Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Conservation

Coastland College (previously Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College), brings together two Further and Higher Education colleges to make one strong, responsive and ambitious organisation with the vision, resources and expertise to best support the evolving and growing skills demands in the region and beyond.

Located on the stunning Jurassic Coast and the beautiful Dorset countryside, our campuses offer a diverse range of courses, training and CPD that cater to a wide array of interests, career paths and business needs.

Across our two campuses we offer full and part-time higher education courses, with Weymouth focussing on vocational courses such as art, media, performing arts, health and social care, sport and public services and Kingston Maurward specialising in land-based courses covering subjects such as agriculture, wildlife, ecology and conservation.

Together, we focus on the best interests of students, staff and employers in our local community and beyond, with industry-standard facilities, experienced teaching staff and outstanding support in a diverse, vibrant and welcoming environment.

The Foundation Degree in Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Conservation is based on our Kingston Maurward campus and is delivered in partnership with the University of Plymouth. The course 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 both of these aspects, or choose module combinations that are designed 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 foundation degree is the fundamental course for progression to Top Up programmes at Level 6 to gain BSc (hons) degrees.

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 University Centre Kingston Maurward.

Modules
In Year One students complete the following modules:
Study and Research Skills, Vertebrate and Invertebrate Biology, Animal Health and Disease, Welfare, Legislation and Ethics, Principles of Conservation, Principles of Animal Behaviour, and Professional Industry Skills Development.

In Year Two students study core modules in:
Breeding Genetics and Welfare, Specialist Research Project, Applied Husbandry and Nutrition and Anthrozoology
There are option modules in recommended career pathways as follows:

Option Units:
Research and Education in Conservation
Advanced Behaviour Management