Anne Colgan
The course is great fun - whether it’s for a career or just to enjoy. Most people are nervous when you meet a bunch of new people, but everyone was there to learn and have fun!
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
