Course description
Learn about the zoo industry and both UK and international wildlife management, with our Animal Science (Zoo and Wildlife Conservation) degree at ARU Writtle.
As a student at ARU Writtle, you’ll explore a holistic approach to animal husbandry through modules on applied behaviour and welfare, breeding and animal health management.
We combine elements of practical animal management courses, with scientific study of topics such as conservation genetics and animal health.
You’ll be taught by subject-specialist staff, and benefit from campus facilities including dedicated canine and equine centres, a small animal unit and a working farm. You'll take part in animal handling practicals involving work with a range of domesticated and captive animal species, as well as laboratory classes.
Throughout your course, there’s the chance to join ‘behind the scenes’ trips and other experiences.
If you’re passionate about zoo animals and wildlife, and want to support their health and welfare, our Animal Science (Zoo and Wildlife Conservation) course is designed to give you the knowledge and skills to pursue a successful career.
Upcoming start dates
Suitability - Who should attend?
For information on admission requirements, please contact the provider.
Training Course Content
Year One
Core modules
- Professional Skills for the Animal Industry (30 credits)
- Animal Biology (30 credits)
- Ethics of Animal Use (15 credits)
- Introduction to Biochemistry (15 credits)
- Animal Husbandry (15 credits)
- Ecology and Evolution (15 credits)
Year Two
Core modules
- Research Methods (15 credits)
- Commercial and Professional Skills for Animal Science (15 credits)
- Behaviour (15 credits)
- Animal Health Science (15 credits)
- Management of Zoo Animal Collections (15 credits)
- Nutritional Biochemistry (15 credits)
- Reproduction and Development (15 credits)
- Wildlife Conservation Skills (15 credits)
Year Three
Core modules
- Capstone Project (30 credits)
- Applied Nutrition and Feeding (15 credits)
- Genetics and Genomics (15 credits)
- Applied Issues in Wildlife Conservation (15 credits)
- Advanced Animal Health Science (15 credits)
- Applied Behaviour and Animal Welfare (15 credits)
- Developments in Zoo Management (15 credits)
Course delivery details
- BSc (Hons) | 3 Years or 4 Years with a Foundation Year
- CertHE | 1 Year
- DipHE | 2 Years
- Top-up | 1 Year
Modules are subject to change and availability.
Assessment
We'll assess your progress in a number of ways including practical assessments with companion and zoo animals, farm livestock and horses, examinations – both multiple choice and essay questions, presentations – both individually and in small groups, essays and technical reports, assessed seminars, case studies, experimental work and laboratory reports, poster presentations, debates, and your final-year dissertation.
Why choose Writtle University College
Ranked Top University-Sector Institution in East Anglia for overall student satisfaction!
*Based on NSS 2022 Based on Taught Data
Beautiful rural campus situated close to the city of Chelmsford, 40 minutes from London and the coast.
Expenses
- UK student fees - £9250 per year
- Intearnational student fees – £15,900 per year
Continuing Studies
Careers
With its focus on the zoo industry and wildlife management, our BSc (Hons) Animal Science (Zoo and Wildlife Conservation) prepares you for a range of careers, with potential roles including:
- graduate zoo keeper
- zoo nutrition
- zoo and wildlife education
- animal nutritionist and pet food manufacturing
- nutrition company sales rep
- veterinary pharmaceutical and equipment supplies
- animal welfare officer
- companion or zoo animal keeper (eg RSPCA, SSPCA, rescue centres, zoos and safari parks)
- progression to vet school
- quarantine officer
- animal health inspector, eg DEFRA
- independent wildlife agencies (eg RSPB, Scottish Natural Heritage, Natural England).
Graduation doesn't have to be the end of your time with us. You might decide to at ARU and study for a Masters, such as our MSc Animal Welfare and Conservation or MSc Conservation Education and Engagement.
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Welcome to Writtle College! Writtle College, a further education provider, now part of ARU, is located at the ARU Writtle campus on the outskirts of Chelmsford, Essex. We offer a wide range of exciting courses in land-based, creative and sports...