FD in Animal Behaviour Welfare and Conservation


Subject Area: Course code: Course Type:
Animal Welfare & Science AC093A01/25/2 Higher Education

Course Information

The Foundation Degree in Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Conservation develops knowledge and practical skills for further study and employment in key aspects of the animal industry. Core subjects allow graduates from the programme to demonstrate understanding and application in fundamental elements of animal welfare and husbandry. Option units allow students to progress along career pathways focussing on animal behaviour or animal conservation. Students can elect to take options that cover both of these aspects, or choose module combinations that are designed to develop particular knowledge and skills in these two fields in the animal industry. The course provides opportunities to work with employers, and to develop industry-related skills through authentic style assessment.

The foundation degree is the fundamental course for progression to Top Up programmes at Level 6 to gain BSc (Hons) degrees. The programme is validated by the Open University.
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Overview

Qualification
  • FD Animal Behaviour Welfare and Conservation
Course Content
  • In Year One students complete the following modules:
    Study and Research Skills, Vertebrate and Invertebrate Biology, Animal Health and Disease, Welfare, Legislation and Ethics, General Principles of Conservation, Principles of Animal Behaviour, and Professional Industry Skills Development.

    In Year Two students study core modules in:
    Breeding Genetics and Welfare, Specialist Research Project, Applied Husbandry, Applied Conservation for Wildlife and Nutrition and Anthrozoology
    There are option modules in recommended career pathways as follows:

    Animal Conservation Pathway recommended option Unit:
    Research and Education in Conservation

    Animal Management Pathway recommended option units:
    Applied Behaviour Management

Entry Requirements
  • A minimum of 48 new UCAS tariff points. Normally one A Level in a Biological /Environmental Science or Psychology plus other subjects, or a MPP at Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma (1080) in Animal Management OR MM in Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma Animal Management (720).
    4 GCSEs in Maths, English (grade 4/5 or above) are required. Mature entry is actively encouraged and relevant work experience will be considered in place of formal qualifications, but Access to HE courses in Science or Land based studies are highly recommended.

    This programme accepts applications from international students. International students will need to ensure they can comply with UK visa requirements before enrolment, and for the length of the programme. The College has a limited accommodation offer available, but can provide additional support on request to find other local accommodation. Applicants will need to ensure they meet entry requirements for qualifications, experience and English language through IELTS.
Next Steps
  • The key route following the foundation degree are the BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour Welfare and Conservation Top Up programmes specialising in either Animal Conservation or Animal Collections. This is a one year programmes at Kingston Maurward College. Other colleges and univerisities also offer similar final year courses.
Career Opportunities
  • This qualification offers excellent employment opportunities in the following areas: animal welfare organisations, assurance, inspection and enforcement agencies, wildlife conservation organisations, animal collections, laboratory technicians, animal behaviour consultancy and training. Graduates have progressed to postgraduate qualifications following completion of the BSc Top Up year at Kingston Maurward College. In 2017-18, 100% of our graduates were employed or in further study on Top Up programmes.

Dates & Fees

Dates & Times
Start date: End date: Start time: End time:
22-Sep-2025 30-Jul-2027 9.00 a.m. 16:00 p.m.
Attendance
Mode of attendance
Full Time
Timetable
Day of the week Number of sessions
Mon, Tue, Yr1
Course Fees
Tuition fees (Full Time) £6500.00

Students on this course are normally eligible for a student loan depending on their circumstances.
There will be an additional cost towards industry visits and study tours.
Day tours from £10 - 20
Study Tours can range from £200 to £300 per person

Materials Required

Water proof clothing, sturdy walking boots and wellington boots, laboratory coat and protective overalls/clothing. Students will be involved in practical animal based activities within their studies and will be required to attend with suitable clothing and PPE in these sessions.


What's next?

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