22Jun
PostgraduateCourse summary
The Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) in Zoo Management and Conservation is open to applicants who are due to graduate or have graduated in a related subject area. Alternatively, you may be employed within the industry with significant experience and would like to develop higher level skills relating to animal wildlife conservation. If you're interested in further study but you don't have time for a full Masters and you're not keen on writing another dissertation a diploma (PgDip) could be the perfect qualification for you. PgDip are Masters-level qualifications equivalent to two thirds of a Masters with no need to undertake a dissertation. You will gain skills to critically assess sustainability of zoos within the sector, gain a theoretical understanding and practical awareness of animal ethology and relationship between species and behaviour as well as critically think about animal welfare in a zoo setting. You will also gain skills to critically assess the role of management, infrastructure, income generation, stock and visitors in zoo environments. Additionally, the course will prepare you to analyse ecosystems and produce solutions to complex ecological models. You will develop advanced knowledge and expertise necessary to help conserve habitats, species and preserve biodiversity. As well as gaining an appreciation of how scientific research is conducted and reported in the field as well as undertaking statistical analysis to test data. This is an advanced course for students who want to develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of Zoo Management and Conservation following degree-level study in a related subject. Postgraduate diplomas are beneficial because they: • give you the opportunity to obtain a postgraduate qualification without the financial or time commitments of a full Masters degree • allow you to kick-start a career in a professional area. • give you specialist knowledge, for example to progress to a Masters or PhD • improve your career prospects and increase your earning potential. Additional key reasons to study: Assessments are designed in relation to tasks you would be expected to perform in employment. University Centre Askham Bryan can offer you a flexible way to gain a postgraduate qualification. *This Postgraduate programme will be delivered one day per week, alternating between on site face to face delivery at the UCAB York campus and online delivery each week (one day on campus, one day online etc). Online delivery will still be taught content.
Modules
Sustainability Within Zoos This module is designed to equip students with the knowledge and understanding to promote sustainability within their chosen careers. Moreover, there is an increasing need for zoos to conduct their business in a sustainable way and students will need to equip themselves with the relevant knowledge and analytical tools to be able to assess sustainability options and critically evaluate their impact. Research and Analysis This module will ensure students can produce work that is of a level 7 standard as well as further their skills in quantitative data analysis. Students will gain an appreciation of how scientific research is conducted and reported in their field. Methods of evaluating what students read and how information from the literature is synthesised and assembled to give new insights will be considered. Software to analyse quantitative data will be introduced to the students. Students will be encouraged to find out about statistical tests themselves to continue life-long learning. This will help them complete research projects during their degree and in their future careers. Applied Ethology This module provides the learner with an in-depth theoretical understanding and practical awareness of both non-companion and companion animal ethology and allows them to explore the relationship between these groups of species and behaviour. Learners will develop skills in recording and analysing animal communication. Animal Welfare Science This module aims to allow students to critically think about animal welfare in a range of situations. Students will be asked to identify a range of welfare concerns and to think deeply about the impact these concerns have on the animals and our interactions with them. throughout the module students will assess animal welfare issues and appraise a range of animal welfare assessments that can be used to identify poor welfare. Biodiversity and Conservation This module aims to facilitate students with critical awareness and evaluation of the threats relating to global biodiversity. Students will critically appraise the connections between the diverse roles of human decision-making and setting conservation aims with particular attention to moral dilemmas and conflict between conservation and development Animal Health, Physiology and Behaviour Students will widen their understanding of the role of animal health and physiology on animal behaviour. Students will explore how common conditions and medical diagnosis techniques influence and contribute to behaviour disorders. Reproductive and Digestive physiology will be examined with a links to the Endocrine and Nervous Systems. A range of different therapies including the role of psychopharmacological intervention in the treatment of common behavioural disorders. Ecosystems Analysis This module aims to provide students with both practical and theoretical knowledge of ecosystems analysis. Students will learn to apply practical knowledge of how to measure and model ecosystem structure and function. Through the field report, students will critically evaluate the diversity of ecosystem functions and expressions across a chosen community. This module is imperative for any student wishing to pursue a career in industries such as; national parks, wildlife, environmental consultancy, construction, forestry etc. Management of Modern Zoos The aim of this module is to demonstrate how management decisions in zoos are evidence-based. Using current zoo-related research, this module will build on, and sometimes challenge, the students’ existing zoo knowledge and any experience gained in the industry. Multiple theories will be explored surrounding the latest research that has been carried out on animals ex- and in-situ, as well as research surrounding the human aspects of zoos such as visitors, staff or associated organisations.
Assessment method
Assessments have been designed to give students the opportunity of performing tasks that they would be asked to do in employment. There is a range of assessment methods used, including reports, case studies, presentations and exams. Typically each module involves two assessments.
Entry requirements
Applicants would typically have a BSc (Hons) or BA (Hons) at a 2.1 classification or above in a related subject. Applicants with a BSc (Hons) or BA (Hons) 2.2 classification as above, postgraduate diploma in a related subject and/or with relevant industry experience may also be considered. References will be requested.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £5330 | Whole course |
| Northern Ireland | £5330 | Whole course |
| Scotland | £5330 | Whole course |
| Wales | £5330 | Whole course |
Additional fee information
Please note that the fee status of each applicant will be assessed prior to any offer being made (Home Fee or Overseas/International Fee). Where required further information may be requested to ensure the correct fee status is allocated. For further information about on studying in the UK and fee status, please visit UKCISA.
Provider information
University Centre Askham Bryan
Askham Bryan
York
YO23 3FR