Activate Learning has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
Develop a fascinating insight into the behaviour and welfare of a range of captive wild animal species and apply theories learnt to maintain and improve animal welfare. The primary focus of this course is on species housed within zoos and aquaria however careers are not limited to this. There is also scope for you to explore the theory and practice related to wildlife conservation and the focus of this in zoos. Merrist Wood is highly regarded in the animal industry as the leading animal education establishment in Surrey, with a wide range of animal care courses. PROGRAMME MODULES YEAR 1 :
- Development Of Personal And Professional Skills (30 Credits)
- Development Of Personal And Professional Skills (30 Credits)
- Animal Health, Welfare And Nutrition (30 Credits)
- Zoo Management Skills (30 Credits)
- Continuing Professional Development (30 Credits)
- Research Methods (30 Credits)
- Management Of Zoological Collections (30 Credits)
- Global Biodiversity And Conservation Issues (30 Credits)
Modules
Year 1: professional development in the work environment 1 (30 credits), animal breeding programmes and husbandry (30 credits), animal health, welfare and nutrition (30 credits), zoo management skills (30 credits). Total 120 credits. Year 2: professional development in the work environment 2 (30 credits); research methods (30 credits); management of zoological collections (30 credits); global biodiversity and conservation issues (30 credits). Total 120 credits.
Assessment method
Teaching and learning will include a range of strategies including lectures, seminars, group work, tutorials, and work experience. Teaching takes place on the 400-acre Merrist Wood campus and is supported by an extensive animal collection that is utilised throughout the course where students will encounter a range of familiar and unusual species. Assessments are designed to allow students to research into their topics and species of interest for subject areas they would wish to specialise in, linking to career aspirations. The teaching team undertake vocational continuous professional development to keep up to date with their subject specialism. This vocational currency gives a real edge to course content and value is added through guest speakers, visits, and realistic work-based learning assignments. These are shared with our colleagues employed within the animal behaviour and welfare sector. Throughout the course you will be able to research chosen topics and species of interest for your assessments enabling you to focus on subject areas that you wish to specialise in, and link to career aspirations. Each module will be assessed with 2-3 pieces of work. These could include academic poster creation, conference style presentations, written exams, reports, seminars, media article design, portfolios, video productions, case studies and a dissertation. Academic skills support is available throughout the year to help you prepare for this range of assessments, including exam preparation. Currently this requires attendance on campus at least two days each week during teaching weeks. This course can also be taken on a part-time basis over 4 years. Tuition fees for part-time study are £4,000 per annum. If you are interested in studying this programme on a part-time basis please email: [email protected]
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
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 64 points
A level
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Access to HE Diploma
GCSE/National 4/National 5
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 |
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £8000* | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £8000* | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £8000* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £8000* | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £8000* | Year 1 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
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
Please note that tuition fees may increase in subsequent years for both new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by government. Fees are subject to agreement by the Office for Students.
Provider information
Merrist Wood College
Holly Lane
Worplesdon
Guildford
GU3 3PE