Course summary

Foundation Year courses have been designed for students who do not have the necessary academic qualifications needed to enter directly into the first year of a degree but who have the ability and commitment to do so. Once the Foundation Year has been completed successfully, you can then go on to complete your degree. Explore the ways in which the biological sciences are applied to animal behaviour and welfare in what is an exciting and rapidly changing field. An animal’s welfare can range from very poor to excellent at any point in its life, and it is important that we understand the biological needs of different types of animals. This course offers an integrated, scientific approach to the study of the theory and practice of animal behaviour and welfare, and the wider role of this discipline within the biological sciences. On different years of your course you will be taught at the University of Chester’s Exton Park site and University Centre Reaseheath. University Centre Reaseheath is a full member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), and houses a large range of animals. The course includes some practical experience, academic skills development and the enhancement of wider graduate employability skills. The course is taught by tutors who are nationally and internationally recognised as subject specialists. There are a range of UK and overseas field trips for students, and also the option of studying overseas for a year in between Years 2 and 3. We regularly host seminars from guest speakers and offer a wealth of volunteering opportunities, such as the hedgehog friendly campus campaign and ‘Welly Wednesdays’ local conservation work.