We look at each application individually, considering your grades, interview and any relevant experience. We typically expect students to have achieved 64 UCAS points or MPP in a Level 3 Diploma / Extended Diploma, alongside grade 4 in GCSE English and Maths. Mature students who don’t meet these standard entry requirements may be able to show us their potential through relevant experience. Applicants whose first language is not English and who do not have GCSE English will be asked to take an IELTS assessment or equivalent and will need to achieve an overall score of 6.0, with 6.0 in the writing element and at least 5.5 in all other sub elements.
Entry requirements
Why choose this course?
The HND in Animal Management is designed for those who are passionate about improving animal welfare and making a difference in the animal industry. Through practical training, specialist facilities and expert support, you’ll develop the confidence, knowledge and professional skills needed for higher study or a career working with animals.
It combines classroom theory delivered by lecturers with a wealth of experience within the animal care industry, with practical hands-on sessions with the vast collection of species housed in our fully-equipped Animal Centre and in our onsite laboratory.
Brinsbury College is situated in stunning countryside on the doorstep of the South Downs National Park, providing learners with access to woodlands, wildlife habitats, ponds and open fields just a short walk from campus. In addition to the Animal Centre, the College boasts further extensive specialist facilities, including a working farm and equine centre, which students can utilise as part of their studies to enhance their practical skills and industry experience.
Throughout the course, students benefit from regular opportunities to engage with industry professionals who contribute directly to the curriculum, ensuring learning remains relevant and current. Over the two years of study, learners also broaden their industry knowledge and professional networks through educational visits, conferences, seminars and employer-led events.
Assessment methods are varied to include group and individual assignments, presentations, practical assessments and case studies. Students studying an HND at Brinsbury are taught within small group sizes to ensure every student has access to regular personalised tutor contact to help you succeed and learn the skills required to enter competitive areas such as zoo-keeping, conservation and animal science, or to specialise further on a related top up degree.
Beyond the HND if you wish to top up, the subject areas students commonly progress and succeed in include Animal Management, Animal Behaviour or Animal Welfare.
Further information
- Future zoo-keepers, conservation workers, animal-based educators and animal scientists
- Those wanting degree level excellence with hands-on practical experience and small group sizes
- Interested in studying animals at a higher level
- Progression for T Level/L3 Animal Management students
- Classroom theory to support animal care volunteers in securing paid positions
- Wildlife Conservation
- Anthrozoology
- Breeding and Genetics – including farm workshop
- Evolution and Adaptions
- Principles of Biology – including lab experience and assessment
- Work experience – 80 hours work experience placement within the animal care industry
- Research Project – a large scale research project on a central theme
- Industry appropriate practical sessions
Academic pathways – Top-up degree to achieve a Bachelors (BSc) in a related subject such as Animal Behaviour, Animal Welfare, Animal Science, Zoology and Conservation at University institutions.
Apprenticeship pathways – Zookeeper/aquarist apprenticeships, Animal Trainer apprenticeships
Industry roles – Roles such as Zookeeper, Aquarist, Conservation Officer and Educational Officer. Could lead to roles in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation and animal rescue, as well as animal training and handling with additional industry-based training.
Taught content is delivered with a mixture of classroom theory and practical sessions, incorporating lecturing style teaching with classroom style tasks and activities designed for active learning opportunities. Assessments are varied across the course, from written reports to practical assessments in animal husbandry, with opportunities given to develop skills in these areas before assessment. Learners often have the opportunity to explore topics and animal species that interest them, and will be expected to deliver presentations, collaborate with group work, design blogs, posters and leaflets similar to what could be expected from working in industry.
- Blue coat for practical sessions – £25 from Brinsbury College Online Shop
- Suitable footwear (e.g. hiking boots, work boots, wellies) for practical sessions.