Animal Management

Animal Management

Overview

The Animal Management course will teach students how to care for animals responsibly and safely, including understanding their health and behaviour and creating environments where they feel safe.

It focuses on animal health, behaviour, welfare, nutrition, and biodiversity and often offers access to animal care facilities, wildlife parks, and practical placements in zoos, veterinary clinics, or conservation organisations.

Objectives

  1. Understanding Animal Biology and Behaviour
  2. Promoting Animal Welfare and Ethics
  3. Acquire Animal Care Skills
  4. Understand the importance of biodiversity
  5. Gain insight into laws, policies, and regulations related to animal care
  6. Build industry networks

Prerequisites

  1. Relevant Experience
  2. A high school diploma
  3. English language proficiency

Curriculum Outline

  1. Professional Skills for the Animal Industry
  2. Animal Biology
  3. Ethics of Animal Use
  4. Human-Animal Interaction
  5. Animal Husbandry
  6. Ecology and Evolution
  7. Research Methods
  8. Commercial and Professional Skills for Animal Science
  9. Behaviour
  10. Animal Health and Welfare
  11. Principles of Animal Nutrition
  12. Reproduction and Breeding
  13. Livestock Production Systems
  14. Management of Zoo Animal Collections
  15. Professional Practice and Legislation
  16. Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology
  17. Animal Rescue, Rehabilitation and Rehoming
  18. Livestock from Farm to Fork
  19. Wildlife Conservation Skills
  20. Applied Behaviour and Training
  21. Veterinary Immunology
  22. Capstone Project
  23. Applied Nutrition and Feeding
  24. Applied Health Management
  25. Strategies and Issues in Animal Breeding
  26. Applied Behaviour and Animal Welfare
  27. Livestock Technology
  28. Applied Issues in Wildlife Conservation
  29. Clinical Animal Behaviour
  30. Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health
  31. Developments in Livestock Production
  32. Developments in Zoo Management
  33. Developing Clinical Practice
  34. Veterinary Ethics and Legislation
  35. Conservation Planning and Development

Teaching Method

  1. Guest lectures
  2. Practical Hands-On Training
  3. Physical visit
  4. Classes
  5. Lectures
  6. Laboratory Classes

Modules

  1. Animal Anatomy and Physiology
  2. Animal Health and Welfare
  3. Animal Behaviour and Psychology
  4. Nutrition and Feeding
  5. Biodiversity and Conservation
  6. Wildlife Management
  7. Animal Husbandry
  8. Exotic Animal Care
  9. Animal Breeding and Genetics
  10. Animal Law and Ethics

Assessment Methods

  1. Examinations
  2. Practical Examinations
  3. Written Essays

Course Duration

It typically takes 3 to 4 years when you study full-time. Some accelerated programmes can take 2 to 3 years. The part-time or online programmes can span 3 to 6 years.

Facilities

  1. Animal Care Centres
  2. Reptile and Aquatic Units
  3. Aviaries
  4. Access to farm animals
  5. Equestrian Centres
  6. Wildlife Parks and Nature Reserves
  7. Habitat Simulation Areas
  8. Diagnostics Labs
  9. Bioscience Labs
  10. Veterinary Clinics
  11. Behavioural Observation Rooms
  12. Breeding Facilities
  13. Online Resources

Career Pathways

  1. Animal Care Worker
  2. Zoo Keeper
  3. Animal Welfare Officer
  4. Veterinary Technician
  5. Animal Health Inspector
  6. Wildlife Conservationist
  7. Habitat Manager
  8. Wildlife Rehabilitator
  9. Animal Behaviorist
  10. Environmental Educator
  11. Marine Biologist
  12. Equine Manager
  13. Animal Welfare Consultant

Fees and Fundings

The fee range for an Animal Management degree in the UK for international students can be between £13,000 and £20,000 per annum. The amount can vary by location and institution.

Entry Requirements

  1. A high school diploma or equivalent
  2. English language proficiency
  3. Personal statement
  4. References/Recommendations (Tentative)

Field Work and Internships

  1. Wildlife Observation
  2. Habitat Management
  3. Ecological Surveys
  4. Zoo and Wildlife Park Internships
  5. Veterinary Clinics and Animal Shelters
  6. Conservation and Research Roles

Certifications

  1. City & Guilds Level 2 and 3 Diplomas in Animal Care
  2. Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA)
  3. RSPCA Level 3 Certificate in Animal Welfare
  4. Veterinary Nursing Qualifications
  5. Animal First Aid Certification
  6. Wildlife Rehabilitation Certifications
  7. International Society of Arboriculture
  8. Environmental Management Certifications
  9. Exotic Animal Care Certifications
  10. Animal Behaviorist Certification

Intakes

In the UK, the primary intake happens in September/October, but students can always aim for the secondary intake, which takes place in January/February.

Student Testimony

‘The staff, from various animal industry sectors, provided incredible support and encouragement. Puxton Park's facilities allowed for both theory and practical work. Guest lectures and placements, like at North Somerset Birds of Prey Centre, offered invaluable industry insights.’ [Declan from Weston College]

Frequently asked questions

Animal management focuses on the care, welfare, and husbandry of animals, where you can learn about animal behaviour, health, nutrition, breeding, and genetics.

Additional courses of interest