Capel Manor College

Lola’s studies at Capel Manor College began with animal management and she is now studying the BSc (Hons) Animal Management and Applied Zoology (Top-Up). “I wanted to study animal science after recovering from a car accident that changed my life. I decided that I wanted to get involved with animals as I have always been passionate about them. I chose Capel Manor College after visiting one of its Open Days. Instantly, I knew that this was the right place for me, it felt like I was back in my hometown in Spain rather than London as the Enfield Campus grounds were so beautiful. Everybody that I spoke to was kind and friendly, and I felt accepted and welcome. All of the courses I have studied at the College have been great and the practical side is what I have enjoyed the most. I love being in contact with nature and the College facilities have allowed me to make the most of that side. I have received so much support from all of my tutors, especially Lindsey and Evangelos, both were very supportive whilst I underwent major surgery during my studies. I have gained lots of in-depth animal knowledge, had the opportunity to travel and gain work experience as part of my course, and improved my English language skills. I have made friends with many amazing people over the last few years. When I first started I found Capel Manor College a magical place with a community feel – and four years later I still feel this way! My future goal is to work with local communities and rehabilitation centres abroad to help care for animals through enrichment and training programmes.”

Terri Lee studied Level 3 animal management at our Enfield Campus. “I first discovered Capel Manor College when a friend recommended it as the perfect place for someone passionate about animals. I’ve always wanted to work with animals, particularly in the veterinary field, and after looking into the College, I knew it was the right fit for me. With my strong grades, I was able to jump straight into the Level 3 Animal Management course at the Enfield Campus. From day one, the course felt like a perfect match. The mix of practical, hands-on experiences with animals, combined with in-depth theory, helped me develop the knowledge and skills I need for my future career as a vet. The tutors were fantastic – not only were they experts in their fields, but they made learning interactive and engaging. Whether we were practising bandaging techniques on dogs or going out on field surveys, I always felt supported and inspired by their enthusiasm. One of my favourite parts of the course was the unit on Breeding and Genetics – I found it fascinating, and it hardly felt like studying because I was so interested in the material. The hands-on experiences with the animals, especially in the exotics room, were also a highlight. I’ve had a snake and a bearded dragon at home for a few years, so getting to apply my knowledge in the College’s exotic animal section was a real bonus. Plus, it armed me with new ideas for enrichment that I have now taken home and used with my animals too. A major milestone for me was receiving my final grades. I was thrilled to achieve such high marks, especially in subjects like genetics and health and disease, which I found both challenging and deeply rewarding. My grades exceeded my expectation and achieving top grades, after all my hard work and revision, was an amazing feeling. These results not only gave me a sense of accomplishment but also set me up perfectly for my next step—my application to continue my education at the Royal Veterinary College – which I’m pleased to say what accepted! While at Capel Manor College, I was lucky to find work experience in a vet’s surgery – which is really hard to come by when you’re under 18 so I felt really lucky. I also completed a six-month volunteering placement at London Zoo this Summer. The opportunity allowed me to get a behind-the-scenes look at how the zoo operates and gave me real-world experience in animal care. I spent a lot of time in the Locust Room, which involved feeding the animals and maintaining their environments. While the tasks were repetitive at first, I was eventually entrusted with more varied duties as I gained the team’s trust. Working with such a diverse range of species was both challenging and rewarding, and it reinforced my passion for working with exotic animals. Now that I’ve completed my studies at Capel Manor College, I’m excited to be starting the Veterinary Medicine course at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC). It’s a six-year journey, but I’m ready for the challenge! My ultimate goal is to specialize in exotic animals, and I’m particularly excited about the chance to work at the RVC’s exotic animal hospital. Looking back, my time at Capel Manor College was instrumental in helping me achieve this next step. The blend of theory and practical learning suited my style perfectly, and the supportive environment gave me the confidence to pursue my dream career. My advice to future students? Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and start your assignments early – it’ll make everything so much easier! The hard work truly pays off, and I wouldn’t hesitate to do it all over again.”

Hanna is currently studying the foundation degree in animal management and zoology and plans to continue her studies to gain the full degree. “I have always had a passion for animals and biology but also art. I then decided to work with animals, doing many courses and volunteer work. Before enrolling at Capel Manor College, I lived in Africa and worked in a wildlife rescue centre. When I moved to London I became a Vet Nurse Assistant for a charity. I chose Capel Manor College as I was excited about the modules offered and that I would have many opportunities to work practically with animals. After I had done more research into FdSc Animal Management and Zoology, I also found that the working hours and structure suited my lifestyle. Obviously, you can never tell how it will be in reality, but I just had a good, positive feeling about it and the thought of studying at the College excited me. I honestly feel privileged to be able to study such a unique course and I have gained confidence in my abilities. The most amazing thing is that I surprise myself with what I can achieve. The individual support we get from our tutors, the hands-on experiences and the atmosphere between the tutors and students greatly benefits from the small numbers of students registered each year at the College. I love that we are learning and being challenged but without unnecessary conditions often found in other universities.”