Course summary

The course has a well-rounded base of animal management skills which would suit progression directly into an animal welfare or management career, or, if preferred, the skills to diversify into a range of self-employed and entrepreneurial enterprises. Our course is designed with equal focus on the principles of animal welfare, animal management, animal behaviour and human animal interactions (anthrozoology), all of which are rapidly emerging, cross-disciplinary fields of study with considerable public interest. The ability to identify and solve animal behaviour problems is advantageous to anyone wishing to pursue a career in behaviour modification work, and the principles of ethology (studying animals in the wild) are also included for those wishing to pursue a career in the field. An awareness of current animal welfare, management and ethical issues will be of benefit to any career in the sector. Equally, an understanding of why people perceive and behave towards animals as they do, and why animals behave as they do towards us, will be of considerable advantage when working with diverse groups of both people and animals. This applies to careers within the animal sector, such as such as in zoos, animal sanctuaries, pet shops, boarding kennels, laboratories, wildlife parks, or with charities such as the Blue Cross, PDSA and RSPCA, or in education and educational support roles. The communication and presentation skills gained mean opportunities may also be pursued in marketing, sales, retail, management and advisory roles. Developing your ability and confidence in using technological software and packages will boost your employability profile across multiple career sectors. For those of you wishing to continue your studies, the course includes opportunities to discuss studying at Masters level, and advice from staff and alumni in terms of these next steps.