FdSc Animal Management and Zoology

Course overview

Our Foundation Degree in Animal Management and Zoology has been created in partnership with the Royal Agricultural University (RAU).

You will develop an understanding of holistic approaches to the management of diverse animal collections, gaining the ability to apply your knowledge to many areas of animal management including zoology, wildlife conservation and farm management. You will have the opportunity to acquire advanced practical and business skills by working in our zoo and farm. This will include enriching the welfare of animals in captivity, designing enclosures, and educating the public about conservation. As part of your studies, you will be actively encouraged to participate in work placements (both nationally and internationally) within the animal industry, enabling you to see behind the scenes of different zoos and animal collections. You will also conduct a research project. Numerous trips are organised for students to further understand how the theory taught is applied in the real world. You will also have the opportunity to take part in our annual conservation trip; previous students have worked on projects in South Africa and Peru.
UCAS course code: 103Z

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You will learn

  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Zoo animal husbandry and enrichment
  • Aquatics systems management
  • Concepts in animal behaviour and welfare
  • Ecology and species identification
  • Fundamentals of science
  • Natural history
  • Animal disease and immunology studies
  • Animal training and enrichment design
  • Breeding and population management
  • Plant ecology
  • Animal nutrition

FdSc Animal Management and Zoology – Royal Agricultural University

Applicants should confirm their ability to study on a foundation degree by presenting evidence of: 64 UCAS tariff points from Level 3 qualifications, and a minimum of three GCSE subjects at grade 4 (A* to C) including English and Maths (or equivalent Level 2 qualification).

Successful completion of this foundation degree will enable you to become an animal manager of a collection of animals, work within rehabilitation, conservation, and zoological collections. Additionally, you can apply for our BSc (Hons) Animal Management and Applied Zoology Top-Up (subject to entry requirements).

Tuition fee loans cover the cost of your undergraduate course fees, and are paid directly to the Royal Agricultural University.

There is no age limit on eligibility for tuition fee loans, so anyone can apply, providing that they are going to be studying for their first undergraduate degree.

Depending on where you live, there are different options available, and you will need to apply to different organisations. Students from England can apply for a tuition fee loan wherever they choose to study in the UK.

A means-tested maintenance loan is available to all students who are eligible for student finance. Adult learners can apply for grants and bursaries to help pay for courses and training.

Check the tuition fee costs for your course on the UCAS search tool.

Isabella’s story

Isabella began with the Technical Diploma in Animal Management and Welfare (Level 2), then pursued the Animal Management Diploma and Extended Diploma (Level 3). Isabella’s story