BSc (Hons) in Animal Behaviour Welfare and Conservation Top Up

Subject Area: Course code: Course Type:
Animal Welfare & Science AC071A01/25/1 Higher Education

Course Information

This programme is a Top Up course offered by the college in Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Conservation. It is designed to provide clear career based pathways at BSc (Hons) level into key aspects of the animal industry. The programme is currently validated by the Open University.

Core units on the programme provide a fundamental basis for the development of skills and understanding in Animal Collections and Animal Behaviour, that are relevant to both husbandry and conservation. Alongside this the programmes develops skills for employment within the industry, or further study or research at postgraduate level.

The programme leads to a full BSc (Hons) and uses specialist units to develop a clearer understanding the purpose of animal collections within current ethical, legislative and societal constructs, or can develop skills and understanding of studying animals in the wild and their conservation. Alongside this is the development of skills and knowledge to successfully manage whole collections of species to maintain welfare or understand the practicalities of animal conservation in practice.

The course can be studied full time for one year or part time over two years. Full time study will require 2-3 days attendance per week at Kingston Maurward campus. If studying part time, this will usually require one day attendance per week, or two half days depending module timetables.

The Programme Specification is available via the Higher Education Policies page or by copying this link into your browser:
https://www.kmc.ac.uk/college/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Programme-Specification-BSc-Top-Up-ABWC-final.pdf

Overview

Qualification
  • BSc (Hons) in Animal Behaviour Welfare and Conservation Top Up
Course Content
  • Programme Modules include the following
    - Individual Research Dissertation
    - The Role of the Modern Collection
    - Behavioural Ecology
    - Wildlife Population Recovery

    Students may choose from the following option modules:
    - Advanced Collections Management
    - Animal Cognition
Entry Requirements
  • Students applying for the Top Up should have completed 240 Higher Education credits with 120 credits at Level 5. Those eligible for the course will therefore have a Foundation Degree (FdSc), Higher National Diploma (HND) or Diploma of Higher Education in a suitable subject. This includes Animal Management, Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Animal or Wildlife Conservation or similar. These programmes should be achieved at a Pass grade.

    International students can also apply with relevant credits or study to the appropriate level, but may also need evidence skills in English through a score of 5.5 on IELTS.
Next Steps
  • Applications for the programme from external applicants should be made through UCAS.

    For internal applicants it should be possible to apply through MyKMC or through the website directly.
Career Opportunities
  • Graduates from the programme have entered employment with various industry organisations working with animals directly or to promote animal welfare.
    Some students have moved into veterinary practices which has led to progression into veterinary nursing training or other allied roles. Students have also worked with campaign organisations such as the Cat's Protection and RSPCA, as well as rehabilitation roles in these charities. Graduates have also worked for conservation organisations and local authorities. Others have taken positions to work as animal technicians in schools and colleges. Some have also trained to become teachers in schools and colleges.

    There is also opportunity to progress in to postgraduate study such as taught Master's programmes, such as the MSc in Anthrozoology at Exeter University.

Dates & Fees

Dates & Times
Start date: End date: Start time: End time:
22-Sep-2025 31-Jul-2026 09:00 16:00
Attendance
Mode of attendance
Full Time
Timetable
Day of the week Number of sessions
Thu, Fri
Course Fees
Tuition fees (Full Time) £9000.00

Students on this course are normally eligible for a student loan depending on their circumstances.
The course may include additional costs. These include suitable PPE for practical with animals or field work. Day trips may have costs of c £10-20 each. Study tours may also be included as part of the programme with costs of c.£300

Materials Required

Students should ensure they have a device they can regularly bring to college to support their studies as part of the University Centre Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Policy. Students will also be required to have access to suitable PPE for practical classes. This includes cargo trousers and polo top or similar, or overalls, and Steel Toe boots. Students should ensure that piercings can be removed or covered during practical classes.

What's next?

Is this course for you? Go ahead and book online now. If you'd like more information we are happy to answer any questions.