The programme provides a unique combination of academic study with hands-on training and experience in the management of zoo animals. The course includes specialist modules and practical experience with a range of exotic species – mammals, amphibians, invertebrates, reptiles and birds of prey. Students are taught throughout the programme utilising the zoo licensed facilities on campus. Work in the field will expand your knowledge of wild animal and captive behaviour and conservation.
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 Foundation Degree in Zoo Management can be followed on by the one year BSc (Hons) Zoo Management Top-Up to gain a full honours degree.
Course Details - Modules
Level 4
• Scientific Data Collection and Analysis
• Animal Husbandry and Handling
• Zoos and Conservation
• Animal Anatomy and Physiology
• Evolution and Adaptation
• Introduction to Animal Behaviour
Level 5
• Work Based Learning for the Land Based Industries*
• Experiential Learning*
• Research Methods
• Zoo Animal Nutrition
• Captive Breeding and Record Keeping
• Zoo Animal Behaviour*
• Zoo Animal Training*
• Zoo Animal Welfare*
• Animal Health and Disease*
* 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
55% 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:
D328
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 either Biology, Chemistry, Human Biology or Applied Science
A minimum of 64 tariff points
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
