Skip to main content
Animal Science student observing animal through thermal imagery camera

Jump to

Subject

Animal Sciences

Level

Foundation Degree (Level 5)

Study Mode

Full-Time

Duration

2 years full-time/3 years part-time

Start Date

September 2025

The course

This programme will allow you to develop a range of practical and knowledge-based skills related to the animal industry.

You will learn about a wide range of animals, from companion and livestock to wildlife. You will gain an underpinning of animal behaviour and within the second year take up specialised modules that allow you to focus towards your chosen career.

The programme allows you to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations using our excellent animal facilities.

Compulsory work experience will allow you to develop practical experience in the workplace, whilst business and employment elements improve transferable skills and enable you to set up your own business.

Course Information

  • This course aims to provide you with in depth academic and practical skills required to excel within a career in the animal management industry. All content is provided by experts in their field, with relevant up to date content and research which will ensure you can demonstrate and develop existing skills, and allow you to exhibit initiative, professional attitude and intellectual rigour which underpin and support your chosen field.

Year 1

  • Academic Professional Skills
  • Comparative Anatomy and Physiology
  • Animal Health and Nutrition
  • Professional Skills in the Industry
  • Principles of Animal Behaviour
  • Applied Animal Husbandry

Year 2

  • Core:
  • Ethics, Welfare and Legislation
  • Behaviour of Companion Animals
  • Leadership Skills in the Industry
  • Data Skills for Animal Scientist
  • Wildlife Health and Rehabilitation Methods
  • Options:
  • Fundamentals of Animal Training
  • Behaviour Management of Production Species
  • Ecology and Conservation
  • Captive Animal Management
  • (Option modules will run where there are sufficient student numbers, otherwise an alternative option module may be offered.)

You will need:

A minimum of 72 UCAS points OR a relevant BTEC Level 3 and significant industrial experience

Plus:

GCSE English 4 or above or equivalent and a suitable reference

UCAS points may be from qualifications such as T Levels, A Levels, BTEC Level 3 Extended Diplomas, Access to Higher Education Diplomas, and City and Guilds Advanced Technical Diplomas amongst others. Please use the UCAS Tariff points calculator to determine the UCAS points value of your qualifications.

Life and/or experience of non-traditional students will be taken into account when considering applications. The successful completion of an entry task may be required when considering applications without the required formal entry qualifications.

If an applicants first language is not English, or a Tier 4 student visa to study is required and GCSE English at grade 4/C or equivalent is not held, they will need to evidence their English language proficiency level, such as International English Language Testing System (IELTS) 6.0 overall (with a minimum 5.5 in each skill).

Advanced entry may be possible due to prior experience or certificated learning; applicants will be invited to complete the recognition of prior learning approval process.

This programme is delivered with a variety of learning and teaching approaches to include all students' learning styles and preferences.

For all modules, theory lectures are delivered that aim to deliver the core content and provide the underpinning knowledge.

To complement the theory lectures, you will have group seminars/practical sessions that are used to reinforce concepts delivered theoretically. The teaching methods focus on facilitating a student-centred approach to enhance your independent learning that takes place outside of the classroom.

The full-time route incorporates approximately 12-16 hours of contact time per week, encompassing lectures, seminars, practicals and tutorials

You are also expected to carry out a significant amount of independent study in addition to contact time (approximately 25-30 hours a week). Independent study includes reading around the subject, preparing for tutorials and seminars, preparing for, and completing, module assessments; forming an essential part of your learning journey.

The part-time route incorporates 9-12 hours of contact time per week, encompassing lectures, seminars, practicals and tutorials

You are also expected to carry out a significant amount of independent study in addition to contact time (approximately 12-15 hours a week). Independent study includes reading around the subject, preparing for tutorials and seminars, preparing for, and completing, module assessments; forming an essential part of your learning journey.

You can expect to receive your timetable during induction week.

Work experience is an integral part of the programme. Past students have gained placements all over the country working with companion and exotic animals. A total of 152 hours is required in a related part of the industry over the duration of the course.
Assessment includes practical reports and demonstrations, written assignments, portfolios, scientific posters and group or individual presentations. There are no formal examinations. Opportunities for feedback on assessments is available prior to the final submission to support your development and achievement. Staff aim to return assessed work within a 20-working day timeframe (not including holidays) so that you can most benefit from the feedback.
  • A tablet, laptop or stationery to take notes in lectures and seminars
  • College-branded white laboratory coat
  • College-branded blue kennel coat. Appropriate waterproof outdoor clothing and footwear for outdoor practicals
  • Strong steel toe capped boots for practical sessions
  • The college has a strict policy of not allowing work boots inside college buildings you will need to have alternative footwear (shoes or trainers) to attend lectures and tutorials
  • Roughly £300 to cover the costs of field trips and visits over the duration of your programme
  • Training equipment will be required (i.e., clicker and target stick) for the training related modules (this module can be selected as an option on the programme)
  • On successful completion of the programme, you will have the opportunity to graduate at a ceremony wearing formal dress. The hire of the formal dress is an additional cost
Upon successful completion of this foundation degree, you may progress to final year of the following programmes: BSc Bioveterinary Science, BSc Applied Animal Behaviour and Training, BSc Animal Behaviour and Welfare, BSc Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Management or BSc Animal Behaviour and Wildlife Conservation.
Work in animal rescue and rehabilitation, within zoos and wildlife parks, as an animal facility manager, kennel and cattery manager, pet store manager or pursue a career within conservation.

Validated by University of Hull

We are proud to collaborate with University of Hull on the validation of this course.

This includes transforming our programmes to ensure that we meet the evolving needs of the sector, giving you the best opportunities for success when you graduate by having a competence-based focus. Find out more about competence-based higher education.

View the policies and procedures you would be agreeing to comply with by registering for this programme. This encompasses University of Hull Quality and Standards, including a Guide for Collaborative Provision students.

Financial Information

Find the full details of the fees associated with this programme and the financial support available.

Careers this course could lead into

Experience our campus for yourself

RH HE Open Events

Upcoming Event

Degree Level (Post 18) Open Event

Saturday, 8 February 2025 - 10:00 - 13:00

View all events
Apply Full-Time Apply Part-Time