Animal Management

Animal management is an applied degree that develops the practical skills and scientific knowledge needed to work effectively with animals across a range of professional settings, from zoos and wildlife parks to companion animal facilities, rescue centres, and working animal organisations. It combines animal behaviour and husbandry with broader management and business skills, recognising that most people who work with animals do so within organisations that need to be well run, financially viable, and accountable to welfare standards, legal requirements, and the expectations of the public.

At Anglia Ruskin University you will study this three-year full-time degree with a typical entry tariff of 120 points. The programme develops your practical abilities in animal handling and care across species groups, alongside your scientific understanding of animal behaviour, nutrition, health, and welfare. You will study zoo and wildlife management, companion animal practice, the management of animal facilities, and the business and leadership skills needed to run organisations in the animal sector effectively.

Welfare is a central theme throughout, with the programme developing your ability to assess animal wellbeing and to advocate for high standards of care in whatever professional setting you work in. Practical work and industry placements are integral parts of the learning experience.

Graduates from animal management programmes work in zoos and aquaria, wildlife sanctuaries, rescue and rehoming centres, kennels and catteries, equestrian facilities, nature reserves, farms, and animal-assisted therapy settings. Management roles within these organisations, including facility management, animal care team leadership, and operations coordination, are common graduate destinations. The business and management dimension of the degree also prepares graduates for administrative and development roles within animal charities and conservation organisations.

Further study in animal behaviour, wildlife conservation, veterinary nursing, or zoo management is a route taken by those who wish to specialise or pursue more senior professional roles.