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Applied Zoo Science at University Centre Sparsholt - UCAS

Course options

2023 - 20242024 - 2025
Apply
This course is subject to validation. You can still apply for this course while it is being approved.

Open days

1May
University Centre Sparsholt - Open Event
Undergraduate
13Jun
University Centre Sparsholt - Open Event
Undergraduate
6Jul
University Centre Sparsholt - Open Event
Undergraduate

Course summary

Why choose this degree?

  • Benefit from working with expert lecturers and a diverse and exciting collection of animals in our BIAZA-member centre.
  • A focus on zoo culture, promotion of natural environments and behaviours to support conservation and meet the growing awareness of the needs of exotic species collections, taught by industry experts.
  • Extensive industry contacts and development of employability skills.
  • Use tools such as record-keeping software that are used by zoos and aquaria globally.
What makes UCS special? As a UCS student you will benefit from lecturers with a wealth of industry experience that comes from working with BIAZA and EAZA research committees/ working groups and a wide range of zoos. UCS is also supporting member of the ABTC and staff are members of the Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians. Our teaching staff have experience and expertise in all areas of animal work including veterinary nursing, health and welfare, research, zoo industry and husbandry and animal behaviour and training. UCS has an unrivalled collection of animals and species in its purpose-built Animal Health and Welfare Research Centre and was one of the first colleges in the country to be awarded a zoo licence and is part of The National Zoo Academy. The centre offers a wide variety of habitat styles and management systems to maximise the student learning potential and experience. What will I learn? You will develop research techniques in aspects of zoo animal welfare, behaviour and population management and consider the wider roles of the modern zoo in conservation and education. Students undertake a work placement in each year of the programme and will develop their theoretical knowledge through practical application. Previous student placements have included* Finkley Down Farm, Cotswold Wildlife Park, Birdworld* and the New Forest Wildlife Park. You will have the opportunity to develop your academic research through the Year 2 module on Applied Industrial Research, collecting data on a current exotic animal project. HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED? Much of the assessment is coursework based, i.e. essays, reports, practical portfolios and seminar presentations. Practical activities, in-class assessments and a limited number of exams also play a part. WHERE CAN I GO FROM HERE? This programme will provide progression to BSc (Hons) Zoo Biology Top-up and potentially onto MSc Applied Zoo Biology. Sparsholt graduates now work in a variety of roles in the zoo and conservation sectors including keeper, nutritionist, education, media and marketing.

Modules

• LEVEL FOUR • Anatomy and Physiology • Principles of Biology • Industrial Experience • Exotic Animal Management • Zoo History and Culture • Academic Skills • LEVEL FIVE • Animal Health • Applied Industrial Research • Population Biology • Industrial Development • Zoo Industry Ethics and Legislation • Zoo Animal Nutrition • Exotic Animal Behaviour, Welfare and • Husbandry (optional) • Aquarium Design and Husbandry (optional)

Assessment method

Much of the assessment is coursework based, i.e. essays, reports, practical portfolios and seminar presentations. Practical activities, in-class assessments and a limited number of exams also play a part.

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

25Jan

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:
CD34
Institution code:
S34
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2

Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)

Successful completion of a NQF level 4 (Cert HE or HNC) or NQF level 5 (Dip HE, HND or FdSc) in a relevant subject. Please email [email protected].

International applicants

We welcome applications from international students. For further details on the English language and visa requirements, please see our website https://www.sparsholt.ac.uk/international/.

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

Minimum requirement is 64 UCAS tariff points. Students who successfully complete the FdSc may apply to 'top-up' to the BSc. We welcome applications from people with non-standard or international qualifications.

Additional entry requirements

Other

GCSE Maths and English @ Grade C/4 or above (or level 2 equivalents)

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6Overall score of 6.0 with minimum scores of 5.5 in any of Speaking, Reading, Writing and Listening (CEFR B2) www.ielts.org/about-ielts/ielts-for-migration/united-kingdom
Trinity ISEPassPass in each of Speaking, Reading, Writing and Listening (CEFR B2) www.trinitycollege.com/qualifications/SELT/UKVI
PTE Academic60Minimum score of 60 or higher in each of Speaking, Reading, Writing and Listening (CEFR B2) www.pearsonpte.com/selt-tests/pte-academic-ukvi

We will also accept the following qualification: LanguageCert International ESOL SELT - minimum score of 33/50 in each of Speaking, Reading, Writing and Listening (CEFR B2) https://www.languagecert.org/en/uk-visa-exams/study-in-the-uk

Please email [email protected] for details

https://www.sparsholt.ac.uk/international/english-language-requirements/

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
70%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
90%
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

Republic of Ireland £9250 Year 1
EU £9800 Year 1
England £9250 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 Year 1
Scotland £9250 Year 1
Wales £9250 Year 1
International £9800 Year 1
Channel Islands £9800 Year 1

Additional fee information

www.sparsholt.ac.uk/university-centre/additional-costs/

Sponsorship information

If your household income is under £32,960 you could receive a bursary of up to £750 per annum. This can be used to help towards travel costs, books and equipment or anything else that will help you during your course. Depending on the financial information disclosed in your Student Loan application, UCS may make an automatic bursary award based on specific criteria as set out in our Access and Participation Plan. If this is not the case you may still be able to apply for financial support to the UCS HE Hardship fund by completing a Bursary Application Form (available from end of |Term 1). For more information please [email protected].

Applied Zoo Science at University Centre Sparsholt - UCAS