Course Details
Full-time and part -time options are available for both years of the programme. Students are required to commit to attending for two days per week in term time. Past students have found this very helpful for balancing childcare and employment commitments. Work experience is a key component of the programme and students are given the time during the academic year to identify and undertake placements. Independent study is required throughout the academic year to complete assessments and prepare for lectures, seminars and tutorials.
Year 1
• Professional Development and Academic Skills
• Animal Husbandry and Handling
• Biological Systems
• Animal Health and Nutrition
• Animal Behaviour and Welfare
• Ecology and Conservation
Year 2
• Research Project and Data Analysis
• Breeding & Genetics
• Anthrozoology
• Applied Animal Behaviour
• Continuing Professional Development
• Animal Oncology
Entry Requirements
Applicants would normally be expected to have a minimum of 32 UCAS Tariff points or equivalent qualifications. We also encourage applications from mature students and we will give special individual consideration to those that are in this category and do not have the standard entry requirements. We have a long and successful record of supporting mature students, many of whom left formal education some time ago. e.g. 1/3 of students last year were 25+years.
Course Progression
The strong approach towards work based and placement learning can lead to careers in areas such as laboratory research and veterinary biotechnology industries, animal conservation and research, animal behaviour research, zoological and other collection personnel , animal training and health and welfare industries.
On successful completion of the Foundation degree in animal welfare science we now offer a BSc (top up) in Applied animal welfare science.
Assessment Methods
The FdSc Animal Welfare Science has a practical focus for many of the modules. Students have access to the UCNL’s purpose-built laboratories to undertake Animal Health, Genetics, and Anatomy practical sessions. On campus, we also have an Animal Management Unit with a wide range of species including avian, primates, invertebrates, mammals and aquatics.
Theory learning is supported by practical sessions and vocational, educational trips. Students have the opportunity to visit animal collections, museums and laboratories. Work placements are encouraged and students are supported in gaining relevant vocational experience. External field trips have included; the Natural History Museum, Crufts, Chester Zoo, Twycross Zoo and an international trip to Botswana.
Course Fees
Your Tuition fees cover the majority of costs associated with your programme (including registration, tuition and assessment).
Students will be required to purchase a lab coat and a kennel coat in preparation for starting the programme.
There will also be occasions when additional costs will occur, e.g. poster printing, trips and educational visits.
Books (you will have access to books from your module reading lists in the HE library, but you may want to buy your own copies).
If your programme includes a work placement, you may be required to pay for a Basic or Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.