Applied Zoo Science

What makes UCS special?
We are an accredited member of BIAZA and work closely with them. We have also worked with EAZA on a funded project to define a competence framework for zoo keepers, which is at the heart of our National Zoo Academy. Sparsholt is the hub for the industry recognised professional zookeeper qualification, the DMZAA (Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals). Our lecturers bring their expertise to your learning from their work with world‑leading zoos and nationally‑recognised organisations. They also advise research committees, welfare groups and awarding bodies within the industry. We have strong links with a range of wildlife, conservation and commercial organisations, allowing you to access work placements and to carry out industry research that can feed into your career.

What Makes This Course Unique?

If you’re curious about the zoo industry and the science behind it, we’ll equip you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to tackle some of the most pressing challenges within the multifaceted zoo industry, encompassing animal husbandry, design, environmental management, veterinary sciences, human and animal psychology and conservation science.

Exceptional facilities, industry connections, and immersive learning environment:

• Our living collection – use our extensive facilities to carry out innovative research as part of your course. Our fully licensed zoo and aquarium, the BIAZA‑accredited Animal Health and Welfare Research Centre and Aquatic Research and Conservation Centre hold around 600 animals from over 100 species, providing endless opportunities for hands‑on learning and research.

• Extensive access to innovative technology – we use industry‑standard software within our teaching such as the Zoological Information Management System, ZooMonitor and Zoo Diet software

• Our staff are active in the zoo industry, presenting their research at national and international zoo conferences and leading zoo industry committees.

What will I learn?
You will gain a deep understanding of animal welfare and behaviour, the animal industry and wildlife management. Topics such as animal nutrition, health and behaviour are paired with practical skills such as laboratory techniques and current industry software.
Practical learning to ensure you graduate with career confidence:

• Experience species husbandry and management techniques

• Learn safe working practices with animals, including more challenging category one animals

• Conduct animal welfare assessments and learn how to plan and record your own animal collection.

How will I be assessed?
Our assessments mirror the challenges you may face in your career, combining academia with practical application:

• Field‑based assignments allow you to showcase your subject‑specific skills to employers

• A range of presentation types and written assignments that develop key graduate skills such as communication expertise, synthesis of sources and discussion of evidence.

Focused on Your Future:
This course opens doors to diverse career paths such as wildlife conservation biologist, zoo research officer or education manager, aquarist, marketing and social media executive, population manager and zoo curator. This programme will provide progression to BSc (Hons) Zoo Biology Top‑up which in turn leads onto MSc Applied Zoo Biology. This degree will also upskill you in a range of transferable graduate skills such as those in higher‑level communication, data literacy, verbal and written communication and project management.

How our graduates are shaping the future:

• Working in zoos and aquaria such as Marwell Wildlife and SeaLife Centre

• Working as experts within the exotic pet industry

• Graduates also work with a range of public bodies and local authorities undertaking activities such as wildlife rangers, environmental education, and community engagement

• Pursuing further research at doctoral level and beyond

Course Modules*

YEAR ONE – SOLID FOUNDATIONS

• Biological systems

• Zoo history & culture

• Foundations of evolutionary science and academic practice

• Zoo industry skills

YEAR TWO – GET JOB‑READY

• Zoo animal health & nutrition

• Research methods in zoological collections (AIR)

• Zoo population management

Plus choice of one optional module from:

• Aquarium design & husbandry

• Hoofstock husbandry & welfare

and one optional module from:

• Avian husbandry & welfare

• Herptofauna husbandry & welfare

*Subject to change

Much of the assessment is coursework based, i.e. essays, reports, practical portfolios and seminar presentations. Practical activities, in-class assessments and a limited number of exams also play a part.