Applied Animal Studies

Two years full-time or three years part-time.

Students will be given a grounding in the basic principles of animal science with advanced modules covering the more specialised interests of students in the areas of zoo management, animal behaviour, animal conservation, animal welfare, animal health and animal science.

Students study a generic first stage in animal handling, animal biology, conservation, behaviour, welfare and animal health. In the second stage, students specialise in one of the following areas, zoo management, veterinary health, animal science, animal behaviour, animal conservation or animal welfare. The pathways available may be influenced by student numbers.

Stage one

This course has a common first stage with all students taking a core set of modules. Providing a mixed theoretical and practical base and allowing for an informed choice of specialisms in stage two. Study at stage one includes underpinning aspects of animal science, animal handling and management, introduction to behaviour, introduction to ecology and animal health and welfare.

Stage two

In addition to core modules in law, business and research methods, all students select one of the following streams: zoo management, veterinary health, animal science, animal behaviour, animal conservation or animal welfare. Students also complete a research project on a subject of their choice and a module on working in the animal industry.

• Students can choose their own route of options
• Range of options covering career choices
• Practical and commercial facilities including on-site animal therapy centre, veterinary practice, farm and animal unit

• Animal anatomy and physiology
• Animal breeding
• Animal handling and management
• Animal law and ethics
• Animal learning and cognition
• Ecology and conservation of British mammals
• Zoo animal management

This course includes a wide variety of assessment methods including written work, presentations, practical project work and time constrained assessment. The assessment is continuous throughout the course.

Recent graduates are now employed in the animal sector in zoos and national animal welfare organisations such as the RSPCA and the WSPA. Other careers include animal welfare, animal conservation (both in the UK and overseas), local authority animal welfare, animal breeding, animal nutrition, veterinary and medical laboratories.

Students may also wish to progress to degree level study by following the Applied Animal Studies top-up degree.