Zoological Management and Conservation

The closure of Bristol Zoo Gardens has been widely reported on in the media, and it is now closed to the public. However, it is still very much operational behind the scenes and will continue to be so until the move to the Bristol Zoo Project (Formally Wild Place) at Cribbs Causeway is complete.

If you have a passion for working with animals and communicating your enthusiasm to others, then this specialist course is for you!

The course provides an insight into the daily running of captive animal environments. The BSc (Hons) Zoological Management & Conservation programme is an opportunity for you to learn about practical approaches to animal management, exploring animal biology, husbandry and more industry-specific topics, such as enclosure design, nutrition, stud book management and rescue and rehabilitation. You will then focus on: communication and interpretation design (you will create, develop and implement a campaign event), and the role of zoos in species management for conservation (you will learn interactively about species-specific knowledge in managing breeding, social grouping and release programmes for conservation).

The course has a core practical element, based around the required work experience modules in years one and two. This is where you will focus on developing practical skills to enhance employment options in the future.

In year three you will be able to further develop your knowledge and experience of zoological conservation and management and its communication to others, learning about the role of zoos in conservation, Species Specialist Groups and campaign management. Taxa specific modules will provide you with extensive knowledge of managing species for conservation.

Your programme is currently based in the Conservation Education Centre at Bristol Zoo. SGS work in collaboration with Bristol Zoological Society's Conservation Science and Education Departments. You will learn from staff working actively within the field, involved in conservation activities in 15 countries around the world where they work with local communities, organisations and international academics. These experiences support and enhance the day to day delivery of the programme module content. There are strong links established with a variety of local, national and international organisations: an opportunity for you to arrange your work experience and for placements during summer vacations. It also offers you potential opportunities for research and other collaboration.

You will learn through a variety of lectures, workshops, tutorials, field site visits and study trips. You will also experience talks by visiting lecturers, Bristol Zoo staff and off-site study visits, including residential trips. Your assessments will cover the key skills learned, through practical and written exams, academic essays and reports, presentations (in groups and individually), literature reviews, a research project, designing posters and participating in face to face Q&As.

It is an exciting time to study with us as you will experience first-hand the transition of Bristol Zoo Gardens to the new Bristol Zoo (currently Wild Place Project), and have a great opportunity to learn how a new zoo can develop.

If you are interested in playing for one of our academies please follow this link to express an interest: https://pages.akerolabs.com/4mfqe/south-gloucestershire-and-stroud/sport-register-interest-page

Part time routes are available. For more information, please email HEadmissions@sgscol.ac.uk

Graduate Opportunities:
• Animal Keeper
• Nutritionist
• Behaviourist
• Animal Trainer
• Education officer
• Rare breed farms
• Veterinary nursing – with the addition of further training to become qualified.
• Wildlife rehabilitation
• Aquarist
• Conservationist – working with native species or abroad
• Field Research
• Laboratory Research
• Visitor Experience

Level 4 Modules
Professional Industry Skills
Biology of Animals
Zoo Animal Welfare, Health and Husbandry
Animal Behaviour Studies
Taxonomy and Biological Identification
Zoos and Aquariums in Society

Level 5 Modules
Industry Experience
Zoo Nutrition
Enclosure Design and Enrichment
Reproduction and Population Management
Applied Zoo Animal Behaviour
Research Methods and Design

Level 6 Modules
The Role of Zoos and Aquariums in Conservation
Management of Mammals for Conservation
Communication in Zoos and Aquariums
Management of Birds for Conservation
Management of Ectotherms for Conservation
Research Project

Coursework, Presentations, Exams

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

• Course does not award QTS