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Animal Care & Zoology
- Bachelor of Science (with Honours)
- 4 Years
- Full-Time
- 7 September 2027
- Undergraduate
- Lanarkshire Campus
Course summary
Overview
Get ready to pursue a career in the animal care and welfare or zoological sciences with UWS’s BSc (Hons) Animal Care and Zoology degree.
This degree will give you a grounding in the biological sciences before progressing to more advanced topics in the animal care and zoological fields. You will also develop the skills and knowledge to run a business in the animal care sector.
There is a focus on practical work using modern techniques, fostering transferable skills and developing research and problem-solving abilities.
Our team of experts will prepare you for a rewarding career in a broad range of biological, animal care and zoological sciences.
Course Highlights
• This programme offers a unique combination of animal care and welfare, traditional zoology and business modules
• A focus on practical and field work, including a residential field trip, is a feature of this programme.
• Training from industry professionals will demonstrate how you can apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations
• An emphasis is placed on interactive learning and assessment, including case studies and technical skills development.
• Work-based learning allows you to apply your knowledge in a real-world setting and develop the skills sought after by employers.
Careers
By undertaking the BSc (Hons) Animal Care and Zoology degree you will develop skills enabling a rewarding career working with animals both within Scotland or overseas. Graduates can find roles in veterinary clinics, animal welfare organisations, zoos, wildlife conservation projects, environmental consultancies, research and also in animal-related businesses such as pet services or agriculture. Progression into taught or research-focussed postgraduate study is also possible, including MSc, MRes and PhD degrees.
Work-based learning is incorporated into the degree in a third-year module and an optional year-long sandwich placement. This opportunity can help to provide relevant skills and experience that will boost your employment prospects upon graduation.
Modules
Course Modules
Year 1
A general introduction to various biological disciplines, from cell and molecular aspects to ecological and environmental topics. You will be introduced to the role of an animal care professional and research animal-specific topics. Additionally, you will receive an introduction to the University’s Virtual Learning Environment.
Year 2
Studies focus on more specialised areas of animal science and zoology including animal nutrition and behaviour and vertebrate physiology, as well as business creation.
Year 3
You will deepen your knowledge of animal care and zoology with core modules in animal husbandry, practical animal care, conservation and wildlife biology, in addition to a module on running a business. You can also choose to take part in a work-related learning module in a relevant area of interest. You will also complete practical training with an industry partner and a residential field trip.
Year 4
You will study specialist animal care and zoology areas such as animal health and zoonosis, animal welfare and legislation and behavioural ecology. A critical part of the Year 4 curriculum is a supervised project where you participate in research in a subject area of your choice.
Assessment method
You will be taught through a combination of lectures, laboratories, tutorials and workshops.
You will also have the opportunity to take part in group work and independent learning to develop your transferable skills such as research, presentation, communication and working as part of a team.
This degree is assessed using a variety of assessment methods including:
• Written examinations
• Coursework
• Practical assessment
How to apply
Apply by
13 January 2027
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- CC94
- Institution code:
- U40
- Campus name:
- Lanarkshire Campus
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 3
- Year 1
- Year 2
Entry requirements
Typical qualification requirements
A levelCCC
including Biology/Human Biology
For Year 2 entry, BBC required including Biology, plus GCSE Chemistry at 5 or above
T LevelPass (C and above)
in relevant subject
For Year 2 entry, Grade M required in relevant subject, plus GCSE Chemistry at Grade 5 or above.
UCAS TariffOffer: 96
including Biology or Human Biology
Scottish HNCPass
For year 2 entry, an HNC in one of the following subjects is required: Applied Science; Bioscience; Animal Care
Scottish HigherBBCC
including Biology or Human Biology
Scottish Advanced HigherBBC
For year 2 entry, including Biology, plus Chemistry at National 5 Grade C or above
International Baccalaureate Diploma ProgrammeOffer: 24
including Biology at Higher Level
For year 2 entry, 30 points required including Biology/Human Biology and Chemistry at Higher Level
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)MMM
in relevant subject
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)H3H3H3H3
including Biology or Human Biology
Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP) can be accepted for Year 1 entry with BBB in one of the following programmes: Access to Medicine; Access to Science; Access to Biological and Chemical Science; Access to Chemistry & Biology; Access to Health & Biological Science; Access to Dietetics; Access to Health and Life Sciences; Access to Radiography
Year 2 entry with UWS Certificate of Higher Education in Preparing for Healthcare Studies. Students will be required to take an additional Chemistry module in-session
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Typical qualification requirements
A level CCC
including Biology/Human Biology
For Year 2 entry, BBC required including Biology, plus GCSE Chemistry at 5 or above
UCAS Tariff Offer: 63
including Biology or Human Biology
Scottish Higher CCC
including Biology or Human Biology
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) MMM
in relevant subject
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | IELTS 6.0 with 5.5 minimum in each skill / component. |
| Cambridge English Advanced | 176 overall with no sub-test less than 169 | |
| Cambridge English Proficiency | 176 overall with no sub-test less than 169 | |
| Trinity ISE | Pass | ISEII with the minimum of a Pass in all sub-tests |
| PTE Academic | 54 | An overall score of 54 with no element below 51 |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 78 | no sub-test less than: Reading: 17; Listening: 17; Speaking: 17; Writing: 17 |
For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. The reason for this is that it’s essential that you are able to read, speak and understand the English language to get the most out of your time at UWS. All international applicants are required to meet minimum English language standards, with the exception of: // Native speakers of English // Erasmus students (unless advised otherwise) // non-Erasmus students from EU partner institutions (your institution must provide confirmation of your English language ability in the absence of a formal qualification) The qualifications above must have been gained within two years prior to the start of your course at UWS.https://www.uws.ac.uk/international/english-language-requirements/
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
UWS is Scotland’s leading widening participation university. At UWS, widening access has always been central to our institution. We believe in supporting and enabling students to achieve their potential regardless of their background.
Learn more on the University of the West of Scotland website
Historical entry grades data
This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).
It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.
Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not enough data available
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Per year tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Scotland | £1820 | |
| England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland | £9790 | |
| EU & International | £16275* |
* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
Tuition fees are provisional and based on fees in academic year 2026/27
Course contact details
Applicant Enquiry Team
Email:ask@uws.ac.uk
Phone:0800 027 1000
Fax: 0141 887 0812
University of the West of Scotland
Paisley Campus
High Street
Paisley
PA1 2BE
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