Course summary

This course was previously offered by Writtle University College prior to the merger with ARU in March 2024. This course will run on the ARU Writtle campus. Studying for a degree with an integrated foundation year will offer you a supportive environment if you have been out of education for a few years or do not have the necessary UCAS points from your recent course of study. The foundation year (Year 0) will precede our standard 3-year degree course programmes and enables preparation for degree study. You'll study a range of modules that cover general academic skills, along with more subject-specific topics. If you are passionate about zoo animals and wildlife and are looking for a degree course to learn about the zoo industry and both UK and international wildlife management then this is the option for you. Complemented by the animal husbandry focus of the Animal Management programme or the bioscience teaching of conservation genetics and animal health in the Animal Science programme, this course particularly prepares students for employment in the range of zoo and wildlife roles including graduate zoo keeper roles, zoo nutrition, and zoo and wildlife education. This degree course takes a holistic approach to animal management and prepares students for the increasingly diverse enterprises of the UK animal industry. A wide range of species are available to enable students to gain sound practical animal husbandry skills, which are then complemented by an academic programme that covers topics such as nutrition, breeding, health and behaviour. These are combined with a deeper understanding of business and trade as it relates to the animal sector. You’ll be taught by subject-specialist staff, and benefit from campus facilities including dedicated canine and equine centres, a small animal unit and a working farm. Throughout your course, there’s the chance to join ‘behind the scenes’ trips and other experiences.