With an international reputation for animal studies and zoo management, and home to the National Zoo Academy, facilities at Sparsholt College enable you to gain theoretical and practical experience relevant for a career in animal care. Sparsholt’s BIAZA licenced Animal Management Centre is home to over 600 animals from across 100 different species, with which Animal and Zoo Management students on courses all the way up to postgraduate level can gain direct, close up experience. Students learn key aspects of caring for a wide range of the animals, including welfare, husbandry, handling and behaviour habits.  


Explore our Animal Studies facilities below:

  • The brand new state-of-the-art Animal Health and Welfare Research Centre at Sparsholt College facilitates advanced welfare practices and digital technology, whilst adding to the range of techniques, skills and industry know-how of our students.

    The £2.2 million development is home to the National Zoo Academy – the gold standard for anyone aspiring to enter, already employed or wanting to develop their skills in the zoo industry.

    We have an extensive collection of zoo and native species, including both exotic and companion mammals, an extensive bird collection, and the extensive reptile and amphibian department.

    The Animal Management Centre is also a key resource for research and dissertation projects on-site for our higher education students studying Animal Science and Zoo Biology at University Centre Sparsholt. Find out more about our undergraduate and postgraduate courses here.

  • Our newly refurbished Veterinary Nursing Centre is accredited to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and is used by them for veterinary nursing examination purposes.

    The facility is equipped to represent a contemporary veterinary practice which allows our students to gain realistic experience in a work setting. Our students are able to use these facilities to relate their theory work to relevant practical elements of their future careers.

    We’re a current member of the Pet Industry Federation. Membership of the Federation is a hallmark of quality and demonstrates the high standard at which we practice.

    The Vet Nursing Centre is also a key resource for research and dissertation projects on-site for our higher education students studying Veterinary Nursing at University Centre Sparsholt. Find out more about our undergraduate courses here.