Make a paw-sitive start to your career!

Thinking about starting a career in the Animal Management sector, including Zookeeper, Veterinary Nurse or Animal Welfare Officer?

We caught up with a group of Level 3 Animal Management (Advanced Technical Diploma) students to hear about their journeys so far at Barnsley College and what they hope to achieve in their career journeys.

Image of a student in a black hoody stood smiling outside of a green barn

Keane Mawson, who dreams of becoming an Entomologist, commented: “I love that the course is based at the Wigfield Farm campus, which is a working farm. I get lots of hands-on experience with a wide variety of animals, including meerkats, rodents and livestock.

“I studied Level 2 Animal Care (Technical Diploma) before studying my current course and it has been the best time of my life. I have received huge amounts of support from tutors and support staff and made some lifelong friends.

“Once I complete my course, I want to go to Harper Adams University in Wales because it is the only university in the country that has a specific entomology course and I want to become a professional Entomologist. An alternative career option for me is a dog handler in the military. They are vastly different choices, but the College has prepared me for both!”


Image of a student in a blue top with a black coat. They are wearing a red lanyard and black glasses.

Katie Key, who wants to study animal management at university level, said: “I love working with a variety of animals from livestock to rodents, reptiles and exotic species. It’s a unique experience and no two days are the same!

“I enjoy the combination of theory-based work with practical elements, as well as having a mix of exams, written assessments and practical assignments.

“I enjoy the variety of topics on my course and find it beneficial that the tutors all have individual teaching styles. My tutors are always there for me and answer any questions I have both in class and outside of class time.

“I hope to progress onto Higher Education and achieve an animal management degree after College. After, I would like to complete a teaching degree so that I can go into teaching Animal Management.”


Student with a blue jumper and a cream coat. They are wearing a red lanyard and stood infront of a wall.

Phoebe Orwin, who aims to have a career in wildlife rehabilitation and conservation, stated: “I love the practical lessons because I get to work with new animals whilst improving my confidence.

“I would recommend the College to others because it’s a really positive environment with supportive and knowledgeable tutors. The course and the College are preparing me for university and my future career journey.

“After completing my College course, I’m going to study Zoology at university. I want to get as much experience with animals as I can whilst I study so I can confidently progress into a career in wildlife rehabilitation.”

Study Animal Management at an Outstanding College!

If you’d like to find out more about studying Animal Management in September 2023, contact our friendly and knowledgeable Information Team. They’ll be able to answer any questions you have about the course and fees or provide advice about how to enrol.

Telephone: 01226 216 123

Email: info@barnsley.ac.uk

Ready to apply?

Visit the Animal Management course page to apply.

Last updated: 18th March 2024

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