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Animal Care and Management

If you are looking for a rewarding and fulfilling career working with animals in Animal Care, Animal Management, or other related industries, our department is well equipped to prepare you for many different careers, from pet shops and grooming salons to zoos and conservation.

We deliver nationally-recognised qualifications in Animal Care and Management from entry level all the way up to degree level. You will develop excellent hands-on practical skills working at our on-site zoo, the Rodbaston Animal Zone, and obtain invaluable knowledge through industry placement.

Photo of Animal Care student looking at Red-Fronted Lemur
Photo of Animal Care student with Ring-Tailed Lemur
Photo of Animal Care student with Sulcata Tortoise
Two Animal Care students either side of a Cameroon sheep
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Photos of capybara, rabbits, lemur and meerkat promoting the Rodbaston Animal Zone

Click here to see the amazing animals you will get to work with on our Rodbaston Animal Zone.

Hear from Jess, one of our level 3 second year Animal Care and Management students.

Excellent facilities

Hands-on experience with both domestic and exotic species.

Progression opportunities

We offer courses ranging from entry level up to degree level.

Experienced staff

Learn from our lecturers, instructors and animal keepers.

Industry head start

All students do work experience as part of their course.

Excellent facilities

Hands-on experience with both domestic and exotic species.

Progression opportunities

We offer courses ranging from entry level up to degree level.

Experienced staff

Learn from our lecturers, instructors and animal keepers.

Industry head start

All students do work experience as part of their course.

Testimonials

Photo of former Animal Care student working with camel at Dudley Zoo

“Studying at Rodbaston were the most enjoyable days of my life. It solidified for me what career I wanted and what I needed to aim for. At present I am a trainee keeper at Dudley Zoo. Without college and studying for the three years that I did I wouldn’t be where I am today. I have my dream job, and the lecturers and college to thank for helping me along the way.”

Amy Paddock

Trainee Keeper at Dudley Zoo

Key information

The Animal Care and Management courses we offer are full-time study programmes made up of:​

  • Main qualification (animal modules covered via theory and practical).​
  • Industry-related work experience (hours vary depending on course level).​
  • English and maths (if you have not achieved a grade 4 or are aged 19+ and opt out).

The courses offered contain a good mix of theory, task-based learning, tutorials and practical workshops at college, combined with work experience and field visits. Assessment methods include practical assessments, coursework, exams, presentations and portfolios.

You’ll explore all aspects of animal husbandry, along with an introduction to animal biology, which will equip you for many jobs in the animal industry.

Careers include:
  • Zookeeper / Animal Keeper
  • Animal Technician
  • Animal Care Assistant
  • Kennel Worker / Cattery Worker
  • Veterinary Nurse
  • Animal Behaviourist / Animal Trainer
  • Pet Sitter
  • Dog Walker
  • Pet Shop Assistant
  • Wildlife Conservationist

Animal Care and Management Courses

Get your #UniDegreeAtSSC

At Rodbaston College, we offer a two-year Foundation Degree in Zoo Animal Management and Conservation, which is accredited by the University of Wolverhampton, and can be topped up to a full Bachelor of Science – BSc (Hons) Degree in a third year.

If you would like to study a degree qualification but don’t have the qualifications you need, then our Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma in Land Based Studies could give you the entry requirements needed within one year.

Find out more

Animal Care and Management is taught at:

Rodbaston College

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Rodbaston College

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Why SSC?

At South Staffordshire College our students come first, and everything we do is aimed at helping you to realise your full potential. We are about careers not courses and our expert staff will make sure you have the skills and knowledge needed to give you that competitive edge for when you start your career within your chosen industry.

As a school leaver, you will be treated as an adult, within a friendly and supportive environment. You’ll enjoy more freedom and independence, and you’ll make many new friends, all with the same passion and journey ahead as you. As an adult, we understand you may feel uneasy about returning to education, but there is no need to be. We have smaller class sizes and supportive tutors to make you feel very welcome.

Skill Up and Stand Out with us.
 

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