This one-year full-time course is suitable for anyone wishing to work in the animal industry.
The course includes study of the management of a wide range of species, their health and welfare, accommodation and maintenance of housing, practical feeding, behaviour and welfare, animal biology and more.
Merrist Wood is highly regarded in the animal industry as the leading animal education establishment in Surrey. Well-equipped animal management resources including collections of domestic, companion and exotic animals, as well as a grooming parlour and supporting facilities for canine care. The College has wide links with industry and tuition is provided by highly qualified and experienced tutors who will ensure you gain the best possible grounding in your chosen career.
On this course you will:
- complete 150 hours of industry placement (work experience): 2 weeks internal during the holidays and 2 weeks external during the holidays.
- learn a wide range of skills, including how to clean and feed a range of animals, conduct health checks, and handle animals correctly.
- learn about animal anatomy and the digestive system.
- investigate zoos, kennels, catteries, grooming parlours and more.
What you'll learn
Course content:
- Maintain animal health and welfare
- Animal feeding and accommodation
- Animal behaviour and handling
- Working in the animal care industry
- Health and safety for the land-based industries
- The principles of animal biology
- British wildlife species, habitats and rehabilitation
- Introduction to Farm Livestock
Additional qualifications:
All 16-19 year olds on full-time programmes will be required to retake GCSE English and Maths if they do not have a grade 4 equivalent, every year of their course, until they complete their studies.
This one-year full-time course is suitable for anyone wishing to work in the animal industry.
Merrist Wood is highly regarded in the animal industry as the leading animal education establishment in Surrey. Well-equipped animal management resources including collections of domestic, companion and exotic animals, as well as a grooming parlour and supporting facilities for canine care. The College has wide links with industry and tuition is provided by highly qualified and experienced tutors who will ensure you gain the best possible grounding in your chosen career.
How you'll learn and be assessed
Elements of both theory and practical learning will be delivered in the classroom, on the estate and in our Animal Management Centre. Assessment will take the form of 2 multiple-choice exams, a synoptic assessment and then smaller internally set and marked written assessments.
Progression
Upon successful completion of this course, you could progress to an Animal Management Level 3 National Foundation Diploma, an Apprenticeship, or employment in the industry.
Jobs and careers could include:
- Animal Care Worker
- Veterinary Nurse
- Wildlife Rescuer
- Reserve Warden
- Animal Behaviourist
- Zoo Keeper
- …and much more!
Entry requirements
You need to have 4 GCSEs at grade 2 or above including maths, English and a science subject, or a Level 1 qualification at merit or above
Additional information
You must wear sturdy footwear and a Merrist Wood College sweatshirt and poloshirt.
