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Applied Animal Science at University Centre Sparsholt - UCAS

Course options

2024 - 20252025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Open days

1Mar
University Centre Sparsholt - Open Event
Undergraduate
30Apr
University Centre Sparsholt - Open Event
Undergraduate
12Jun
University Centre Sparsholt - Open Event
Undergraduate

Course summary

Why choose this degree?

  • Benefit from a diverse and exciting collection of animals in our BIAZA-member centre.
  • Develop strong scientific knowledge on a range of vertebrate species with focus on physiology, behaviour, welfare and husbandry.
  • Build vital experience through practical handling skills, extensive work placements and strong links with industry.
What makes UCS special? As a UCS student you will benefit from lecturers with a wealth of industry experience that comes from working with BIAZA and EAZA research committees/ working groups and a wide range of zoos. UCS is also supporting member of the ABTC and staff are members of the Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians. Our teaching staff have experience and expertise in all areas of animal work including veterinary nursing, health and welfare, research, zoo industry and husbandry and animal behaviour and training. UCS has an unrivalled collection of animals and species in its purpose-built Animal Health and Welfare Research Centre and was one of the first colleges in the country to be awarded a zoo licence and is part of The National Zoo Academy. The centre offers a wide variety of habitat styles and management systems to maximise the student learning potential and experience. What will I learn? The course is designed to combine knowledge and research techniques in aspects of animal welfare and behaviour, the animal industry and wildlife management. Work placements are a key feature and benefit from the University centre’s strong links with a variety of relevant organisations. We offer optional overseas study tours (Covid restrictions depending) as well as UK trips allowing students to experience a range of different animal related industries. Students have also undertaken work placement or dissertation data collection with the RSPCA, HART Wildlife Rescue, Dogs Trust, bird of prey centres including the Hawk Conservancy Trust, Orangutan Appeal and also placements at several local farms. How will I be assessed? Assessment is via a range of coursework including practical portfolios, laboratory reports, seminars and essays, some modules also include an end of year assessment. In the final year of the course utilising techniques developed throughout the course you will design and conduct your own dissertation study. Previous students have had their research from this published in academic journals, industry magazines or presented at conferences. Where can I go from here? You can progress to the MSc in Applied Zoo Biology at University Centre Sparsholt; alternatively, there are many MSc and PhD programmes available at other universities. Sparsholt graduates now work in zoological collections, animal and conservation charities both in the UK and overseas.

Modules

LEVEL FOUR Animal Management 1, Analytical Techniques, Principles of Biology, Industrial Experience, Academic Skills, Anatomy and Physiology. LEVEL FIVE Population Biology, Statistics and Research Methods, Nutrition, Ethology and Ethics, Industrial Development, Animal Management 2, Animal Health. LEVEL SIX Dissertation, Further Statistics, Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare (optional)*, Applied Animal Health, Species Manipulation and Monitoring, Professional Industrial Development, Animal Industry and Trade, Reproductive Technologies and Genetics (optional)*, Sustainable Resource Management (optional)*. *subject to demand

Assessment method

Assessment in Years 1 and 2 is primarily by exams and coursework which includes practical portfolios, laboratory reports, seminars and essays. Work placements offer opportunities to gather data for the dissertation project which is submitted in Year 3. There are research opportunities throughout the programme, and University Centre Sparsholt actively submits student work to outside symposia, giving you the opportunity to present your work to the wider world.

Qualified teacher status (QTS)

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

  • Course does not award QTS

How to apply

29Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Year 3

Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)

Successful completion of a NQF level 4 (Cert HE or HNC) or NQF level 5 (Dip HE, HND or FdSc) in a relevant subject. Please email [email protected].

International applicants

We welcome applications from international students. For further details on the English language requirements, visa requirements and student life, please see our website https://www.sparsholt.ac.uk/international/.

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

Minimum requirement is 80 UCAS tariff points (dependant on qualifications). Students who successfully complete the FdSc may apply to 'top-up' to the BSc. We welcome applications from people with non-standard or international qualifications.

Additional entry requirements

Other

GCSE Maths and English @ Grade C/4 or above (or level 2 equivalents)

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6Overall score of 6.0 with minimum scores of 5.5 in any of Speaking, Reading, Writing and Listening (CEFR B2) www.ielts.org/about-ielts/ielts-for-migration/united-kingdom
Trinity ISEPassPass in each of Speaking, Reading, Writing and Listening (CEFR B2) www.trinitycollege.com/qualifications/SELT/UKVI
PTE Academic60Minimum score of 60 or higher in each of Speaking, Reading, Writing and Listening (CEFR B2) www.pearsonpte.com/selt-tests/pte-academic-ukvi

We will also accept the following qualification: LanguageCert International ESOL SELT - minimum score of 33/50 in each of Speaking, Reading, Writing and Listening (CEFR B2) https://www.languagecert.org/en/uk-visa-exams/study-in-the-uk

Please email [email protected] for details

https://www.sparsholt.ac.uk/international/english-language-requirements/

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
75%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
95%
Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Channel Islands £9000 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9000 Year 1
EU £13000 Year 1
England £9000 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9000 Year 1
Scotland £9000 Year 1
Wales £9000 Year 1
International £13000 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

www.sparsholt.ac.uk/university-centre/additional-costs/ Students from EU member states will be eligible for an EU scholarship. Please contact [email protected]

Sponsorship information

If your household income is under £32,960 you could receive a bursary of up to £750 per annum. This can be used to help towards travel costs, books and equipment or anything else that will help you during your course. Depending on the financial information disclosed in your Student Loan application, UCS may make an automatic bursary award based on specific criteria as set out in our Access and Participation Plan. If this is not the case you may still be able to apply for financial support to the UCS HE Hardship fund by completing a Bursary Application Form (available from end of |Term 1). For more information please [email protected].

Applied Animal Science at University Centre Sparsholt - UCAS