Course Overview
The Foundation Degree in Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Conservation develops knowledge and practical skills for further study and employment in key aspects of the animal industry. Core subjects allow graduates from the programme to demonstrate understanding and application in fundamental elements of animal welfare and husbandry.
Option units allow students to progress along career pathways focusing on animal behaviour or animal conservation. Students can elect to take options that cover these aspects to develop particular knowledge and skills in these two fields in the animal industry. The course provides opportunities to work with employers, and to develop industry-related skills through authentic style assessment.
The course can be studied full time for two years or part time over four years. Full time study will require 2 days attendance per week at Kingston Maurward campus. If studying part time, this will usually require one day attendance per week, or two half days depending module timetables.
The foundation degree is the fundamental course for progression to Top Up programmes at Level 6 to gain BSc (Hons) degrees.
Entry Requirements
A minimum of 48 new UCAS tariff points. Normally one A Level in a Biological /Environmental Science or Psychology plus other subjects, or a MPP at Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma (1080) in Animal Management OR MM in Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma Animal Management (720).
4 GCSEs in Maths, English (grade 4/5 or above) are required. Mature entry is actively encouraged and relevant work experience will be considered in place of formal qualifications, but Access to HE courses in Science or Land based studies are highly recommended.
This programme accepts applications from international students. International students will need to ensure they can comply with UK visa requirements before enrolment, and for the length of the programme. The College has a limited accommodation offer available, but can provide additional support on request to find other local accommodation. Applicants will need to ensure they meet entry requirements for qualifications, experience and English language through IELTS.
Please note, applications for this course should be made via the UCAS website – course code D392, institution code W66.
Course Structure
Course Description
In Year One students complete the following modules:
- Study and Research Skills
- Vertebrate and Invertebrate Biology
- Animal Health and Disease,
- Animal Welfare, Legislation and Ethics
- Principles of Conservation
- Principles of Animal Behaviour
- Professional Industry Skills Development
In Year Two students study core modules in:
- Breeding Genetics and Welfare
- Specialist Research Project
- Applied Conservation for Wildlife
- Applied Animal Husbandry and Nutrition
- Anthrozoology
There are option modules as follows:
- Research and Education in Conservation
- Advanced Behaviour Management
Fees
The course fees for all students for this course will be £8000 per annum. Details of the student finance available for all higher education students can be found on the student finance website www.gov.uk/student-finance
There will be and additional cost towards industry visits and study tours.
- Day tours from £20-£20
- Study tours range from £300-£350
Progression
The key route following the foundation degree are the BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour Welfare and Conservation Top Up programmes specialising in either Animal Conservation or Animal Collections. This is a one year programmes at Kingston Maurward Campus. Other colleges and univerisities also offer similar final year courses.
This qualification offers excellent employment opportunities in the following areas: animal welfare organisations, assurance, inspection and enforcement agencies, wildlife conservation organisations, animal collections, laboratory technicians, animal behaviour consultancy and training. Graduates have progressed to postgraduate qualifications following completion of the BSc Top Up year at Kingston Maurward. In 2017-18, 100% of our graduates were employed or in further study on Top Up programmes.