FdSc Applied Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Conservation (with foundation year)

• Includes foundation year to prepare you for further years of study.
• 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 Studies once you’ve completed the foundation degree (further one year of study needed).
• *This course is part of a subject area rated 1^st in the UK for student satisfaction in the Agriculture and Forestry subject league tables, Complete University Guide 2022.

Year 1 (Foundation year)

The foundation year will introduce you to a range of scientific concepts and methods which underpin biological sciences.  You’ll gain a thorough training in laboratory skills and will develop your analytical and mathematical skills.  Students will be encouraged to develop their own abilities in science, with a basic bank of knowledge across the main scientific areas. **The Foundation year is taught at our Wrexham campus, with Level 4 (year 2) studies moving to our Northop campus.

Modules

• Plant and Animal Biology
• Laboratory and Field Skills in Biology (Biosciences)
• Maths and Experimental Design (Biosciences)
• Introduction to Science
• The Skills You Need
• Contextual Studies

 Year 2 (Level 4)

In the first year you are introduced to the concepts of biology, animal behaviour and welfare that you will use throughout the rest of your course. Laboratory skills are essential to science and you will receive a foundation in these. You will develop animal husbandry skills and knowledge.  You will also undertake a period of work experience so that you become familiar with the animal sector and develop practical skills necessary for the workplace.

• 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 (three years including foundation year)

UCAS code: 85D4

Applications are welcomed from candidates who do not possess the standard qualifications but who can demonstrate their capacity to pursue the course successfully.

Entrance for these candidates is dependent on an assessment of past experience, a successful interview, references and diagnostic assessment to determine suitability for the course. Enthusiasm and commitment are essential.

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

Part-time applicants should apply using this form.

International Students

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 and 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 2022/23 for a full-time undergraduate degree course are TBC.

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.