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BSc Top-Up Degree in Zoo Science and Wildlife Conservation

Threats to wildlife habitats and the biodiversity of our environment are ever-evolving. To counter these threats and protect our endangered species the study of Zoo Science and Wildlife Conservation is more important than ever before.

By choosing to study Zoo Science and Wildlife Conservation at Hopwood Hall College you will learn how to be part of the solution. You will learn how to protect wildlife habitats and ensure that future generations can enjoy our natural world and the incredible species that live within it.

Ideally located in the heart of a unique ancient woodland setting comprised of over 70 acres which borders the local nature reserve, the college’s Animal Centre is home to an extensive collection of rare and endangered species. This collection enables students to work with Keeled Box Turtles, Golden Mantellas, Straw Coloured Fruit Bats, Savu Island Pythons and more.

This Bachelor's Degree 120 credit top-up will provide you with the skills and knowledge to develop yourself as a Zoo Science and Wildlife Conservation Practitioner, in preperation for future employment. The course will equip you with a solid understanding of the biological, ecological and husbandry principles that underpin zoo science and conservation.

As a Zoo Science and Wildlife Conservation student, you will cultivate crucial industry skills at the unique setting of our on-site Animal Management Centre, a state-of-the-art facility housing a number of exotic and domestic animals. The college's animal department also has its own veterinary suite, intensive care unit, nocturnal room, on-site dog kennels and ample space for animal handling/demonstrating. These facilities are invaluable to undergraduate students developing practical, technical animal management skills, in a range of work-based learning settings.

This course combines lectures, group work, practical sessions and independent research. Throughout the course you will be applying your theoretical knowledge to practice both in group work and the work setting.Work-based learning opportunities are an integral part of the Degree programme as both a period of work experience in the Zoo Science and Conservation sector and as a range of transferable employability skills embedded with all programme modules at Level 6. This will not only give you valuable experience, but can often lead directly to employment opportunities.

Below is a list of compulsory modules on this course (Level 6):

  • Innovation and Sustainability - 20 Credit points
  • Legislation and Ethics - 20 Credit points
  • Zoo Research - 20 Credit points
  • Conservation and Education - 20 Credit points
  • Research Project - 40 Credit points

This course is taught at our Middleton campus, located in Middleton, Greater Manchester.

Qualification: Level 6 BSc Top-Up in Zoo Science and Wildlife Conservation.

Apply through UCAS.

BSc Top-Up Degree in Zoo Science and Wildlife Conservation

Threats to wildlife habitats and the biodiversity of our environment are ever-evolving. To counter these threats and protect our endangered species the study of Zoo Science and Wildlife Conservation is more important than ever before.

By choosing to study Zoo Science and Wildlife Conservation at Hopwood Hall College you will learn how to be part of the solution. You will learn how to protect wildlife habitats and ensure that future generations can enjoy our natural world and the incredible species that live within it.

Ideally located in the heart of a unique ancient woodland setting comprised of over 70 acres which borders the local nature reserve, the college’s Animal Centre is home to an extensive collection of rare and endangered species. This collection enables students to work with Keeled Box Turtles, Golden Mantellas, Straw Coloured Fruit Bats, Savu Island Pythons and more.

This Bachelor's Degree 120 credit top-up will provide you with the skills and knowledge to develop yourself as a Zoo Science and Wildlife Conservation Practitioner, in preperation for future employment. The course will equip you with a solid understanding of the biological, ecological and husbandry principles that underpin zoo science and conservation.

As a Zoo Science and Wildlife Conservation student, you will cultivate crucial industry skills at the unique setting of our on-site Animal Management Centre, a state-of-the-art facility housing a number of exotic and domestic animals. The college's animal department also has its own veterinary suite, intensive care unit, nocturnal room, on-site dog kennels and ample space for animal handling/demonstrating. These facilities are invaluable to undergraduate students developing practical, technical animal management skills, in a range of work-based learning settings.

This course combines lectures, group work, practical sessions and independent research. Throughout the course you will be applying your theoretical knowledge to practice both in group work and the work setting.Work-based learning opportunities are an integral part of the Degree programme as both a period of work experience in the Zoo Science and Conservation sector and as a range of transferable employability skills embedded with all programme modules at Level 6. This will not only give you valuable experience, but can often lead directly to employment opportunities.

Below is a list of compulsory modules on this course (Level 6):

  • Innovation and Sustainability - 20 Credit points
  • Legislation and Ethics - 20 Credit points
  • Zoo Research - 20 Credit points
  • Conservation and Education - 20 Credit points
  • Research Project - 40 Credit points

This course is taught at our Middleton campus, located in Middleton, Greater Manchester.

Qualification: Level 6 BSc Top-Up in Zoo Science and Wildlife Conservation.

Apply through UCAS.

Entry Requirements

In order to gain admission onto this course, you must hold a relevant Level 5 qualification (240 credits) in an animal and/or conservation related subject (Animal Studies, Animal Behaviour, Wildlife Conservation, Ecology etc), such as a Foundation Degree or Higher National Diploma at Merit grade or above.

You will also need a suitable academic reference, and must hold a GCSE grade C/4 in English Language and Mathematics.

Details

This course is validated by the Open University.

Below is a list of compulsory modules on this course (Level 6):

  • Innovation and Sustainability - 20 Credit points
  • Legislation and Ethics - 20 Credit points
  • Zoo Research - 20 Credit points
  • Conservation and Education - 20 Credit points
  • Research Project - 40 Credit points

​Each 20-credit module involves 30 hours of lecture time. The 40-credit Research Project is an independent research project but will still include 20 hours of lecture time. All lectures will take place in-person. Modules also include workshops, seminars, talks, external visits, and expected time working independently.

Assessment methods will include reports, essays, discussions, journal articles, presentations, and a dissertation.

Level 6 Award:

  • Level 6 BSc (ordinary degree) in Zoo Science and Wildlife Conservation Top-Up is available after completing 300 credits in total; comprising of 60 Level 6 credits (3 x 20 credit modules, excluding the dissertaion) on this programme and entering with 120 credits at Level 4 and 120 credits at Level 5, with all modules at pass or above
  • Level 6 BSc (Hons) in Zoo Science and Wildlife Conservation Top Up is available after completing 120 credits at level 6 and entering with 120 credits at level 4 and 120 credits at level 5, with all modules at pass or above. 

Course fees:

  • £6,185 per year (full time)
  • £3,100 per year (part time)

Please note, part time will be 2 years (£6,200 total). Course fees are subject to the Refund and Fees Policy.

All students will be expected to provide their own appropriate fieldwork and outdoor work clothing, including walking boots (with ankle support), steel toe capped boots, and waterproof trousers and coat.

Work Experience

Work-based learning opportunities are an integral part of the Foundation Degree programme as both a period of work experience in the Zoo Science and Conservation sector and as a range of transferable employability skills embedded with all programme modules at Level 4 and 5.

Units such as Ecological Professional Skills in the Zoo Industry, and Field Research have the option of being completed on-site as the college is surrounded by nature reserves and ancient woodland, working with partners such as Greater Manchester Ecology Unit, or overseas as part of established residentials such as the Sea Turtle Conservation project in Kefalonia, Greece, in partnership with Flooglebinder.

The below table provides a breakdown of opportunities and associated notional hours to make up the 60 credit (600 hours) of work-based learning on the programme over both years:

Progression

The Bachelors Degree 120 credit top-up gives you all the essential knowledge and skills required to work in the zoo science and wildlife conservation sector, allowing you to progress onto a Level 7 MSc animal related course or into employment. Typical job roles include:

  • Zookeeper / Safari Park Ranger
  • Wildlife Ranger
  • Environmental Education
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Local government and council environmental officers
  • Research Scientist

Examples of MSc qualifications include topic areas such as:

  • Animal Behaviour
  • Animal Management
  • Animal Welfare
  • Animal Science
  • Conservation
  • Ecology and Conservation
  • Zoology

 

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Middleton Campus
Rochdale Road, Middleton
Manchester, M24 6XH
0161 643 7560
Rochdale Campus
St. Mary’s Gate
Rochdale, OL12 6RY
01706 345 346