Why choose us?
Our Animal courses will enable you to develop the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to pursue a successful career working with animals. The new Zoological Education Centre provides high-quality learning opportunities in a practical environment. It is a Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) approved facility where experienced staff provide care to the highest modern welfare standards, enabling you to observe and develop industry-relevant skills in animal care, animal sciences and animal management.
Industry opportunities
We help students to establish conservation skills focusing on the ethical considerations of the world’s wildlife. We do this by working alongside zoos and wildlife parks to provide high-quality education with a specialist focus on animal welfare, conservation and caring for the environment. This not only broadens your skills, but helps us to maintain vulnerable species here at Shuttleworth.
We also focus on enhancing sustainability, including the growing of animal feed and effective waste management systems with the vision of minimal waste provision. These are all areas of the industry that are important to understand. Some courses will also include a work experience placement, enabling you to transfer your skills into the workplace.
Expert tutors and top-class facilities
Animals housed and cared for at Shuttleworth College play an important role in helping students develop the practical skills needed for careers in animal-related industries. Our specialist facilities provide valuable hands-on experience in grooming, handling, feeding, care and welfare.
Our tutors are dedicated and passionate, bringing a wealth of industry experience and knowledge to support students throughout their studies.
Award-Winning Animal Welfare
Our existing animal centre has previously received prestigious Blue Cross awards recognising excellence in animal welfare and management, including:
- Best Overall Animal Unit for Welfare
- Best Bird Welfare Management
- Best Amphibian and Reptile Management
These achievements reflect our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of animal care and student learning.
Student success
Our unique approach will allow you to develop your skills and improve your knowledge and understanding for a wide range of specialties. Imagine the discoveries that can be made by moving a leaf to find a tropical amphibian, listening to real life exotic bird calls and waiting for a free-roaming lizard to cross your path.
We want to inspire the naturalists of the future, the generation that will go out into the world and make a difference conserving and preserving the natural world. Education needs to keep pace with the animal industry – and what better way to do this than creating an enrapturing tropical paradise.
Many of our students progress to university-level study, apprenticeships or employment. Animal qualifications can open the door to a wide range of careers, including zookeeping, wildlife conservation, and animal care roles, as well as many more opportunities within the sector.