This course is aimed at students who wish to develop a career in the captive management of domestic and/or exotic animal species. You will be provided with a combination of academic study and practical opportunities to develop a range of knowledge, academic and professional skills, concerning the behaviour and welfare of captive animals. As a student on the course, you will have regular access to the zoo-licensed animal centre facilities at Reaseheath College, which boasts a range of archetypal zoo species, in addition to domestic and livestock species. Additionally, you can expect an interactive and personable learning experience that draws upon the expertise of our team of experienced staff, with whom you will be able to engage in study both on-site across the campus, but also via overseas study opportunities.
The course features:
- Member of British & Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
- Purpose-built animal management training centre with £3 million upgrade
- Student will have the opportunity to engage in overseas field courses to a range of localities including southern Africa, South America and Europe
- Centre houses over 1,000 animals and 125 species inc:
- Mammals: serval cats, tapirs, ring-tailed lemurs, porcupines, tamarin monkeys, otters, capybara, meerkats, mara and wallabies, among others
- Birds: birds of prey, chickens, ducks, finches, cockatiels, cockatoos, and budgerigars
- Reptiles: snakes, bearded dragons, tortoises and chameleons
- Fish: a range of freshwater and marine fish Invertebrates: tarantulas, scorpions and insects Amphibians: frogs, toads and newts.
The course can be followed by the one year BSc (Hons) Animal Management top-up to gain a full honours degree. This will allow you to work with lecturing staff on relevant unique research projects.
Course Details - Modules
Year 1 (Level 4)
• Scientific Data Collection and Analysis
• Animal Husbandry and Handling
• Animal Welfare Issues
• Animal Anatomy and Physiology
• Evolution and Adaptation
• Introduction to Animal Behaviour
Year 2 (Level 5)
• Work Based Learning for the Land Based Industries*
• Experiential Learning*
• Research Methods
• Animal Nutrition
• Welfare: Evaluation and Impact
• Behavioural Ecology*
• Animal Health and Disease*
• Domestic Animal Husbandry and Welfare*
• Exotic Animal Husbandry and Management*
* Denotes optional modules
Course Details – Assessment Method
Assessments are designed to encourage both academic skills and skills valued in the workplace. They include a combination of coursework and examinations. Coursework may take many forms including: essays, reports, data processing, presentations, academic posters, seminar discussions, interviews, critical reviews, portfolios of evidence and practical competency assessments. The examinations vary, depending on the nature of the module, but may take the form of multiple-choice papers, essays, practical assessments, data handling questions, short answer quizzes, and in class examinations.
The balance of assessment by examination and assessment by coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by coursework is as follows:
Year 1
50% coursework
50% written exams
Year 2
70% coursework
30% written exams
Course Details – Professional Bodies
Professional Bodies are not listed for this Course.
How to Apply
26 January 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:
D300
Institution code:
R14
Campus Name:
University Centre Reaseheath
Campus code:
Points of Entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Year 1
Year 2
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.
International applicants
Standard Qualification Requirements
A minimum of 64 tariff points from A and AS levels to include Biology, Chemistry, Human Biology or Applied Science
A minimum of 64 tariff points
in and Animal or Science related subject
including 4 in HL Biology
in an Animal or Science related subject
Mature students (aged 21+) will be considered on an individual basis on their prior knowledge and experience. This may be assessed by interview, completion of coursework/essay or other methods. There may be a requirement for a formal qualification to be completed first e.g. Access to HE course.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
