Course summary
Whether you are fascinated by the anatomy and physiology of living organisms or passionate about the role zoological institutions can play in wildlife conservation, then this foundation degree programme will provide you with the experience you need to pursue your career ambitions working with animals. This degree will enable you to develop an applied knowledge and understanding in a range of key subject areas which underpin zoology, including animal biology, health and welfare, animal behaviour, conservation science, and animal husbandry. The programme has a strong emphasis on applied learning and work experience, enabling you to develop a range of vocational skills sought after by employers in the animal industry. A core aspect of this degree is the opportunity for you to study and work directly with our extensive collection of companion, farm and exotic animal species, kept at Plumpton College’s Animal Management Centre. This degree will also provide you with hands-on training in the application of key field and laboratory techniques in zoology, including some of the latest methods used in wildlife monitoring and conservation science. This degree will support you with gaining the experience required to progress into a diverse range of career pathways working with animals, including the zoo industry, rehoming sector and conservation organisations. Why choose us?
- Develop an applied understanding of zoology, including the fundamental principles and key concepts which underpin animal behaviour and conservation.
- Enhance your practical animal husbandry skills and knowledge, working with a collection of over 100 animal species kept at Plumpton College’s Animal Management Centre and College Farm.
- Study in the heart of the South Downs National Park, with direct opportunities on campus to learn about the ecology, habitats, and conservation of wild animals living within this legally protected area of the UK.
- Develop your professional network and industry awareness via a range of external trips and visits, including the opportunity to attend a 2-week international study tour to a wildlife reserve in South Africa.
- Acquire new employability skills and practical experience through completing a 150-hour work placement in the animal industry, benefitting from access to our excellent network of placement providers.
- The programme is delivered by a team of highly experienced and dedicated staff, with expertise in a range of disciplines within the animal sciences and related fields. Staff teaching on the programme benefit from maintaining strong professional links to organisations in the animal industry, operating at both a local, regional and national level.
Modules
Year 1 (Level 4) Core Modules: • Animal Health and Welfare • Animal Behaviour and Communication • Comparative Animal Anatomy and Physiology • Introduction to Business Management • Management of Animal Collections • Principles of Animal Biology • Principles of Conservation Science • Study and Research Skills Year 2 (Level 5) Core Modules: • Applied Sampling Methods in Conservation • Applied Animal Behaviour Management • Animal Welfare and Ethics • Independent Enquiry • Research Methods and Statistics • Work Placement Elective modules: • Behavioural Ecology • Wildlife Conservation • Animal Learning and Training
Assessment method
Students are assessed through a combination of assessment methods depending on the modules chosen. A diverse range of methods are utilised on the programme, including essays, practical portfolios, scientific reports, poster presentations and field logbooks. All modules are designed to contain formative (practice) assessment activities, which are ungraded, enabling students to build their confidence and understanding in advance of formal assessment submission.
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
- Course code:
- P300
- Institution code:
- P59
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 64 points
We consider a wide range of Level 3 equivalent qualifications in science related subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Animal Management. Level 3 qualifications considered includes T-levels, A-levels and Extended Diplomas (L3), Irish Highers, Scottish Highers, as well as Access to HE qualifications. In addition, candidates must have at least five GCSEs at grade 4 (or above) and this must include English Language (Grade 4 or above) and Maths (Grade 4 or above). Students must be a minimum of 18 years old upon entry. Students with English as a second language will be required to have gained IELTS Level 6.5 overall with Level 6.0 in writing. We would also consider applicants from mature students who have substantial experience within the relevant sector. Please contact our Admissions team for more information or speak to the Programme Manager.
English language requirements
Students with English as a second language will be required to have gained IELTS level 6.5 overall with level 6.0 in writing.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
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 | £9275 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9275 | Year 1 |
| England | £9275 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9275 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9275 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9275 | Year 1 |
| EU | £9275 | 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
We are unable to sponsor internationals students at present. If you are from the EU including the Republic of Ireland, please get in touch with our Admissions Team.
Provider information
Plumpton College
Ditchling Road
Lewes
BN7 3AE