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Riseholme Animal Management students holding snake m

Animal Management College Courses

Are you interested in working with animals?

At our Animal Management Centre you will have exciting opportunities to work with a wide range of species.

From chickens, goats, guinea pigs, hamsters, marmoset monkeys, to rabbits and reptiles, our collection is always growing.

Our friendly, medium-sized campus is kitted out with high-tech labs, exotic and aquatic rooms, outdoor paddocks and a dog grooming salon. Plus, you’ll be able to work with the horses at our Equine Centre and livestock on the Riseholme Park farm.

Animal Management Centre Dog Grooming

A variety of Animal Management courses

Our full time college courses cover topics such as animal care, behaviour, biology, conservation, ecology, health, zoo management and welfare.

We also have short and part-time courses in dog grooming.

Our specialist tutors will support you in your studies and share their industry expertise.

We will provide you with the right knowledge and skills to prepare you for the next level of study or to start work.

Great field trips and strong industry connections

Our Animal Management Academy will enrich your learning experience.

The Academy organises guest speakers, employer engagement days and fantastic field trips, with the chance to visit some of the UK’s best zoos and wildlife parks and reserves in South Africa.

You can also benefit from work placement opportunities with local animal businesses, such as Tattershall Farm Park.

If you’re interested in working with animals, make sure you view our Animal Management courses.

Animal students in labs listening to tutor

Animal students looking through microscope

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I am looking for...

Level 1 in Land-Based Studies (Animal/Equine)

Study Mode

Full-Time

Duration

1 year

Start Date

September 2026

Level 1 Skills for Further Learning and Employment (Animal/Equine)

Study Mode

Full-Time

Duration

1 year

Start Date

September 2026

Level 2 Technical Certificate in Animal Care

Study Mode

Full-Time

Duration

1 year

Start Date

September 2026

Level 3 in Animal Management

Study Mode

Full-Time

Duration

1-2 years

Start Date

September 2026

Level 3 in Animal Management

Study Mode

Full-Time

Duration

1-2 years

Start Date

September 2026

Level 3 in Animal Management with English and Maths

Study Mode

Full-Time

Duration

1-2 years

Start Date

September 2026

T Level in Animal Care and Management (Animal Management and Behaviour)

Study Mode

Full-Time

Duration

2 years

Start Date

September 2026

T Level in Animal Care and Management (Animal Management and Behaviour)

Study Mode

Full-Time

Duration

2 years

Start Date

September 2025

Level 2 Dog Grooming Assistant

Study Mode

Part-Time

Duration

25 weeks, 1 day per week

Start Date

Various

Level 3 in Dog Grooming

Study Mode

Part-Time

Duration

40 weeks

Start Date

Various

Level 2 Animal Care and Welfare Assistant Apprenticeship

Study Mode

Full-Time

Duration

1 - 1.5 years

Start Date

Any Time

Level 2 Dog Groomer Apprenticeship

Study Mode

Full-Time

Duration

1.5 years

Start Date

Any Time

Level 3 Animal Care and Welfare Manager Apprenticeship

Study Mode

Full-Time

Duration

18 months + EPA

Start Date

Any Time

Level 2 Dog Grooming Assistant

Study Mode

Part-Time

Duration

25 weeks, 1 day per week

Start Date

Various

Level 3 in Dog Grooming

Study Mode

Part-Time

Duration

40 weeks

Start Date

Various

From reptiles to aquatics...

Find out more about our Animal Management Centre

Student Profiles

Amanda Duncan

Amanda completed the Level 2 Dog Grooming course, and has enrolled onto the Level 3 programme to build on her skills and pursue her passion for working with dogs.

Meet your tutors

William Lanfear

William is an Animal Keeper at Riseholme College with over 10 years of experience working in zoos, farm parks and educational settings. His passion for animal care began through volunteering at a zoo, which inspired him to pursue a career in the industry.

Kaitlin Liney

Kaitlin began her journey at Riseholme College in 2014 and never looked back. What started with a Level 2 Animal Care course soon grew into a full academic adventure, including a Level 3 Diploma in Animal Management, a Foundation Degree in Animal Management and Behaviour, and finally a BSc (Hons) in Animal Behaviour and Welfare. Today, she’s come full circle and is now working as a Lecturer in Animal Management at the very college where it all began.

Savannah Smith

Lecturer in Animal Management

Savannah studied Bioveterinary Science at university before completing a Masters degree in Endangered Species Recovery and Conservation. Her education, alongside her previous work experience in a zoo supported her love of educating people about the animals and inspired her to explore teaching as a career.

E: SmithSA@riseholme.ac.uk

Sarah Kilbee

Dog Grooming Lecturer and Course Manager

Sarah has 20 years of experience within the canine industry, including a vast amount of experience running dog grooming salons, including her own business, and grooming from pet to breed standard. Sarah has even groomed dogs for Crufts! Sarah has been teaching dog grooming for over 10 years, helping students start their own careers in the grooming industry. As a City and Guilds consultant, she helped rewrite the new level 2 Dog Grooming qualification, so who better to learn from?

Sarah is also a professional dog trainer and behaviourist. She previously ran her own dog training business where she taught classes such as obedience, clicker training, agility, flyball and even doggy yoga classes, as well as being in the show ring.

@riseholmecol/