- Weekly experience within an outstanding zoo farm.
- The opportunity to study and work with a wide range of animal species from insects to primates.
- Teaching from industry specialists.
- Opportunities to undertake meaningful and substantial work experience.
- Trips to animal establishments.
- Guest lectures from a wide range of industry specialists.
Occupations related to Animal Management
WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY
Animal Management Level 3
Animal Care BTEC Technical Diploma
LATEST NEWS
<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Last month, our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… Management</u></a> students took a trip to the <strong>Bristol Zoo Project</strong> to meet the wide range of animals and understand how a large-scale zoo operates. This was a fantastic opportunity for students to apply their knowledge of animal welfare and operations to an external organisation which attracts a high number of tourists each year.</p><p>Our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… Management</u></a> students' study both the theoretical and scientifical side of animal ecology, biology, and welfare, as well as the practical side of how to care for animals and keep their habitats maintained. Not only this, but they also learn about the operations behind animal centres such as the strategic oversight, administrative protocols, and commercial skills required to run these facilities.</p><p>Trips like this offer our students a valuable opportunity to apply their classroom learning to a real-world environment, deepening their understanding of animal behaviour, welfare, conservation and biodiversity. By observing different species and learning about their habitats, adaptations and care requirements, students can develop their practical knowledge and gain a greater appreciation of the responsibilities involved in working with animals.</p><p>The experience also helps students explore potential career pathways within the animal care and conservation industries, including zookeeping, wildlife conservation and animal welfare. Seeing how zoological organisations contribute to conservation efforts and educate the public about endangered species can inspire students to consider how they could make a positive impact on animal welfare and the protection of wildlife in their future careers.</p><p>Joe Trotham, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… Management</u></a> lecturer at Weston College, said, “Taking our students to organisations such as the Bristol Zoo Project is a fantastic opportunity for them to see how a successful wildlife conservation centre is run and gain a more in-depth understanding of the critical role that conservation zoos play in engaging communities and providing opportunities for the public to connect with wildlife. Seeing these principles put into practice gives students valuable insight into the importance of animal welfare, habitat preservation and biodiversity, while demonstrating how their studies can translate into meaningful careers within the animal management and conservation sectors.”</p><p>This curriculum trip forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… Management</u></a> Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.</p><p>Progress to the next level in <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses-by-subject/animal-environment-and-biologi… Management</u></a>! At <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/"><u>University Centre Weston (UCW)</u></a> our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/"><u>Click here!</u></a></p><p><strong>If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&utm_medium=main-…;. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.</strong></p><p> </p>
<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">This week, our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… Management</u></a> students kicked off the academic year with their annual Careers Fest, welcoming a range of local employers, from animal shelters and charities to wildlife conservation trusts and other animal-focused organisations. The event provided learners with the opportunity to hear directly from industry professionals, explore potential career pathways and gain a greater understanding of the opportunities available to them after completing their course.</p><p>The event welcomed organisations including <strong>Secret World Wildlife Rescue</strong>, <strong>Noah’s Ark Zoo</strong>, <strong>RSPCA</strong>, <strong>Tibbs and Simmons Farm Animal Veterinary Surgeons</strong>, <strong>Maddie’s Pawfect Pooches</strong>, <strong>Reptile Zone</strong>, <strong>Puxton Park</strong>, <strong>Avon & Somerset Police Mounted Section</strong>, and <strong>FPCR Design & Environmental Consultants</strong>. This diverse range of organisations demonstrated the breadth of careers available within the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… Management</u></a> sector, while giving students the opportunity to ask questions, discover alternative pathways and make valuable industry connections.</p><p>Representatives shared insights into their own career journeys, what their roles involve and the different routes available to enter and progress within their industries. Discussions covered the qualities, attributes and qualifications employers look for, as well as the importance of gaining practical experience through work experience, placements and volunteering. Students also had the opportunity to explore potential placement and volunteering opportunities and gain valuable advice to help them take their first steps into the industry.</p><p>The event also provided a fantastic opportunity for students to hear from four former Weston College and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses-by-subject/animal-environment-and-biologi… Centre Weston (UCW)</u></strong></a> <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… Management</u></a> students who are now working within the sector. Former <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… 3</u></a> student, Maddie, now runs her own successful dog training service, <strong>Maddie’s Pawfect Pooches</strong>, as a canine behavioural practitioner. Former student Andrew shared his experience of securing a full-time role at <strong>Noah’s Ark Zoo</strong> following a work experience placement, while current <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses-by-subject/animal-environment-and-biologi…; student Frank discussed his role at <strong>Puxton Park</strong>. Former <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses-by-subject/animal-environment-and-biologi…; student Hannah also returned to share her experience working within the <strong>RSPCA</strong>. Their stories provided students with first-hand insight into the variety of careers they could pursue and demonstrated how their studies can provide a valuable foundation for future employment.</p><p>Careers Fests such as this play an important role in supporting students' personal and professional development, helping them understand the skills, qualifications and experience required to succeed within the sector. They also provide valuable opportunities to network with employers and explore work experience, placement and volunteering opportunities, helping students build confidence, develop industry connections and make informed decisions about their future careers.</p><p>Employer engagement also supports the continued development of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… Management</u></a> curriculum, ensuring that programmes reflect current industry practices, expectations and skills requirements. Following the event, employers may also work with curriculum teams to explore further opportunities for collaboration, creating additional experiences that support students' progression into employment and further study.</p><p>Laura Link, Head of <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… Management</u></a> at Weston College, said, “Welcoming local employers is a fantastic way for our students to engage with real-world organisations, gain valuable insight into potential career pathways, and understand the impact these roles can have on animal welfare and conservation. It encourages students to start thinking about their future careers and, where possible, consider volunteering opportunities that can help them build valuable experience and enhance their employability. It is always fantastic to see the range of employers who get involved with us and are so committed to supporting and nurturing the career progression of our students.”</p><p>A huge thank you to all the employers in attendance for taking the time to interact with our students and share their knowledge from their sector.</p><p>This event forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… Management</u></a> Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.</p><p>Progress to the next level in <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses-by-subject/animal-environment-and-biologi… Management</u></a>! At <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/"><u>University Centre Weston (UCW)</u></a> our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/"><u>Click here!</u></a></p><p><strong>If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&utm_medium=main-…;. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.</strong></p><p> </p>
<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Weston College has welcomed new and returning students for the 2026/27 academic year, with each Career Excellence Hub hosting a range of induction activities designed to help learners settle into college life, meet their peers and staff, and get to know their new learning environment.</p><p>The year began with Welcome Talks led by the College Executive Team. These sessions introduced students to the College’s leadership team and outlined key expectations for the year ahead, alongside important policies and procedures to help learners make a confident start to their studies.</p><p>Across the campuses, faculties also organised a variety of activities combining fun, creativity and practical learning.</p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… Management</u></strong></a> students toured the Puxton Park campus, met the animals, and took part in hands-on team-building activities.</p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin…; and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave…; learners took part in human bingo and a range of icebreakers, while <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d… & Design</u></strong></a> students created a collaborative ‘Class of 2027’, using collages and personalised playing cards to showcase their creativity.</p><p>For some learners, induction provided an early opportunity to get hands-on with their future careers. <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi… & Catering</u></strong></a> and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… & Beauty</u></strong></a> learners began developing essential kitchen and salon skills, while <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; students completed practical diagnostic activities, becoming familiar with the equipment and techniques they will use throughout their studies.</p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level… Levels</u></strong></a> students explored their campus through a scavenger hunt before taking part in introductory subject sessions. <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… & Social Care</u></strong></a> learners worked with interactive simulation dummies during practical assessments and observations, while <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport…; students got active with team-building and multi-sport challenges.</p><p>Meanwhile, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat… Arts</u></strong></a> students were introduced to the course through choreography sessions and fun group challenges, including a creative competition to create a wedding dress using toilet paper.</p><p>Learners across <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/motor…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa… Years</u></strong></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/engin…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat… & Animation</u></strong></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d… Design</u></strong></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</u></strong></a> also took part in icebreakers, problem-solving challenges and team activities, helping them build relationships while tackling challenges linked to their chosen subjects.</p><p>These Welcome Days play an important role in helping learners make a positive transition into college. Alongside introducing students to their courses and learning environments, they provide an opportunity to build confidence, develop friendships and start creating a sense of belonging from day one.</p><p>At Weston College, we know that starting a new chapter can feel daunting, so we are committed to creating a welcoming and engaging experience for every learner.</p><p>It has been fantastic to see our new and returning students make such a positive start to the year, and we can’t wait to see everything they go on to achieve throughout 2026/27!</p><p><strong>If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&utm_medium=main-…;. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.</strong></p><p> </p>
MEET THE TEAM
