Skip navigation
Applied Zoo Science at University Centre Sparsholt - UCAS

Course options

2026 - 2027
Apply
This course is subject to validation. You can still apply for this course while it is being approved.

Course summary

What Makes This Course Unique? Exceptional facilities, industry connections, and immersive learning environment:

  • Our living collection – use our extensive facilities to carry out innovative research as part of your course on a wide range of industry‑led research projects including behavioural studies, animal dietary analysis, cognitive and human‑animal interactions research. Students also have access to the 600 plus animals in our BIAZA‑accredited Animal Health and Welfare Research Centre.
  • Extensive access to innovative technology – we use industry‑standard software within our teaching such as the Zoological Information Management System, ZooMonitor and Zoo Diet software
  • Our staff are active in the zoo industry, presenting their research at national and international zoo conferences and leading zoo industry committees, which allows our teaching to be supported by strong industry partnerships.
What makes UCS special? Our staff and graduates are highly regarded by industry. The lecturers’ experience, knowledge and industry links can give you the head start you need. We are an accredited member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) and work closely with them. We have also worked with the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) on a funded project to define a competence framework for zoo keepers, which is at the heart of our National Zoo Academy. Sparsholt is the hub for the industry recognised professional zookeeper qualification, the DMZAA (Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals).Our lecturers bring their expertise to your learning from their work with world‑leading zoos and nationally‑recognised organisations. They also advise research committees, welfare groups and awarding bodies within the industry. We have strong links with a range of wildlife, conservation and commercial organisations, allowing you to access work placements and to carry out industry relevant research that can feed into your career. What will I learn? You will gain a deep understanding of animal welfare and behaviour, the animal industry and wildlife management. Topics such as animal nutrition, health and behaviour are paired with practical skills such as laboratory techniques and current industry IT software. Practical learning to ensure you graduate job‑ready:
  • Experience species husbandry and management techniques
  • Learn safe working practices with animals, including more challenging category one animals
  • Conduct animal welfare assessments and learn how to plan and record your own animal collection.
How will I be assessed? Our assessments mirror the challenges you may face in your career, combining academia with practical application:
  • Field‑based assignments allow you to showcase your subject‑specific skills to employers
  • A range of presentation types and written assignments that develop key graduate skills such as communication expertise, synthesis of sources and discussion of evidence.
Focused on Your Future: This course opens doors to diverse career paths such as wildlife conservation biologist, zoo research officer or education manager, aquarist, marketing and social media executive, population manager and zoo curator. This programme will provide progression to BSc (Hons) Zoo Biology Top‑up which in turn leads onto MSc Applied Zoo Biology. This degree will also upskill you in a range of transferable graduate skills such as those in higher‑level communication, data literacy, verbal and written communication and project management. How our graduates are shaping the future:
  • Working in zoos and aquaria such as Marwell Wildlife and SeaLife Centre
  • Working as experts within the exotic pet industry
  • Graduates also work with a range of public bodies and local authorities undertaking activities such as wildlife rangers, environmental education, and community engagement
  • Pursuing further research at doctoral level and beyond.

Modules

LEVEL FOUR Academic Skills, Anatomy and Physiology, Principles of Biology, Industrial Experience, Exotic Animal Management, Zoo History and Culture. 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)*. *subject to demand

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

14Jan

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
0%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
0%
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
EU £13000 Year 1
England £9275 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9275 Year 1
Scotland £9275 Year 1
Wales £9275 Year 1
International £13000 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

www.sparsholt.ac.uk/university-centre/additional-costs/ Students from EU member states can apply for an EU scholarship. Please contact [email protected]

Sponsorship information

University Centre Sparsholt (UCS) will award bursaries of £4,500 to up to four new students each academic year. There is flexibility in how these bursaries can be used, but they are intended to help with the cost of studying in order to make university more affordable. The recipients of the bursaries will continue to receive the same amount for each year of their studies, as long as expectations for attendance and engagement are met. The bursaries are a part of the University Centre's Access and Participation Plan , and therefore priority will be given to students whose backgrounds are traditionally underrepresented among the UCS student body. Further details regarding how to apply will be supplied to all offer holders who have accepted an offer to study with us when they complete their 'Next Steps' registration form in the Summer term.

Applied Zoo Science at University Centre Sparsholt - UCAS