Applied Animal Behaviour and Conservation

Whether you are fascinated by the anatomy and physiology of living organisms or passionate about the role zoological institutions can play in wildlife conservation, then this foundation degree programme will provide you with the experience you need to pursue your career ambitions working with animals. This degree will enable you to develop an applied knowledge and understanding in a range of key subject areas which underpin zoology, including animal biology, health and welfare, animal behaviour, conservation science, and animal husbandry.

The programme has a strong emphasis on applied learning and work experience, enabling you to develop a range of vocational skills sought after by employers in the animal industry. A core aspect of this degree is the opportunity for you to study and work directly with our extensive collection of companion, farm and exotic animal species, kept at Plumpton College’s Animal Management Centre. This degree will also provide you with hands-on training in the application of key field and laboratory techniques in zoology, including some of the latest methods used in wildlife monitoring and conservation science.

This degree will support you with gaining the experience required to progress into a diverse range of career pathways working with animals, including the zoo industry, rehoming sector and conservation organisations.

Why choose us?

• Develop an applied understanding of zoology, including the fundamental principles and key concepts which underpin animal behaviour and conservation.

• Enhance your practical animal husbandry skills and knowledge, working with a collection of over 100 animal species kept at Plumpton College’s Animal Management Centre and College Farm.

• Study in the heart of the South Downs National Park, with direct opportunities on campus to learn about the ecology, habitats, and conservation of wild animals living within this legally protected area of the UK.

• Develop your professional network and industry awareness via a range of external trips and visits, including the opportunity to attend a 2-week international study tour to a wildlife reserve in South Africa.

• Acquire new employability skills and practical experience through completing a 150-hour work placement in the animal industry, benefitting from access to our excellent network of placement providers.

• The programme is delivered by a team of highly experienced and dedicated staff, with expertise in a range of disciplines within the animal sciences and related fields. Staff teaching on the programme benefit from maintaining strong professional links to organisations in the animal industry, operating at both a local, regional and national level.

Year 1 (Level 4) Core Modules:
• Animal Health and Welfare
• Animal Behaviour and Communication
• Comparative Animal Anatomy and Physiology
• Introduction to Business Management
• Management of Animal Collections
• Principles of Animal Biology
• Principles of Conservation Science
• Study and Research Skills

Year 2 (Level 5) Core Modules:
• Applied Sampling Methods in Conservation
• Applied Animal Behaviour Management
• Animal Welfare and Ethics
• Independent Enquiry
• Research Methods and Statistics
• Work Placement

Elective modules:
• Behavioural Ecology
• Wildlife Conservation
• Animal Learning and Training

Students are assessed through a combination of assessment methods depending on the modules chosen. A diverse range of methods are utilised on the programme, including essays, practical portfolios, scientific reports, poster presentations and field logbooks.

All modules are designed to contain formative (practice) assessment activities, which are ungraded, enabling students to build their confidence and understanding in advance of formal assessment submission.

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