Course summary

The course has been developed to allow students to top up their foundation degree to a full Bachelors of Science qualification while exploring the needs of a variety of animal species both in theory and through extensive practical opportunities both on site and in industry placements. This approach ensures that graduates will be employment ready with the necessary skills needed in this exciting and ever growing industry. WHAT YOU CAN STUDY The BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour & Welfare (Top Up) course is designed to enable career ready, confident, inquisitive, critical thinking and empowered professionals. Building on the foundations of study at levels 4 and 5 this course offers advanced modules that explore developments in animal health and behaviour science as well as animal ethics and legislation giving students the opportunity to develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to support their future career ambitions. Through interactive tuition from a range of experienced academic staff, professionals and guest lecturers, theoretical modules are aimed at enabling students to recognise and understand the underpinning knowledge required for future careers in the industry and so apply that theory to the care required for a variety of animal species. They will also have the opportunity to apply these theoretical principles in practical contexts while demonstrating appropriate transferable skills, self-awareness and the capacity to engage in reflective practice and critical evaluation. Key Units Animal Ethics and Law (20 credits) The aim of this module is for students to consider ethical standpoints of others as well as their own in order to critically reflect and justify varying ethical positions. Moral issues about animals, the history of animal welfare and ethics, ethical theories, and introduction to animal welfare legislation will also be covered. Current Advances in Animal Behaviour (20 credits) This module provides as its focus an overview of the main concepts, methods and advances in animal behaviour research, providing students with the opportunity to explore current advances in animal behavioural science and their implications and issues. Advanced Animal Welfare (20 credits) This module will enable learners to gather data as well as evaluate information specific to the behavioural and physiological impact of stress on animals. Learners will be encouraged to consider aspects of how the use and husbandry of a range of animals may influence their welfare. Applied Anthrozoology (20 credits) This module will enable learners to explore the many and varied ways in which humans think about and engage with animals. Anthrozoology is an emergent but rapidly growing area and learners will be encouraged to think about unfamiliar as well as familiar ways of being with animals. The module also encourages students to consider the ethical implications of the ways humans interact with other animals. Dissertation (40 credits) This module will allow learners to undertake a piece of academic independent research that involves the collection, analysis, presentation and evaluation of data. The dissertation will develop the learners’ analytical and investigative problem-solving abilities. In addition, a critical attitude to background research and experimental data is expected. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Applicants are required to have a HND at Merit level or a Foundation Degree graded at 55% in an animal related subject GCSE English Language at grade C/4 or above or an equivalent (i.e. Level 2 Functional Skills) Mature applicants with extensive work experience and/or a range of professional qualifications in their work sector will be considered on an individual basis. References, alternative experience and skills will all be considered