Animal Management Courses in Hertfordshire

If you are interested in working with animals, we offer a range of courses for all abilities which can prepare you for employment or university.

The Habitat Centre is our small animal care unit where you will learn about the care and management of a wide range of species including exotic animals such as bearded dragons and snakes.

We also have a large animal section where you will learn how to care for animals such as calves, pigs, goats and alpacas. Each year students take part in lambing on our working farm, working in shifts to make sure lambs and ewes are healthy and happy.

Our animal management students benefit from:

Working with animals based at our campus at every course level
Work experience available at local animal centres, such as ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
Many of our courses prepare students for progression directly into industry

The Habitat Centre houses over 200 animals and this is where our students gain practical experience in handling and husbandry. Current residents include marmosets, rabbits, aquatics, birds and reptiles.

Our teaching staff have a wide range of experience, sharing best practice in veterinary surgery and nursing and animal charities with the students.

All of our full time programmes include opportunities to support and enhance your learning so that you can achieve your goals and ambitions. Students enrol on a Study Programme which individualises their education whilst enhancing their employability skills. A Study programme is made up of four key elements which includes a main vocational qualification, the development of English and maths through the study of GCSE’s or Functional Skills, Work-related learning through work experience and Personal Development Reviews.

Find a course to suit you from the list below. If you get stuck, don’t worry, help is at hand just call us on 01727 737000 or email info@oaklands.ac.uk

Level 1 Certficate in Landbased Studies (Animal Care)

The Level 1 Certificate in Land based Studies a specialist practical and vocational qualification.You learn by completing practical assessments, short written tests and written assignments. The course is designed to give you an insight into the practicalities and realities of working within an animal care organisation. The course offers a range of topic areas giving you an introduction to the skills needed when working in the animal care industry.

Full time
1YRDuration: 1 Year
1Level 1
SSt Albans Campus

Level 2 Diploma in Animal Care

This course is designed to provide students with an overview of Animal Care and relevant practical skills, in order to gain employment in this sector. Units include: Maintain Animal Health and Welfare, Practical Animal Feeding. Maintain Animal Accommodation and Undertake Work Related Experience in the Land Based Industries, Understand the Basic Principles of Animal Biology, Introduction to the Principles of Animal Behaviour and Handling and Contribute to the care of Exotic Animals, Zoo Husbandry. During the course learners will be expected to secure and complete 80 hours of work experience with a relevant employer. A further 80 hours will be completed on the college practical unit. This will be arranged by the learner with support from the college where possible.

Full time
1YRDuration: 1 Year
2Full Level 2
SSt Albans Campus

Level 3 Diploma in Animal Management

There are 19 units studied over two years. There is also a work placement unit which is compulsory and takes place over the summer between the first and second years.

Full time
1YRDuration: 1 Year
3Full Level 3
SSt Albans Campus

Skills for Working Life Diploma in Landbased Studies

This qualification will provide formal skill recognition, including preparation for work. It will provide a bridge for progression into general vocational and education qualifications.

Full time
1YRDuration: 1 Year
SSt Albans Campus

Foundation Degrees

This is a nationally-recognised degree qualification in its own right, and can also lead onto the final year of an Honours Degree programme. At Oaklands College we deliver foundation degrees validated by University of Hertfordshire.

While studying towards a foundation degree you will have access to a wide range of services and facilities at Oaklands College as well as having access to facilities at the University of Hertfordshire, including:

Learning Resource Centre – open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, during term time
Sports Village – take advantage of excellent health, fitness and swimming facilities
StudyNet – a virtual learning environment providing online course materials
Students' Union – join a club, meet new people and enjoy a taste of university life

Foundation Degree in Animal Management

You could progress to a related BSc degree or start a career with animal charity organisations, service providers like animal boarding establishments, local authorities or government agencies and animal collections. If you're already working in the industry, you'll be well prepared for more senior/alternative roles.

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