Animal diplomas

Care, management and science

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Be part of an Ofsted Outstanding college and benefit from our dedicated animal centre with over 70 species. You'll gain the skills and confidence to progress into your dream career in an exciting and developing industry.

Depending on your course, we’ll teach you about animal health, biology, welfare and husbandry. Our well-equipped laboratories and classrooms provide the ideal learning environment.

You’ll be able to evidence your knowledge and practical skills to employers through your work experience. Previous students have worked in veterinary surgeries, rescue centres, kennels and catteries, equine yards, farms, canine enterprises and zoological collections.

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Develop as a person

We run an extensive enrichment programme as part of our Hartpury Certificate, which gives our students the edge when applying for jobs and university courses. You’ll develop a skill set that supports your career aspirations and become a well-rounded and confident young person.

Our courses

Prepare for a fulfilling career working with and caring for animals in a range of roles. Our courses in Animal Care, Science and Management will give you the theoretical and hands-on experience to make a difference to the lives of animals.

Our students have gone on to complete animal science, human-animal interaction, therapy and bioveterinary degrees at Hartpury University or other institutions. This could lead to a career as a:

  • Animal Technician or Nutritionist
  • Animal Welfare Centre Manager
  • Kennel and Cattery Manager
  • Animal Officer or Inspector
  • Rescue Centre Manager
  • Assistant Zoo Keeper
  • Veterinary Nurse
  • Veterinary Surgeon

Why study animal at Hartpury?

Our lecturers have worked as animal trainers, coaches, behaviourists and veterinary professionals – so you’ll benefit from their considerable experience in the commercial animal industry.

We offer a dedicated animal environment for you to gain the practical skills, qualifications and experience that employers are looking for.

Alongside that, our commercial animal businesses on campus – canine and equine therapy centres, our livestock farm and dog grooming salon – provide additional opportunities to gain practical and business experience.

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Outstanding facilities

Develop further experience in our animal therapy centres and labs. You’ll learn how to manage different species and put theory into practice in a real-life animal environment.

Learn as you interact with snakes, lizards, invertebrates, crustaceans, amphibians and fish in our Animal Management Centre; rodents, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, tortoises, meerkats and prairie dogs in our Walled Animal Garden Centre; and emus, llamas, rare Bagot goats and poultry in The Orchard.

You'll also have access to our commercial Canine Hydrotherapy Centre and brand-new £730,000 Equine and Animal Assisted Activity Area for training and research.

Animal facilities

Open days

Our events are designed to inform and inspire, helping you to make the right decisions about your future. You’ll find out about Hartpury student life and how we’ll support you to develop the skills and experience you need. You’ll meet course managers, support teams, current students and more.

Ready to apply?

Places to study at our Ofsted Outstanding college are competitive, so we recommend submitting your application early before courses fill up.

To apply for a diploma course at Hartpury College please complete an online application. Once submitted, we’ll be in touch to progress next steps.

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