Applied Zoology with Placement Year

If you are interested in learning about the diversity of animal life on the planet, gaining practical skills in animal husbandry and understanding the impact that humans are having on wild animals, this is the course for you. It is more important now than ever to understand animals in the context of their place in ecosystems, so this course combines more traditional animal studies with more hands-on field work and animal care.

You will study all aspects of animal biology, from behaviour and ecology to physiology and welfare. You will be able to apply this knowledge in a variety of practical situations: animal husbandry, labs and field work. There is also a focus on wild animal health which explores diseases in animals from a global scale to the animals in rescue and rehabilitation centres.

Our teaching staff can bring their wealth of experience from working in zoos, ecological consultancy and conservation expeditions to the lecture theatre. Their first-hand knowledge will give you an insight into the type of careers you could pursue, and the opportunity to explore your interests in more depth.

As part of the course, you will carry out practical activities and research in the on-campus zoo which houses over 1,000 animals and 125 species including ring-tailed lemurs, porcupines, raccoon dogs, otters, tapir, capybaras, owls, hawks, bearded dragons, kingsnakes, dart frogs, marine fish and much more.

A core component of the course is the completion of an undergraduate dissertation, enabling you to research an area of zoological study that interests you and to develop a wide range of transferable skills.

From this course, you could progress into further research, such as a MSc or PhD programme, or move into industry. The skills you would gain would enable you to pursue a career as a zoologist, conservation researcher, animal technician, science writer, or wildlife rehabilitator. You could work in governmental organisations or NGOs such as the RSPB or Wildlife Trusts, or become learning or research officers for zoos or wildlife parks.

To be eligible for the Placement Year you must achieve at least 50% in your Level 5 modules.

Course Features

• 4-year, full-time course with a one-year work placement

• Access to our on-campus zoo, which housing over 1,000 animals and 125 species including ring-tailed lemurs, porcupines, raccoon dogs, otters, tapir, capybaras, owls, hawks, bearded dragons, kingsnakes, dart frogs, marine fish and much more.

• Applied teaching of wildlife health and rehabilitation

• Transferable skills in laboratory techniques

• The opportunity to engage in overseas field courses to a range of localities in Africa and Europe

Career Options

• Zoologist

• Conservation researcher

• Animal technician

• Science writer

• Wildlife rehabilitator

• Zoo learning officer