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FdSc Animal Behaviour and Welfare (part-time)

Gain a fascinating insight into the behaviour and welfare of a range of animal species and application of theory to maintain animal welfare.

  • Study Mode

    Part-time

  • Duration

    4 Years

  • Location

    Merrist Wood College

  • Pathway

    Animal Management and Agriculture

This course is also available full time and as BSC top up.

Merrist Wood is highly regarded in the animal industry as the leading animal education establishment in Surrey, with a wide range of animal care courses. Well-equipped animal management resources including collections of domestic, companion and exotic animals as well as a grooming parlour and supporting facilities for canine care. The College has wide links with industry and tuition is by highly qualified and experienced tutors who will ensure you gain the best possible grounding in your chosen career.

The Animal Behaviour and Welfare Foundation Degree provides a fascinating insight into the behaviour and welfare of a range of animal species and application of theory to maintain animal welfare. This includes, but is not limited to, companion animals, production livestock, zoos and aquaria and free ranging wild animals. Through academic course-based delivery, supported by integrated professional development, students will be able to engage with National Occupational Standards (NOS) and enhance their employment opportunities. Study of the subject area can open up a broad range of career pathways.

You must have an interest in pursuing a career in animal behaviour or welfare. The programme is ideal if you have previous animal experience or if you have achieved a Level 3 related animal course, however this is not compulsory.

During this course you will benefit from the following:

  • Taught by expert, passionate tutors with industry experience.
  • Extensive grounds which include ancient woodland, species rich grassland and wetland areas. Rich fauna, including protected species of bats and amphibians.
  • Friendly learning environment with small class sizes and excellent student support.
  • Merrist Wood College is highly regarded in the animal industry as the leading animal education establishment in Surrey
  • Animal Management Centre including facilities such as a desert biome, tropical biome and nocturnal room.
  • Industry experience provides an invaluable opportunity to work in a variety of settings to support your chosen career path.

Course duration: 4 years part-time. This course can also be taken on a full-time basis over 2 years.

Tuition Fees

Home/EU* Fee for September 2023 entry: £4,000 per year

Please note: Tuition fees are published for the first year of entry only and may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by the Office for Students.

*Fee information for European Union (EU) students: If your course starts on or after the 1st August 2021, you will no longer be eligible for financial support from Student Finance England unless you meet one of the following criteria:

  • you are able to benefit from the citizens’ rights agreements
  • you are an Irish national living in the UK or Republic of Ireland – benefits of Irish nationals under Common Travel Area guidance arrangement will continue

Additional costs include:

Optional trips for work experience, especially if you wish to volunteer overseas, as some of our previous students have done. Additional printing over and above the £10 allowance provided by the college,and the cost of books that you might wish to purchase.

We strongly recommend purchasing a laptop to support you in your studies on the course.

If you need any further information or guidance, please contact us atHE@activatelearning.ac.uk 

Year 1: professional development in the work environment 1 (30 credits), animal behaviour (30 credits), animal health, welfare and nutrition (30 credits), practical projects, enrichment and training (30 credits). Total 120 credits.

Year 2: professional development in the work environment 2 (30 credits); research methods (30 credits); animal and human interactions (30 credits); animal welfare and ethics (30 credits). Total 120 credits.

All students are supported with academic development and you will have access to a personal tutor.

There will be a range of theory, practical, and work placements. Assessment is by course work and exam.

Top up to a degree in one more year on the Animal Behaviour and Welfare BSc (Hons) at the College.

Potential careers:  animal trainer, researcher, teacher, wildlife rescuer, or wildlife rehabilitator.

You could work in a wide range of organisations at home and overseas such as zoos, safari parks, rescue centres, animal orphanages, welfare centres, specialist animal collections, central and local government departments, and educational establishments; or you could work in the media.

The minimum entry qualifications for the programme are:

A Levels: 64 UCAS points normally in science-based subjects

BTEC: 64 UCAS points normally in science-based subjects

Access Diploma: Pass

Plus: English and maths GCSE and it is advantageous to have a science (biology) or psychology.

A minimum IELTS score of 6, TOEFL equivalent is required for those for whom English is not their first language. These entry requirements are subject to change.

Fees shown are per year. The academic regulations for this programme can be found on the University’s website.

Terms and conditions for enrolment can be found on our website.

Applicants should apply through the UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) website.

This includes students already at Merrist Wood College. All courses will be listed under Activate Learning on the UCAS website.

Merrist Wood offers accommodation for new and existing full-time students who wish to live in our halls.

Applicants should apply online through the Activate Learning website.

Why Reading College?

  • Clear routes of progression with qualifications ranging from foundation level to degree level!
  • Industry experienced teaching staff give you the responsibility and independence you need to take charge of your own future.
  • 150+

    courses available

  • 95%

    of our graduates go into work or higher education

  • 65+

    years of teaching experience

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