Animal magic at Askham Bryan.

FROM this September it will be possible to study animal management at higher education level in Teesside with the launch of a foundation degree at Askham Bryan College in Guisborough.

Since the college moved into its purpose-built home in the new Priory Centre on the Prior Pursglove College campus last summer, demand for animal care and animal management courses has grown rapidly.

As lecturer Laura Chapman explains: "Many of the students who are already studying animal management with us would like to be able to continue their studies at this level. There are also opportunities for new students who will be leaving school after A levels this summer, have an interest in animal management and in studying at degree level to apply.

"We have excellent facilities in Guisborough which have been approved for degree level study and there are lots of other advantages to staying in the Teesside area to study for a higher education qualification: some students will be able to save money by continuing to live at home, whilst others may be able to keep a local part time job or fit their studies around existing commitments in the area which would make relocating difficult.

"We also welcome applications from mature students who may be thinking about taking a degree to increase their career prospects or make a career change." The foundation degree in Animal Management is a two-year full-time course. It can also be studied part time over three years. Students who do well on the course can then move on to an honours degree course at York and complete that qualification with only one additional year of study.

Career prospects are good. As Laura says: "The foundation degree includes two vocational placements which means our students will have plenty of experience to demonstrate to future employers.

"This is a fascinating sector in which to work. Changes in legislation and an increase in public interest in animal related issues ranging from the keeping of exotic pets to conservation, animal health and behaviour mean that higher levels of skills are required in zoos, wildlife centres, animal technology and in education, training and conservation work.

"We are happy to make arrangements for anyone who is interested in the course to come and visit us in Guisborough, see the facilities and find out more about the course and future career opportunities."

. For more information, please contact Askham Bryan College Guisborough Centre Telephone [phone] or email: [e-mail]

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SCALES OF LEARNING: You can now study for a degree in animal management at Askham Bryan College