Meet Kirstie

Name: Kirstie
Course: Foundation Degree in Animal Management

It was during Kirstie’s first week at university studying Animal Behaviour when she realised it wasn’t for her. She had heard of Oaklands and the wide variety of animals there, so she took a leap of faith and contacted the Animal Care team. Luckily a place was available on the Foundation Degree in Animal Management so Kirstie snapped it up.

“I left university on the Saturday and started at Oaklands on the Monday and I have never once regretted that decision,” said Kirstie.

Having completed A Levels before coming to Oaklands, Kirstie felt the course provided her a huge amount of in-depth knowledge, which captured her interest immediately. “It’s hard but it is vital information we needed to know to work in the animal industry.”

“My time went too quickly at Oaklands! The staff are incredibly helpful and there is always help available if you ask for it. Nicola Edwards (Co-ordinator in Animal Care) was a great tutor, she was so involved in our work and projects and would provide you with so much help if you asked for it.”

Since leaving college, Kirstie got a job at Whipsnade Zoo as an animal keeper, while topping up her Foundation Degree with a BSc (Hons) Degree in Animal Science at the University of Bedfordshire. She also offers her expertise to other Oaklands students as a bank staff lecturer in Animal Care at the College.

“From speaking to others who attended other colleges and studied their Foundation Degrees, I am 110% glad I picked Oaklands to enrol to.”

Interested in a career working with animals? See how we can help you get there: Animal Care courses