Animal Management

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Our animal management department is based in new facilities at our Wythenshawe campus and is home to more than 100 mammals, birds, reptiles and insects.

Here you’ll be learning what each one needs to thrive, taking part in hands on activities and studying a wide range of topics, such as animal behaviour, nutrition and conservation. We offer a range of courses from Level 1 to T Levels, so there's something to suit everyone. 

Whether you dream of working with pets, wildlife or exotic creatures, you can start your journey to a great career in Animal Management right here at The Manchester College – the No.1 Further Education College in Greater Manchester for achievement*.

*As per the latest Government National Achievement Rates Tables (NARTs)

3 reasons to study Animal Management with us

Hands-on care

Over 100 animals to care for

Industry-standard facilities

Train in professional rooms, pens and equipment

Real placements

Gain experience in vets, sanctuaries, shops or stables

Available courses

Animal Management student holds a rabbit
Animal Care
Animal Management
Level 2
Land-based Studies
Animal Management
Level 1
T Level - Animal Management and Science
Animal Management
Level 3

Where you'll learn

Our Animal Management courses are delivered at our Wythenshawe campus, where you’ll have access to our extensive range of specialist facilities which are home to over 100 animals.

With excellent transport links, modern classrooms and vibrant social spaces, you’ll be supported every step of the way as you develop the skills needed for a successful career working with animals.

Our facilities include:

  • Specialist exotic and mammal rooms, designed for hands-on learning with a range of species  

  • Work with a wide variety of animals, including rabbits, guinea pigs, leopard geckos, royal pythons and lovebirds

  • Industry-standard animal care facilities, built to reflect real working environments 

  • Outdoor animal pens, giving you practical experience caring for animals in a dedicated outdoor space.

Where a career in Animal Management can take you

Veterinarian

Average Salary £40,814

Farmers

Average Salary £31,912

Animal care services occupations n.e.c.

Average Salary £21,315

Animal Care at The Manchester College is really enjoyable. You get to learn lots of theory on topics such as biology, which supports all the practical work we do caring for the animals. There were other courses closer to where I live, but I chose this one because of its study modules. I originally wanted to work with dogs in particular, but there is such a large mix of animals. I’m loving working with the racoons.”

Abigail Murray • Level 3 Animal Management

The course and the facilities for Animal Management are outstanding. My time here has opened my eyes to how many different job opportunities there are in animal management, and this has really pushed me to achieve my dream career.

Harry Rayer • Level 3 Animal Management

More about Animal Management

We passionately believe in helping you reach your ultimate goal, focusing on your future employability and developing the skills you need to have a successful career. Our courses for Animal Management is set up to help you do just that!

You don’t need any previous experience to enrol on your first course and you’ll be supported every step of the way by your tutors. They’ve worked in both animal care and teaching, and are as mad about animals as you are!

There are so many careers open to you and we want to make sure you have everything you need to be successful, so you’ll gain crucial work experience through our Centre of Excellence for Animal Care. You could end up with a placement at a vets, pet shop, riding stables, kennels or even the Blue Planet Aquarium.

We often invite guest speakers to the College including organisations like Dogs for Good, the RSPCA, Blue Cross and Manchester Museum. They’ve made a career out of working with animals, and will happily share their advice and tell you about some of the jobs you could apply for when you finish your studies.

The Manchester College is committed to ensuring all our students receive the support they may need to achieve and enjoy college. We do this in a number of different ways including:

  • Student Experience Support Team
  • Careers Employability & Welfare
  • Pastoral Support Officers
  • Supported Learning

We also offer a bespoke transition service to new applicants with an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP), accessibility or medical need.

Find out even more about our Animal Management department in our subject area guide or on our YouTube playlist:

Download our subject area guide

Watch our YouTube playlist

T Levels at The Manchester College

T Levels are two-year qualifications designed in collaboration with employers to give you a head start towards the career you want. 

  • 45-day industry placement

  • Equivalent to 3 A Levels

  • 80% classroom, 20% work

Learn more about T Levels

Meet the team

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