ANIMAL EDUCATION HUB

Outreach: Schools and Colleges

Hartpury University and Hartpury College

Animal Education Hub

Welcome to our digital education hub for all things Animal!

We are the highest achieving land-based college in England (DfE 2018-2019), where we are set in the heart of Gloucestershire on our 360-hectare estate. You'll see theory come to life and gain a hands-on approach to your education, thanks to the outstanding facilities within our exceptional learning environment

We are fast establishing ourselves as a globally-recognised centre for animal science, behaviour and welfare. Everything we teach our students is underpinned by the latest science and technology, which helps us to understand animals like never before. We’re able to explore and develop ground-breaking methods that prioritise the physical, psychological and emotional needs of an animal to enhance wellbeing and health.

You can develop your knowledge and be hands-on with our modern animal facilities. You’ll have access to over 70 domestic and non-domestic animals all based on campus alongside our commercial animal business - canine and equine therapy centres, and livestock farm. There is plenty of opportunity to follow your passion whilst you grow your practical and business skills, ready for your career.

We hope you enjoy our animal-themed activities as well as taking the opportunity to explore what Hartpury has to offer.

Interactive Quizzes

Do you know what the term ornithology means? Why not test out your animal knowledge with one of our online quizzes? We have three to choose from, so simply click on the links below and see how many answers you can get right!

Animal quiz

Zoology quiz 

Animal Behaviour quiz

Student in Aviary

THERMAL IMAGING IN ANIMAL SCIENCE

Student with thermal imaging camera

Ever heard of thermography? Find out how thermal imaging is used in animal science and see if you can identify the animals from their thermal imaging pictures.

THERMAL IMAGING

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT ANIMALS

Prairie Dogs

Did you know that audio-books could improve cows' welfare? Learn more about it along with 14 other new facts about animals that you may not have known.

INTERESTING FACTS

PRINCIPLES OF ANIMAL HANDLING

Frog being handled

Working with different species it’s important to know how to handle them correctly. This guide explains the principles of animal handling and describes different techniques.

PRINCIPLES OF ANIMAL HANDLING

ANIMAL ENRICHMENT

There are huge benefits to enriching animals including improving health and wellbeing. Snuffle mats are toys that allow owners to hide treats so animals can sniff them out.

Animal enrichment activity

HYBRID ANIMALS AND THEIR HABITATS

A hybrid animal is an offspring produced from a cross between parents of different species or sub-species. Find out more with this interactive activity.

Animal interactive activity

ANIMAL FIRST AID

First aid is the immediate treatment of injured animals or those suffering from a sudden illness. Match up the key term and their definition to boost your understanding.

Animal First Aid

HEAR FROM OUR STUDENTS

To help you build an understanding of your future after school, three of our animal students, Emily, Skai and Robin, have discussed their student experiences.

They give a first-hand account of what it’s like being an animal student at Hartpury University. They discuss the exciting opportunities provided to them by Hartpury, such as industry experience and their aspirations.

EMILY HANCOCK - STUDENT EXPERIENCE BLOG

Student using a microscope in the lab

Emily wants to use her research skills to follow a career in the veterinary industry. Here she shares her story as a third-year Bioveterinary Science student.

READ EMILYS BLOG

ROBIN HUTCHINSON - STUDENT EXPERIENCE BLOG

Robin is gaining plenty of real-world experience for a career in conservation. Read about Robin's experience as a third-year animal student.

READ ROBINS BLOG

SKAI WALKER – STUDENT EXPERIENCE BLOG 

Student holding a reptile

Skai wants to help animals and people as an animal-assisted therapist. Find out how his foundation year is preparing him for his degree.

READ SKAIS BLOG

Rabbit Fact File

Two students holding a rabbit

Rabbits are herbivorous animals and forage for up to eight hours a day on grasses, weeds and wild flowers. They are also born without any fur! Find out what else they get up to with our Rabbit Fun Fact sheet.

Rabbit Fun Facts

Meerkat Fact File

Meerkat sat on some wood

Did you know that meerkats spend the first part of the day sunbathing? They do this by standing on their back legs facing the sun. We've got loads of interesting facts about meerkats to share!

Meerkat Fun Facts

STUDYING ANIMAL DEGREES AT HARTPURY UNIVERSITY

At Hartpury, our focus is on solving real-world problems. As a student you’ll work with research active lecturers and have access to industry experts such as trainers, coaches, behaviourists and veterinary professionals. Our on-site animal rehabilitation centre, Cotswold Dog Spa, provides opportunity for hands-on learning and work experience placements.

Our courses are developed with support from employers, ensuring that when you graduate you will have the skills and qualifications that they want.

Through your undergraduate dissertation, you can explore your own research interests or team up with our staff to work on live briefs and be part of groundbreaking new studies that contribute to best practice for animal welfare.

Talk to us at one of our open days

Book on to an Open Day

Real Industry Experience

Leanne Wallace took a sandwich year placement at Colchester Zoo as part of her Animal Science degree. She experienced working with her favourite animal...chimpanzees.

Specialist Animal Facilities

Our specialist Animal facilities include, Animal Management Centre, Animal Science laboratories and our new dog agility arena.

VIEW OUR ANIMAL FACILITIES

MAKING A DIFFERENCE TO ANIMALS' LIVES

Sophia Payne - Hartpury Animal Graduate

Sophia, who works at the Animal Health Trust, is researching vaccines to epidemics that could make a big difference for the lives of animals. She studied Bioveterinary Science at Hartpury University. Watch Sophia's video to find out how she landed her dream job.

TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR

As a Hartpury student you’ll get hands-on experience as part of your day-to-day operations. You will have access to the domestic species on our commercial farm and the horses within our world-class equine facilities, including our Equine Therapy Centre.

Why not explore our 360-hectare specialist campus by taking our Virtual Tour? Click on the hotspots for more information as you tour!

Take a walk on the wild side with us!

Depending on your degree, you could take us up on the fantastic opportunity to visit Mankwe Wildlife Reserve in South Africa.

You’ll experience exciting safaris and conservation- based fieldwork, and gain insights into important conservation issues such as anti-poaching.

(Optional 10-day field trip for Animal Behaviour and Welfare and Zoology degrees. Fees apply, see website for details)

Want to check how well you did in our activities? Click on the relevant link below to find out!

1. Animal word search (Age 7-11) Answers

2. Animal word search (Age 12-15) Answers 

3. Guess the animal - Answers 

4. Matching animal Key Terms - Answers

Contact us

If you do have any further questions, you can contact us on outreach@hartpury.ac.uk or call 01452 702303.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUTREACH AT HARTPURY

Outreach: Schools and Colleges

If you'd like to work with us or have any enquiries, please use the enquiry form below.

Enquiry Form

Order a prospectus 

If you'd like to find out more about any of our courses you can order a prospectus using the link below.

ORDER A PROSPECTUS

Other Related Information