FdSc Applied Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Conservation

• First in the UK for overall satisfaction and learning community (WGU analysis of unpublished NSS data 2019)
• Number 2 in the UK for student satisfaction Complete University Guide 2020.
• Develop high level knowledge of animal behaviour, husbandry, and training.
• Urban and rural study environments - split your study time between the Northop campus set in stunning North Wales countryside and our Wrexham campus, on the edge of the largest town in North East Wales.
• Excellent links with industry and opportunities to secure work placements which will enhance your career prospects. Gain experience in a range of practical situations from zoo work to training assistance dogs.
• Industry-active staff with specialist academic and practical skills, and experience of working with a range of domestic, and wild animals.
• Top up to a full BSc (Hons) degree in Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Conservation once you’ve completed the foundation degree (further one year of study needed).

Year 1 (Level 4)

• Husbandry: This module aims to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of animal husbandry and provides the opportunity to gain practical experience with a wide range of animal species. Lectures, practical sessions and visits to local animal establishments will enable students to consolidate their practical experiences with appropriate husbandry theories. Use will be made of case study materials and guest speakers.

• Anatomy and Physiology: This module aims to equip students with a working knowledge of topographical and skeletal anatomy and to enable them to identify anatomical landmarks. You will learn to  relate anatomical structure to function  and  further develop your practical laboratory skills

• Learning and Training: In this module you will develop a working knowledge of the principles of learning theory as applied to animals. You will link animal learning to training practices and will write and implement your own plan to train an animal to complete a task.  You will also evaluate traditional and contemporary training methods and associated equipment.

• Survey Skills for Conservation: The Survey Skills for Conservation module will equip students with the skills necessary to carry out a range of surveys for animal species. Students will identify and survey a range of animal species, and analyse and interpret data collected. The development of these skills will be achieved through practical field work, such as during visits to nature reserves and local woodlands.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

FdSc Applied Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Conservation

UCAS code: D300

The academic requirements for the course are 48 UCAS tariff points from A/AS level, National Diploma or equivalent (max of 60 points obtained from AS levels). Appropriate AS-Level and Level 3 Key Skills qualifications will also be taken into account. An animal-related qualification, such as National Diploma in Animal Management or Science related A2 qualifications are particularly welcomed. In addition four GCSEs at grade C/4 or above (including Science, English/Welsh (First Language) and Mathematics) or equivalent.

If you have studied in another European country, please check the Entry Requirements for your qualification.

Part-time applicants should apply using this form.

Although not required for the course itself, depending on the nature of work placement on this course you may be required to have Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance (previously known as CRB), and pay the appropriate fee, so that a check can be made on your suitability for working with children and vulnerable adults.

International Students - FdSc Animal Studies

If you are an international student please visit the countries page and select your country to see the relevant academic and English language entry requirements.

The course comprises a range of modules that are assessed by theoretical and in some cases practical coursework. Types of assessment include, portfolios, posters, laboratory reports, essays, presentations, seminars, practical exams, written exams and reflective diaries.

Teaching and learning

Wrexham Glyndŵr University is committed to supporting our students to maximise their academic potential.

We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has more information on the help available.

The Animal studies FdSc programme includes a variety of learning and teaching methods in the class, practical settings and sessions delivered within the workplace.  These include:

• Lectures and demonstrations
• Seminars and workshops
• Tutorials
• Group and project work
• Reflective reports
• External speakers
• Educational visits and study days
• Tutor and students led sessions
• Critical appraisal
• Portfolio development
• Work placements

Our Careers & Employability service is there to help you make decisions and plan the next steps towards a bright future. From finding work or further study to working out your interests, skills and aspirations, they can provide you with the expert information, advice and guidance you need.

Career opportunities in the animal care industry are wide-ranging. You could be working in animal welfare organisations, conservation, zoos and wildlife parks, veterinary practices, animal feed companies and veterinary or pharmaceutical companies.

Further study opportunities are also available, such as progression to teaching qualifications or postgraduate level research.

You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.

Wrexham Glyndŵr University’s tuition fees for 2020/21 for a full-time undergraduate degree course are £9000 per year.

The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the FAQs section of those pages. 

You can see the full programme specification here.