Welcome to Brinsbury College, where ambition meets opportunity and individuality is celebrated.
In this guide, you’ll discover what it means to be supported by expert teaching staff with real industry knowledge, helping you develop both the technical skills and confidence to shape your future.
Brinsbury College offers a truly unique learning environment set in the heart of the West Sussex countryside. Spread across 570 acres of farmland, woodland and lesson spaces, students here share a passion and commitment to animal welfare science and sustainable futures.
Our commitment to excellence is recognised nationally, with a TEF Silver Award for both student experience and student outcomes. From hands-on work in our state-of-the-art animal centre and working farm to exploring sustainable crop production and environmental technologies, Brinsbury combines specialist expertise with real-world experience.
Discover a bold approach to Higher Education – explore our guide and see the difference for yourself!
Helena Thomas, Strategic Lead for Higher Education
Kirste McCool, Director of Higher Education
Our local area
Brinsbury College puts you at the heart of West Sussex and its countryside charm, surrounded by the sweeping landscapes of the South Downs.
You’re only a short trip from some of the region’s biggest events, including Goodwood’s Festival of Speed, Petworth Festival, and seasonal food and craft markets that bring local communities to life.
Weekends can take you further afield too. Explore the cafés and independent shops of Horsham, catch live music in Chichester or hop on a train to the coast for a day in Brighton or Portsmouth.
With 570 acres of land, state-of-the-art dairy and cattle facilities, a tractor simulator and a large animal care workshop, there’s plenty to explore and experience.
Our Animal Centre offers outstanding facilities, including modern housing for tropical and arid reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and exotic mammals, as well as outdoor animals such as alpacas, donkeys, sheep, goats, and poultry. It also features a veterinary nursing suite with an operating theatre, consulting room and a commercial dog grooming parlour.
As part of the national 5G Innovation Regions project, Brinsbury has installed wireless environmental sensors linked to a private 5G network. These provide real-time data on soil, climate and plant conditions, helping students explore sustainable crop production, farm management and cutting-edge agricultural technology.
Students can enjoy the beautiful grounds, relax with a coffee from Costa or dine in the Sussex Restaurant. A well-equipped library, learning resource centre and on-site Student Union room provide spaces to study, socialise and make the most of college life.
Your campus
The farm
Brinsbury College features a working commercial farm with a dairy herd and sheep flock, supported by state-of-the-art cattle shed with a race system, auto-shedding gate, HerdVision monitoring, AI pens, auto-lighting, and Electronic Identification (EID) in-parlour readers.
Practical livestock facilities allow students to develop skills in milking, calving, lambing, animal handling, and performance monitoring, including pigs and sheep.
Students learn in specialist crop and growing areas, covering arable crops, grasses, forage crops, soil types, and habitat management.
Estate skills such as fencing, gate erection and habitat management are also taught, alongside modern field machinery operations, including ploughing, power harrowing and drilling.
Students also have opportunities to gain commercial licences and certifications, including telehandler, quad bike, livestock transport and PA1 spraying.
With classrooms based on the farm and immediate access to practical experience, Brinsbury provides students with the skills, knowledge and confidence to enter the agricultural, animal care and environmental industries.
The South of England Show
For the past few years, Brinsbury students have had the exciting opportunity to take part in the South of England Show which is always a highlight of our calendar and a brilliant day out for everyone involved.
It’s a vibrant, inspiring event where students can put their skills into practice, meet industry professionals and celebrate the best of land-based education.
Last year, Brinsbury College once again impressed thousands with our horticulture students capturing visitors’ attention, winning the People’s Choice Award and a silver medal for their beautifully crafted show garden.
Agriculture students also excelled, achieving top placements showing Ayrshire cattle with confidence and professionalism. Alongside this our animal care students celebrated multiple prizes for their bird egg entries, showcasing their specialist knowledge and attention to detail.
The show is a fantastic chance for students to shine, gain real-world experience and be part of something memorable, an opportunity we look forward to offering every year.
James Alison Horticulture Lecturer
The Brinsbury Show & Country Fayre
The Brinsbury Show & Country Fayre is another highlight of the year, giving students the exciting opportunity to step beyond the classroom and gain real hands-on experience.
Our students help run the event, working with livestock, supporting horticulture displays, managing demonstrations and engaging with the public throughout the day. It’s a lively, practical environment that builds confidence, teamwork and industry awareness.
Being part of the show gives you an authentic experience with animals, machinery and land-based projects, all while contributing to a major community event. It’s these real-world opportunities that make studying at Brinsbury genuinely unique and career-focused.
Your experience. Your voice.
Your time at college should feel like yours and that’s where the Students’ Union (SU) comes in.
Representing learners across the Chichester College Group, the SU is a student-powered team making sure voices are heard at every level at Brinsbury College. From shaping day-to-day student life to influencing decisions around learning, wellbeing and campus culture, the SU puts students at the heart of what happens here.
At Brinsbury, the SU champions an inclusive, student-led community through representation, events, societies and enrichment activities. Whether you’re keen to express yourself creatively, connect socially or build skills for the future, there are countless opportunities to get involved, meet people who share your interests and grow your confidence beyond the classroom.
Travel the world with Xtra and unlock unforgettable experiences beyond the classroom. Each year, the SU offers once-in-a-lifetime trips to incredible destinations, from supporting community projects in Kenya, to exploring the bright lights of New York City, to discovering the magic of Disneyland Paris and so much more. These adventures are designed to broaden horizons, build confidence and create memories that will stay with you long after graduation.
Student spotlight
Holly and Amy’s stories show just how transformative the Animal Management HND can be.
Arriving from very different backgrounds, both students have found a course that blends academic rigour with exceptional hands-on experience and opens doors they never expected.
Holly joined with A-levels in biology, dance and psychology, but no animal-handling experience. Immersed in practical learning across a wide range of species, her confidence grew quickly.
Inspired by anatomy and physiology, Holly is now considering veterinary nursing or medicine.
Amy returned to college after four years working with animals worldwide, determined to progress into conservation. “This course gives you that extra edge,” she explains. “It builds the skills and confidence you need to move into meaningful, paid wildlife work.”
College, university-level
Delivering my first lamb was a huge highlight. I’d never handled animals before, and now I’m confidently supporting vaccinations.
Holly Brinsbury Alumna
Brinsbury College, university-level
The course develops strong scientific understanding, welfarefocused decision making and commercial awareness, supporting your move from hands-on animal care into leadership roles overseeing teams, standards and projects.
This two-year Higher National Diploma (HND) course combines academic study with extensive practical training, focussing on the science that underpins high-quality animal management. You will develop the knowledge and confidence required to make informed decisions that directly impact animal welfare, organisational outcomes and professional practice.
In year one, you establish a strong foundation through Animal Health and Welfare, Animal Husbandry, Animal Behaviour, Animal Nutrition, Anatomy and Physiology, Exotic Management, the Business Environment and an Independent Research Project.
Year two expands your expertise with Anthrozoology, Biological Principles, Breeding and Genetics, Evolution and Adaptations, and Wildlife Conservation. You will complete a second Research Project and undertake work experience, within a professional animal setting, exposing you to real-world expectations.
This course prepares you for responsibility in areas such as staffing, breeding programmes, nutrition planning and habitat management, developing the confidence and judgement expected of future leaders in the animal industry. It also provides a clear route to a final year of an honours degree for those seeking further academic advancement.
Animal Management HNC
UCAS codes
HNC Course 002D
HND Course 003D
Institution C57
Duration
2 years, full-time
Graduation
At Brinsbury College, graduation is a memorable milestone for every student.
Each year, graduates gather at Chichester Cathedral, a historic and iconic venue in the heart of the city. The ceremony offers a meaningful moment to reflect on the hard work, commitment and academic achievements attained throughout their studies.
Receiving their certificate on stage in such a prestigious setting marks a significant transition from education to the next stage of each student’s journey. In particular, every ceremony contains hundreds of individual stories, with students following their own paths to graduation. Each of these students have been shaped by different experiences, responsibilities and challenges. This day is about recognising every one of these students, as they celebrate their accomplishments surrounded by family, friends and tutors and look ahead to the opportunities awaiting them in their chosen industries.
It is a proud culmination of their time at Brinsbury College and a confident step into their future, be it in professional careers, postgraduate study or industry roles.
Entry requirements
We recognise that student potential is demonstrated in many ways, so each application is considered individually.
Alongside academic qualifications, we value industry experience and transferable skills gained through work, independent projects, or professional activity, and a personal statement.
Typical entry requirements are outlined here; however, offers may vary to reflect individual strengths, ability and experience.
Brinsbury College, university-level
For HNC courses
Entry will be based on industry experience, a relevant A-level or Level 3 qualification and GCSE grades. Each application is assessed by our dedicated admissions team.
HND courses
Entry will be based on industry experience, a relevant A-level or Level 3 qualification and GCSE grades, or successful completion of an HNC/HTQ. Each application is assessed by our dedicated admissions team.
GCSE English and maths
We strongly advise that all applicants will have achieved 9-4 (A-C) grades in maths and English or an equivalent qualification to ensure the successful completion of the course and enhance future careers.
English as a second language
Applicants who have English as a second language and do not have a GCSE in English will be asked to take an IELTS assessment to demonstrate their ability to work at this level. The minimum overall score is 6.0, with no element under 5.5 in all four elements. The exception to this is students who have been educated in the UK and have been schooled in English. If they have achieved a grade D/3 they would not need to take the IELTS assessment.
If you only want to apply to Brinsbury College (part of the Chichester College Group), applying direct is the easiest way to secure your place.
Why apply direct?
+ Guaranteed interview
Secure an interview for your chosen university-level course
+ £250 bursary
Existing CCG students can receive a one-off bursary of £250 towards your study costs* (you must still be enrolled as a student on 31 January during your first year to receive the bursary)
+ No application fees
If we’re your only choice of institution, you won’t pay any application fees
+ Personalised support
Get help with your application upon request, including guidance for Disabled Student Allowance, Student Finance Tuition Fees and Maintenance Loans
*Correct at time of printing for students completing a Level 3 qualification in summer 2026. Benefits may change for future students.
How to apply
You can apply online via UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) for all undergraduate courses.
You’ll be supported through the process by your school UCAS team or by applying at the college through the Progression Plus team.
UCAS allows you to apply to up to five universities. You must use UCAS if you want to apply to more than one college or university.
You’ll need your current school or college, plus your tutor for advice and a reference.
When to apply
We advise you to work on your application during the autumn term and submit your application before 13 January 2027 (UCAS deadline). We will consider late applications, but you are strongly encouraged to meet this deadline in order to receive priority consideration.
throughApplying UCAS
What’s next?
Offering you a place
Within one week of your interview, we will send you an offer if a place on the course is agreed in your interview. An offer will be unconditional or conditional. Conditional offers are based not only upon your interview but also on your exam results.
Applicants who have applied through UCAS will receive their offer on UCAS Track.
Accepting your offer on UCAS
If you have applied through UCAS, once you have received offers from all the universities you applied to, UCAS will require you to accept one of your offers as your “firm” choice and another as your “insurance” choice. UCAS sets all the deadlines by which time you must let them know your decision.
Deferred entry
We are happy to take applications from students who plan to take a gap year before starting their degree course.
University-level fees
The fees you pay will depend on several factors, including where you choose to study, the level of your course and whether you are studying full-time or part-time. For the most up-to-date fee information, please visit the course information page of the college website.
Student loans
UK students can apply for Government student loans to cover tuition fees and help with living costs while studying. These loans are normally available to students with settled status in the UK but eligibility needs to be checked with Student Finance England.
You will only start repaying your loan once you are earning above a certain income threshold. When this happens, repayments are taken automatically from your salary through the income tax system. Apply online at Student finance for undergraduates: gov.uk/student-finance
Finance & funding
Enjoying our new look?
We’ve chosen Inconstant Regular by Daniel Brokstad as the new typeface for this year’s university-level course guide. It was selected not only for its distinctive, contemporary look, but because it represents something meaningful: accessibility and inclusivity.
Inconstant is designed with an irregular set of letterforms to help people with dyslexia read more easily. As a college group that places opportunity for everyone at its core, Inconstant Regular felt like the right choice. It supports accessibility while reflecting the uniqueness of our campuses and the diversity of the people within them.
Brinsbury College, university-level
Commissioned by Dyslexia Scotland for their awareness campaign, There’s Nothing Comic About Dyslexia, designer, Daniel, talks through the challenges of beginning the project, researching and learning what makes a typeface legible for people with dyslexia.
A huge range of glyphs and concept entry points were sketched out on how to solve this. Eventually landing on the concept of inconsistently inconsistent, by adding in the different stylistic sets and contextual alternatives.
