About the course
Based on the main campus in Bury St Edmunds, we have an onsite Animal Centre boasting over 200 animals across four areas. A passionate team of industry professionals will teach you a variety of modules both practical and theory based, preparing you for employment in industry.
You will also be given the opportunity to attend trips within the sector and undertake numerous hands on experiences, gaining opportunities to develop transferable skills for employment and further study. Part of our role whilst you're working with us is to install Professional Standards which will support to make you more employable within our competitive industry.
Our department is developing future Veterinary Surgeons, Veterinary Nurses, Animal Nursing Assistants, Zookeepers, Herpetologists, Ecologists, Wildlife Conservationists, Welfare Inspectors and many more! With approximately 250 students engaged in the Animal Studies, we pride ourselves on giving our students the best possible start to their future career.
We look forward to supporting you to achieve your dream job within the Animal Sector!
Sarah Eaton - Head of Animal Studies
About the course
The Advanced Technical Diploma in Animal Management 540 is a full-time vocational course studied over one year, three days a week and is equivalent to studying A-Levels. It provides you with a range of specialist, technical practical skills and knowledge which will equip you to seek employment or further learning within the animal care and management industries. There will be an opportunity for students to top up their qualification to the full Extended Diploma (1080) in Animal Management if certain criteria are met, allowing them to study a second year. GCSE Maths, English and Science are required at Grade 4 to gain entry to this Study Programme, along with two other GCSE's at Grade 4 (Five GCSE's at Grade 4+ in total).
Students undertaking this programme will study the following modules; Principles of Health and Safety, Undertake and Review Work Related Experience in the Land-based Industries, Animal Health and Husbandry, Animal Feeding and Nutrition, Animal Behaviour and Communication, Biological Systems of Animals, Animal Welfare and Breeding, Exotic Animal Health and Husbandry, Animal Training and Animal Nursing.
This course is assessed using a variety of different methods including a Mandatory Theory Exam (40% of the qualification grade), a Synoptic Assessment (60% of the qualification grade), Biological Systems test, written assignments, oral presentations and practical assessments.
Work experience is an integral part of all of our courses within Animal Studies and is especially important if you are hoping to go onto university. Due to the competitive nature of the Animal Sector, we encourage our students to undertake as many different placements as they can, whilst ensuring they undertake the mandatory hours required by each programme (150 hours for all Level 3 and Technical courses).
Where could it take me?
We have built excellent links with local businesses within the Animal Sector, with over 150 across East Anglia currently offering work experience placements to our students. We're proud to report that a majority of our students are offered employment (or further training) by their work experience providers, so it is an excellent way to gain entry to the industry.
If you are hard working and love animals there are plenty of different careers available within the Animal Sector.
- Jobs involving the direct care and treatment of animals within the Veterinary Industry include; Animal Nursing Assistant, Veterinary Nurse (Equine/Small Animal/Exotic/Large Animal), Veterinary Physiotherapist, Veterinary Receptionist, Veterinary Surgeon (Equine/Small Animal/Exotic/Large Animal), Veterinary Behaviourist, Canine Hydrotherapist etc.
- Jobs working with exotic animals include; Zookeeper, Zoologist, Herpetologist, Ichthyologist, Entomologist, Marine Biologist, Ornithologist, Aquarist, Primatologist, Animal Trainer, Falconer etc.
- Jobs working with wildlife and the conservation of animals include; Wildlife Ranger, Wildlife Educator, Wildlife Rehabilitator, Ecologist, Conservationist, Researcher, Field Biologist etc.
- Jobs working directly to improve the welfare of animals include; Animal Rescuer, Canine Carer, Animal Trainer, Animal Welfare Officer, Rehoming Coordinator, Animal Centre Manager, Environmental Health Officer, Animal Technician, Kennel/Cattery Assistant etc.
- Jobs working within the pet sector include; Dog Groomer, Dog Walker, Pet Sitter, Pet Shop Assistant, Canine Creche Carers etc.
If any of the above interest you, you've come to the right place!
Industry statistics
Veterinary Surgeons - The workforce is projected to grow by 8.7% over the period to 2027, creating 2,300 jobs. In the same period, 53.7% of the workforce is projected to retire, creating 13,900 job openings. Average salary £34,320
Veterinary Nurses - The workforce is projected to grow by 11.6% over the period to 2027, creating 1,900 jobs. In the same period, 57% of the workforce is projected to retire, creating 9,200 job openings. Average salary £18,200
Conservation Professionals - The workforce is projected to grow by 5.1% over the period to 2027, creating 800 jobs. In the same period, 39.9% of the workforce is projected to retire, creating 6,100 job openings. Average salary £33,800
Animal care services occupations N.E.C. - The workforce is projected to grow by 11.6% over the period to 2027, creating 8,700 jobs. In the same period, 57% of the workforce is projected to retire, creating 42,900 job openings. Average salary between £12,000 and £14,000
"What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make." - Jane Goodall
Course Sponsor
Year 1
Days & times
Starting September 2023