BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour, Welfare & Conservation (Top-up)

What you will study

The Top Up year provides students with the opportunity to complete their own unique piece of research, thus enabling them to focus on a topic of choice. Conservation and animal welfare assessment are concentrated on in this year, together with sustainable animal practices. Career development is also a central theme, and third years are expected to complete additional professional development activities alongside their degree to enhance their chances of employment. 

MODULES

• Research skills and professional development: The module aims to equip students with the skills to evaluate research design critically as applicable to equine science and welfare management, to select and justify appropriate methods for data collection and analysis, and to reflect on personal development over the duration of the programme of study in preparation for future employment.

• Research Project: This module aims to ensure students can critically evaluate research and will guide students through the completion of a research-based study of a specialised area related to equine science and welfare management.

• Animal Welfare Assessment: This module will enable students to explore how animal welfare can be assessed and improved in a range of environments and situations. Students will investigate the physical, physiological and behavioural adaptations of animals resulting from their modern use and husbandry.

• Sustainable Animal Practices: This module explores sustainable practices in the animal industry, emphasising the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of sustainability challenges and draw from different disciplines to offer sustainable solutions.

• Conservation Policy: This module aims to introduce students to the range of contemporary threats to biodiversity across the UK. Students will explore the role and the range of conservation polices that work towards protecting biodiversity in the UK and understand the range of socioeconomic impacts of these policies. 

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

Entry requirements & applying

A foundation degree or equivalent in animal studies or a closely related subject.

UCAS code: D301

Teaching & Assessment

Modules are assessed in a wide variety of ways. This includes academic essays, research posters, presentations, seminar discussions, exams, portfolios, reflective practice and practical assessment. The balance between the different forms of assessment is determined by the different aims and learning outcomes of the modules.

Teaching and learning

Module delivery is achieved through a combination of theoretical lectures, seminar discussions, guest lectures, educational visits, and practical work. Between lectures, students are expected to read around their subjects making use of the detailed reading lists published in Module Guides.

Wrexham University is committed to supporting our students to maximise their academic potential.

We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has more information on the help available.

In terms of particular needs, the University’s Inclusion Services can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference.

Career prospects

Our Careers & Employability service is there to help you make decisions and plan the next steps towards a bright future. From finding work or further study to working out your interests, skills and aspirations, they can provide you with the expert information, advice and guidance you need.

Career opportunities in the animal care industry are wide-ranging. You could be working in:

• Animal welfare organisations
• Conservation
• Zoos and wildlife parks
• Veterinary practices
• Animal feed companies
• Veterinary or pharmaceutical companies

Further study opportunities are also available, such as progression to postgraduate level research and teaching qualifications.

Students moving into employment could expect to progress to careers within the animal industry such as, Welfare Centre managers, zoo keepers or careers allied to the industry, for example research and consultancy work. 

Fees & funding

You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.

The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the fee FAQs.

All fees are subject to any changes in government policy, view our undergraduate fees.

Programme specification

You can see the full programme specification here.

Accommodation

If you’re looking for a place to stay while you study then take a look at our accommodation pages to get more information on your options, including our on-campus halls of residence Wrexham Village.

International

If you are applying as an European / International Student, and live outside of the UK, you should make your application through our online application system, Centurus.

For information about the university’s entry requirements for EU/international students, please visit our international section.