Merrist Wood College

Could a career working with animals be right for you?

Whether you're looking for a professional qualification, preparing for university or simply want to build your knowledge, our Animal

Management Adult Education courses (19+) offer something for everyone.

Choose from Dog Grooming, Cat Grooming, Animal Care, Wildlife Conservation and the Access to HE Diploma (Animal Management). You can also continue your studies with our Higher Education Animal Management programmes, including BSc (Hons) Top-up degrees, making Merrist Wood the perfect place to begin and develop your career working with animals.

Find out more:
https://bit.ly/4xtGpvb

From a lifelong fascination with animal behaviour to hands on training with ferrets, Megan turned her passion into a career at Merrist Wood College and University Centre.

Studying BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Megan found a course that combined practical experience with expert teaching in a supportive environment where every question is welcomed.

"Animal training is the most brilliant thing ever... I just don't think you'd get some of these memories anywhere else."

For Megan, it was more than gaining a degree. In learning alongside like-minded people and developing the skills to make a difference in the lives of animals, her confidence soared.

Read Megan's story: https://bit.ly/4y7oKuw

Turn your passion into practical skills this September

Whether you're looking to retrain, start a new career or simply develop a lifelong passion, our Adult Education courses (19+) at

Merrist Wood College combine hands-on learning with specialist facilities in one of the UK's leading land-based colleges.

Browse all September courses:
https://bit.ly/4qcT2sm

Here’s everything you need to know about collecting your qualifications and exam results this August:

🗓️ Level 3 results (A Levels, T Levels, BTECs, UAL):
Available on Thursday 13 August.

🗓️ Level 1 & 2 results (including GCSEs):
Available on Thursday 20 August

📍 You can collect your results in person from 8am–12pm at your college campus – just remember to bring photo ID!

Prefer to view them online? Log in to the ExamNet portal on the day your results are released.

👉 For full details, including certificates and FAQs, head to our dedicated webpage: 🔗 https://bit.ly/3TVFncT

Behind every great student experience is an inspiring educator.

As Faculty Manager for Animal Management at Merrist Wood College and University Centre, Jack Merrifield is passionate about helping students become confident professionals and advocates for the natural world.

From leading international research partnerships with organisations in South Africa and Laos to creating opportunities for students to take part in real conservation projects, Jack ensures learning is practical, purposeful and driven by industry.

"We help students not just to learn, but to grow, think, try new things and be as creative as they want to be."

With small class sizes, expert support and hands on experiences both in the UK and overseas, our Higher Education students develop the skills, confidence and knowledge to become the next generation of conservationists, ecologists and animal professionals.

Read Jack's story: https://bit.ly/4p64QvS

We know that leaving college and taking your next steps can be nerve-wracking. This is why, when you finish your course, it’s a great idea to keep in touch with us and make the most out of the resources available to you.

Staying connected to your college and classmates can be an excellent way to maintain a sense of community and access support as you take these next steps.

Through our Activate Learning Alumni network, you will be able to gain access to a range of benefits and opportunities to continue your personal and professional development.

We’ve put together this handy blog for you can find out how to make the most out of being alumni: https://bit.ly/4fCGZAU

If you are in your final year, don’t forget to sign up to our alumni network https://bit.ly/3yc2sdo

Huge congratulations to the Merrist Wood College Farm team, Charlie and Tish, on a fantastic day at the New Forest & Hampshire County Show! 🐑🏆

Representing the College with our rare breed Castlemilk Moorit flock, Charlie and Tish achieved some brilliant results in the show ring, bringing home:

🥇 2 First Places
🥈 1 Second Place
🥉 2 Third Places
🏅 2 Fourth Places

These fantastic results are a reflection of the care, commitment and expertise our Farm team puts into preparing and presenting our livestock.

They were also delighted to be joined by Lesley Joseph and the Love Your Weekend team, making the day even more memorable.

A huge well done to Charlie and Tish – and of course, to the real stars of the day, our award-winning Castlemilk Moorit sheep! 🐏 ✨

New Forest Show

Sometimes the right career path isn't the first one you choose.

After studying performing arts, Charlotte discovered her passion for wildlife while travelling, leading her to BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare at Merrist Wood College and University Centre.

From working on an international conservation project with the Lao Wildlife Conservation Trust to an unforgettable field trip to South Africa's Shamwari Game Reserve, Charlotte has gained experiences that are shaping her future career.

"I'd tell anyone to do it. If you're passionate about animals, this is the place to be."

At Merrist Wood, learning goes beyond the classroom, combining practical experience, research opportunities and a supportive community to help students achieve their ambitions.

Read Charlotte's story: https://bit.ly/4vcfT7W

From student to zoo keeper, curator, lecturer to policy and research analyst, Katie Hogan's journey shows how a passion for animals can grow into an inspiring career.

Having studied at Merrist Wood College and University Centre herself, Katie returned to share her industry expertise with the next generation. Drawing on years of experience in zoo keeping, animal welfare and conservation, she helps students develop the confidence, critical thinking and practical skills they'll need to make a positive impact in the animal industry.

"I think that's something that sets us apart at Merrist Wood. We're here to open students' minds to the niche areas that would make their skillsets thrive."

From debating animal ethics and welfare to international field trips and invaluable industry connections, Katie ensures learning goes far beyond the classroom.

Read Katie's story: https://bit.ly/4gXRYpr

A huge thank you to STIHL Great Britain for the fantastic equipment provided to Merrist Wood College.

We’re incredibly grateful for this generous support, which will make a real difference to our students’ learning experience, and give valuable opportunities to develop the practical skills and confidence they’ll need as they prepare for careers in the land-based sector.

A special thank you to the Learning and Development Team at Stihl for all your support in making this happen. We really appreciate your commitment to supporting the next generation of skilled professionals.

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