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Animal Studies

If you have aspirations to be a Zookeeper, Veterinary Nurse, Dog Trainer or any career in the Animal industry, then our Animal Studies course is the perfect qualification to help you start your career. Where better to study than in our industry-leading Animal Management Centre on our Aireville Campus in Skipton.

Our industry-leading Animal Management Centre is a sensational extension to our high-quality provision for Animal Studies students.  The Animal Unit at Craven College has a wide range of species including reptiles, amphibians, fish, birds, mammals and invertebrates, plus quarantine and isolation rooms. There is a dedicated dog exercise area and grooming room, outdoor and indoor aviaries, outdoor runs for ducks, hens, geese and rabbits, and a wildlife area.

Students carry out health and husbandry tasks adhering to a high standard of animal welfare and the courses include a wide range of theory and practical elements, preparing students for industry. The Animal Management Qualification consists of a synoptic theory exam and a synoptic assignment which entails both practical and written work.

Our Animal Studies tutors have a vast range of skills and years of experience working with animals, including dog grooming in the UK and caring for reptiles as part of private zoo collections. Their specialist study areas include animal health and nutrition, animal welfare, environmental studies, behavioural science, animal health and parasitology, animal cognition, conservation and ecology, giving you a depth of knowledge to tap into.

Visits to zoos and local farms and frequent workshops by local experts are some of the enrichment activities you can expect to be part of the Animal Studies course at Craven College.

Students usually progress onto the Level 3 course after studying GCSEs – If you don’t quite meet the entry requirements to enrol onto the Level 3, you may still be able to enrol on a smaller Level 3 qualification (Level 3 Advanced Technical Certificate/Diploma) as an alternative. We will confirm which option is best for you at enrolment in August based on your grades.

Aireville Campus
Study Location
1-3 Years
depending on Level
How your qualification is made up

Entry Requirements

  • Level 3 – 5 GCSEs grade 9-4 or equivalent including English & maths GCSEs grade 9-4
  • Level 2 – 4 GCSEs grade 9-3 or equivalent including English & maths GCSEs grade 9-3
  • Level 1 – 3 GCSEs 9-1 including English & maths
  • Entry Level 3 – Basic level of English & maths and enthusiasm for the subject

What you will study

  • Working with Farm Animals – Sheep, Goats & Chickens
  • Working with Small Animals to Complete Health Checks & Grooming
  • Showing Visitors Around the Unit
  • Work Safely, Lift & Handle Safely, Effective Communication, Working as Part of a Team
  • Assist with Maintaining the Health & Well Being of Small Animals
  • Animals in the Wild & their Main Features
  • Uses & Domestication of Animals
  • Assist with the Preparation & Maintenance of Animal Accommodation
  • Safe & Effective Working Practices in Land-based Industries
  • Preparing to Work in Land-based Industries
  • Introduction to Wildlife & Conservation
  • Maintain Animal Health & Welfare
  • Animal Feeding & Accommodation
  • Animal Behaviour & Handling
  • Working in the Animal Care Industry
  • Health & Safety for the Land-based Industries
  • Work Experience
  • Wildlife & Ecology Conservation
  • Pet Store Design & Management
  • Animal Nursing
  • Pet Allied Services
  • Kennel & Cattery
  • Health & Safety
  • Welfare & Breeding
  • Feeding & Nutrition
  • Behaviour & Communication
  • Animal Health & Husbandry
  • Animal Training
  • Exotics
  • Small Animal Rehabilitation
  • Management Undertake Estate Skills
  • Business Management in the Land-based Sector
  • Undertake a Specialist Project in the Land-based Sector

What's Next?

Further Study

Animal Management HNC

Careers

  • Animal Care/Welfare Manager
  • Dog Trainer/Groomer/Warden
  • Pet Shop Manager
  • RSPCA Inspector
  • Veterinary Nurse
  • ZooKeeper
Select your preferred study programme (subject). You can make 2 choices now and make a final decision in June. We will give you a conditional offer based on your predicted/actual GCSEs.
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