ANIMAL CARE

Our animal care and animal management courses are based on a 12-acre farm and animal care centre at our Epsom campus, home to a wide variety of animals, from sheep to a giant python. Whether you’re interested in animal welfare, animal husbandry, zoo work or progressing to an animal care degree, you’ll gain the practical experience, confidence and qualifications needed for further study or employment in the animal industry.

Person holding a guinea pig close to the camera in a black and white portrait.

A career in Animal Care

Our animal care qualifications can lead to a wide range of careers in:

  • Animal welfare
  • Zoos
  • Rescue centres
  • Kennels
  • Catteries
  • Pet care businesses
  • Veterinary support
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Supporting your studies

Our courses help students develop the practical skills and industry knowledge employers value, and provide a strong foundation for further study in animal welfare and management, including routes into zoo work, conservation and veterinary-related careers.

Great facilities

Students learn in purpose-built animal care facilities designed to support practical training across animal welfare, husbandry and management. Our facilities feature:

  • Extensive grazing fields
  • Stables
  • Specialist enclosures

Working with a range of species helps students develop the hands-on experience required for future study, employment or specialist pathways within the animal industry.

Our staff

Our tutors are industry‑experienced professionals, passionate about teaching the latest animal management and land‑based skills. Their backgrounds range from zoos and veterinary nursing to animal charities and wildlife rehabilitation, and they undertake ongoing professional development to stay up to date with current best practice.

Course highlights

  • Work with exotic, agricultural, and domestic animals, from reptiles and rodents to alpacas, sheep, donkeys, and birds.
  • Complete a work placement with an animal organisation.
  • Learn animal care, behaviour, professional standards, and essential skills for working in a 24/7 animal care industry.

I’ve been passionate about caring for animals from a young age. I knew Nescot had a farm with a wide variety of animals and decided to enrol on the T-Level course after an Open Day visit. The course offers widespread knowledge and hands-on skills. It’s a great balance of theory lessons in the classroom and practical learning in the Animal Care Unit onsite. I’m able to take what I’ve learnt into my work setting.

Briana / Animal Studies Student

More information

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Four students in matching maroon hoodies gather at a wooden gate beside an outdoor animal paddock, with sheep grazing in the field behind them.

Real world experience sets you up for life

We’ll help you to discover your potential, build your confidence, and take your next steps with purpose.