BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour, Welfare & Conservation (Top-up)
Course details
UCAS Code
D301
Year of entry
2025
Duration
1 YR (FT) 2 YRS (PT)
Institution Code
G53
Location
Northop
Why choose this course?
The BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Conservation top-up programme follows on from our FdSc Applied Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Conservation. It provides a balanced package of skills and knowledge, tailored for those wishing to enter an animal care sector profession.
You will:
- Develop and advance their existing knowledge in the core themes of animal welfare, behaviour and conservation
- Design and implement a research study of their choice
- Gain personal and professional development to maximise employability within the industry
- Have access to a veterinary clinical suite, bespoke training area and Cruft’s standard agility course
- Enjoy off site visits to animal charities, wildlife centres and other industry related venues.
Students who have completed HND, FdSc or Dip HE in a related subject at other institutions can also join the course.
Key course features
- Develop high-level knowledge of animal behaviour, training, welfare, and conservation
- Urban and rural study environments - split your study time between the Northop campus set in the stunning North Wales countryside and our Wrexham campus, on the edge of the largest town in North East Wales
- Excellent links with industry
- Opportunities to carry out your own research project in a specialism of your choice within variety of settings
- Industry-active staff with specialist academic and practical skills, and experience of working with a range of domestic, and wild animals
- Join our zoological society and enjoy a range of events, activities and trips throughout the year
- Progression from the BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Conservation Science includes employment or postgraduate study
What you will study
MODULES
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Conservation Policy: This module will enable you to explore the ecology of a range of animal species native to the UK and understand the need for, and methods of, conservation of these species including Environmental Impact Assessment.
-
Applied Research Skills and Professional Development: This module will enable you to review relevant literature to present a research proposal that forms an appropriate and ethically sound basis for a research project. It will teach you methods of data collection and statistical analysis to interpret those data.
- Research Project: This module gives you the opportunity to carry out your own research in a topic which particularly interests you. In doing this project you will review literature pertinent to the chosen area of research, evaluate relevant research design and develop a suitable method for data collection and analysis, analyse and interpret data collected and finally write up and discuss your findings in relation to the existing knowledge.
- Advanced Animal Welfare: The module enables students to explore how stress can be managed in a range of environments and situations. It also aims provide students with an understanding of the physiological and behavioural adaptations of animals resulting from modern use and husbandry.
- Animal Behaviour Modification: The module aims to develop students’ awareness of the need for a systematic approach to understanding the aetiology of behavioural problems seen in animals. It will extend their understanding of how to analyse behavioural problems in animals and appreciate the limitations of relevant diagnostic techniques.
- Applied Research Skills and Professional Development: The module equips students with the skills to critically evaluate research design as applicable to animal science and welfare management, to select and justify appropriate methods for data collection and analysis, and to critically reflect on personal development over the duration of the programme of study, linking scholarship and practice through reflection on specific professional development activities.
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
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.