BSc (Hons) Applied Zoology and Animal Conservation (Top-up)

If you are looking to top-up your degree to help you on your career journey working in animal conservation, then this is the ideal course for you. On our immersive degree programme, you will learn about the latest scientific techniques and technological advancements in the field of animal conservation, with a focus on how these approaches are being used to ensure the long-term protection of animal species in captivity and the wild.

Embarking on this course will enable you to critically explore the historical, current and emerging threats to wild animals and natural ecosystems, with an emphasis on the key issues impacting global biodiversity. You will also gain applied understanding of the practical solutions currently being employed by conservationists to prevent animal extinction, from the importance of captive breeding programmes in zoos to the effectiveness of satellite monitoring of animal species in the wild.

At Plumpton College, you will benefit from working directly with a wide variety of animal species at our Animal Education Centre, enhancing your animal husbandry skills and furthering your knowledge of different conservation practices in the zoo environment. You will have an excellent opportunity on this programme to develop your industry awareness and professional network, through participating in a range of engaging field trips and external visits. Our industry-focused degree programme has been designed to help you develop the applied skills and technical knowledge you’ll need to progress and be successful in a variety of roles within the field of animal conservation, including opportunities in the zoo and wildlife sectors.

• Equip yourself with an applied understanding of global conservation issues and develop a critical understanding of the tools and solutions being used to tackle these challenges.
• Advance your technical skills in animal husbandry and knowledge of captive conservation approaches, working with over 100 species at Plumpton’s Animal Education Centre.
• Study in the heart of the South Downs National Park, with access to a range of protected habitats on Plumpton College’s 800-hectare estate.
• Develop your industry awareness and professional network, through participating in a range of immersive field trips and visits to zoological collections.

Year 1

Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.

• Advanced Animal Husbandry and Management (15 credits)
• Public Engagement, Education and Communication (15 credits)
• Reintroduction and Rewilding Science (15 credits)
• Research Project (30 credits)
• Animal Ecophysiology and Climate Change (15 credits)
• Advances in Zoo Science and Conservation (15 credits)
• Human-Wildlife Conflict and Co-existence (15 credits)

A diverse range of summative assessment methods are integrated into the programme to provide an engaging and inclusive experience for learners. Some key methods include reports, essays, case studies, presentations (oral and poster), project work, portfolios and practical assessments. All assessments have been designed to be industry-relevant, and where possible, reflective of real-world scenarios and working practices.

Some assessments will have a student-led design element, enabling learners to negotiate with the module leader on how they undertake their work. Equally, assessments will provide students with flexibility in terms of the case studies or examples they chose, enabling you to explore your own personal and professional interests via your studies. Across all modules on the programme, formative assessment approaches are also utilised to support reflective practice and encourage personal improvement. This includes the use of peer-assessment activities, mock examinations, quizzes, role play activities and examination of model answers.

Practical learning

As a student on this programme, you will benefit from learning at Plumpton College’s Animal Education Centre, which has recently undergone a multi-million-pound redevelopment. The Animal Education Centre will provide you with an opportunity to enhance your animal husbandry and collection management skills, alongside building your understanding of ex-situ species conservation within the zoological environment.

Student support

Higher Education students who have a learning difficulty, disability and/or ongoing health condition may be able to access reasonable adjustments to support their studies. Support is available to help students apply and access Disabled Student Allowance through either the Inclusive Learning and Development Department or the HE Office. One to one tutorial support is available through academic tutors.

The Library boasts a collection of over 8,000 books, covering a range of key subject areas within land-based curriculum. The Library also provides students with access to a variety of magazines, periodicals and academic journals through online databases.  

Learning technology is central to the learning experience of students at Plumpton College and therefore is supported by dedicated staff within the College Teaching and Learning Team.  The responsibilities of this team are to help support students with learning technology to enhance the overall learning experience.   

• Successful completion (Pass or above) of an FdSc in Animal Science, Zoology, Conservation, Animal Management or a related discipline (e.g. veterinary science).
• Students with a relevant HND or equivalent qualification (Level 5) in these disciplines will also be considered.
• Students with English as a second language will be required to have gained IELTS with a Level 6.5 overall with Level 6.0 in writing