Animal Management

Animal management is the practical and scientific study of how animals are cared for, housed, bred, and handled in a wide variety of settings, from zoos, aquaria, and wildlife parks to farms, rescue centres, laboratories, and domestic environments. It draws on animal behaviour, physiology, welfare science, and ecology to develop the knowledge and skills needed to provide appropriate and humane care for animals across different species and contexts. The discipline responds to growing public and regulatory interest in animal welfare, and to the expanding range of professional roles in which competent, evidence-informed animal management is required.

At the University of Bedfordshire, this part-time Animal Management programme offers flexibility for those who need to combine study with work, which is particularly useful for students already working in animal care settings. You will develop knowledge of animal anatomy, physiology, behaviour, and welfare, alongside the practical skills needed to handle, care for, and monitor a range of species. The programme examines the legal and ethical frameworks governing the use and care of animals in different contexts, including welfare legislation and licensing requirements for establishments housing animals.

You will also develop understanding of nutrition, disease prevention, and the management of animals in captivity or in agricultural settings, building a rounded foundation for professional work in the sector.

Graduates of animal management programmes work as zookeepers, animal technicians, animal welfare officers, kennel and cattery managers, farm workers with welfare specialisms, and in wildlife rehabilitation and rescue organisations. The broad practical and scientific training the degree provides is valued by employers who need staff who can both care for animals competently and understand the scientific basis for best practice. Further study options include postgraduate degrees in animal behaviour, conservation biology, veterinary nursing, and related life sciences.