Applied Animal Behaviour and Conservation

The FdSc Applied Animal Behaviour and Conservation is an ideal foundation degree for students interested in animal behaviour, zoology, wildlife conservation, and animal management careers. Whether you are fascinated by the anatomy and physiology of animals or passionate about the role that zoos and conservation organisations play in protecting wildlife, this programme provides the practical experience and academic knowledge needed to pursue a career working with animals.

This foundation degree develops applied knowledge and understanding across key subject areas that underpin zoology and conservation science, including animal biology, animal health and welfare, animal behaviour, conservation science, and animal husbandry. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for employment in the animal sector or progression to a related honours degree.

Applied learning and hands-on experience

A defining feature of this degree is its strong emphasis on applied learning and work-based experience. You will develop a wide range of vocational and employability skills valued by employers across the animal industry.

You will study and work directly with an extensive collection of companion, farm, and exotic animal species at Plumpton College’s Animal Management Centre, gaining practical experience in animal care, management, and welfare. The course also provides hands-on training in key field and laboratory techniques in zoology, including modern methods used in wildlife monitoring and conservation research.

Career progression and industry relevance

This Applied Animal Behaviour and Conservation foundation degree supports progression into a broad range of animal-related careers, including roles within the zoo industry, animal rehoming and rescue organisations, and conservation bodies. Graduates are well prepared for further study or employment within the animal behaviour and conservation sectors.

Top reasons to study animal behaviour and conservation at Plumpton College -

1. Develop an applied understanding of zoology, including the core principles underpinning animal behaviour and conservation

2. Enhance your practical animal husbandry skills, working with over 200 animal species at Plumpton College’s Animal Management Centre and 800-hectare College Estate

3. Study in the South Downs National Park, with direct learning opportunities focused on ecology, habitats, and wildlife conservation within a protected UK landscape

4. Expand your professional network and industry awareness through external visits and educational trips, including the opportunity to take part in a two‑week international study tour to a wildlife reserve in South Africa

5. Build employability through a 150‑hour industry work placement, supported by Plumpton College’s extensive network of animal industry partners

6. Learn from a highly experienced teaching team with specialist expertise across the animal sciences, supported by strong professional links with local, regional, and national animal organisations.

What you'll study - Course Modules

You will study a structured suite of modules across two years of the FdSc Applied Animal Behaviour and Conservation, building core scientific knowledge, applied skills, and industry experience in animal behaviour, animal welfare, and conservation science.

Year 1 (Level 4) – Core Modules

• Animal Health and Welfare – principles of animal health, welfare assessment, and best‑practice care across species

• Animal Behaviour and Communication – foundations of animal behaviour, communication, and behavioural observation

• Comparative Animal Anatomy and Physiology – structure and function of major animal body systems

• Introduction to Business Management – basic business and management skills relevant to animal industries

• Management of Animal Collections – practical management of animal collections, including husbandry and biosecurity

• Principles of Animal Biology – core biological concepts underpinning animal science and zoology

• Principles of Conservation Science – key concepts in conservation biology and wildlife protection

• Study and Research Skills – academic writing, research skills, and professional development

  Year 2 (Level 5) – Core Modules

  • Applied Sampling Methods in Conservation – field and data collection techniques used in conservation science

  • Applied Animal Behaviour Management – applying behavioural science to animal management and welfare contexts

  • Animal Welfare and Ethics – ethical frameworks, legislation, and welfare decision‑making

  • Independent Enquiry – supervised research project in animal behaviour or conservation

  • Research Methods and Statistics – research design, data analysis, and interpretation

  • Work Placement – industry placement developing practical skills and employability

Elective Modules

You will also select optional modules to tailor your studies to your career interests:

• Behavioural Ecology – relationships between behaviour, environment, and survival

• Wildlife Conservation – applied conservation strategies and global case studies

• Animal Learning and Training – learning theory and practical training techniques

Availability of elective modules may vary depending on cohort size.

Assessment on the FdSc Applied Animal Behaviour and Conservation uses a varied range of methods across modules to reflect both academic study and applied, industry‑relevant skills. Depending on the modules studied, assessment methods may include essays, practical portfolios, scientific reports, poster presentations, and field logbooks, allowing students to demonstrate knowledge, analysis, and practical competence in animal behaviour, welfare, and conservation science.

All modules include formative (practice) assessment activities, which are not formally graded. These are designed to support learning by helping students develop confidence, subject knowledge, and assessment skills ahead of summative assessment submission, in line with University of Greenwich assessment principles.