Advance your passion for animal welfare into a rewarding career with our BSc (Hons) Animal Welfare and Management Top-Up degree. This comprehensive programme is designed to equip you with essential leadership and project management skills, preparing you for pivotal roles within the animal care sector. Engage in critical debates on contemporary issues, delve into sustainable management practices, and understand the significance of human behaviour in effective leadership. Enhance your expertise in animal behaviour analysis, applying this knowledge to solve real-world challenges in various animal care environments. Additionally, explore the expanding field of human-animal interactions, gaining insights into both the benefits and complexities of these relationships. This degree not only deepens your understanding but also broadens your career prospects in the dynamic and fulfilling realm of animal welfare and management.
A relevant Level 5 land-based industry related qualification (e.g. a foundation degree in an animal welfare/management subject with a minimum average grade of 50% at Level 5) is required.
Alternatively, you could have substantial experience and demonstrable ability to study at Level 6, equivalent to 240 credits at Level 4 and 5. APL arrangements are informed by the University of Cumbria's academic regulations.
Here’s how to apply depending on your plans:
• If you’re applying to multiple Higher Education providers, submit your application through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) by the specified deadline for the relevant recruitment cycle. This ensures your application reaches all your chosen institutions efficiently.
• If this College is your only choice, you can begin the process by selecting the “Apply” button at the top of this course page, which will take you to the online application form for a simple and direct experience.
• For detailed information on UCAS applications and deadlines, https://www.ucas.com/applying .
| Study level | Cost | Additional fees |
|---|---|---|
| HE | Please enquire | Course Fee: £6,165.00 *Please note that all fees are subject to change and will be confirmed upon enrolment.* Further information about financial support can be found on our page here: https://northumberland.ac.uk/experience/financial-support/higher-education-financial-support/ The following course-related costs are not included in the fees: PPE for work in the zoo – steel toe boots, navy blue overalls, wet/cold weather clothing Optional field trips may also incur a small entry fee. NB - Where these costs are prohibitive, applications to the Hardship Fund would be welcomed to ensure parity of experience. |
The programme uses predominantly face to face sessions with online and practical work where appropriate. The learning and teaching methods typically used by tutors include lectures, seminars, guest speakers, workshops, practical sessions, practical projects, case studies, and tutorials.
A significant amount of personal study time is expected to be undertaken by you, comprising of, for example, background reading, assignment work, and preparation for seminars and practical case studies. A social learning community, including a peer support programme, will further enhance this.
When not attending scheduled learning activities you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study.
The BSc Top Up teaching team consists of a range of experienced higher education tutors with a strong industry background and interest in ethical practice and sustainability. All tutors have postgraduate qualifications, which include equine science, psychology, animal behaviour, environmental conservation, and leadership and management.
Assessment tasks are linked to the learning outcomes of each module and are scheduled throughout the modules. Assessment typically consists of practical and theoretical work and is carefully designed to enhance knowledge and critical thinking, alongside a range of practical and transferable skills. Assessments include presentations, written assignments and project work, with embedded application of technology as appropriate to develop digital skills.
You will have formative assessment opportunities to help you learn and develop your knowledge and skills, as well as summative assessments on which you will be graded.
There is no requirement to undertake a placement during the top up year.
Industry and academic experts are invited in as guest speakers to support delivery throughout the year. In addition to guest speakers, visits are included to enhance theoretical and practical content.
In addition to attending lectures, you will need to spend an extra 10-15 hours week on independent study, which will include completing recommended reading, assessment preparation and conducting research for your dissertation.
The BSc (Hons) Animal Welfare and Management Top Up programme is offered to enable tertiary level graduates to utilise knowledge of contemporary welfare and management issues and inform the application of practical skills that are vital to industry.
The programme has been designed to offer progression opportunities to FdSc graduates from a range of animal management courses, and to allow continued development of graduate level skills. You will study applied animal behaviour, human-animal interactions, sustainable management and review current issues debated within the animal sector. In addition, you will design and undertake an industry project as part of your dissertation.
Graduates will have the opportunity to progress to a career in animal welfare or management, lecturing, career specialisms in the marketing of veterinary and scientific products, or to continue into postgraduate study.
You will study modules including:
- Applied Animal Behaviour
- Human-Animal Interactions
- Sustainable Management
- Reviewing Current Issues within the Animal Sector
In addition, you will design and undertake an industry project as part of your dissertation.
Successful completion of this course will result in the awarding of 120 credits.
Graduates are well-prepared to enter diverse careers within the animal welfare and management sector, including roles in zoos, sanctuaries, wildlife parks, pet shops, and charities like the RSPCA and Blue Cross. The course equips students with skills for behaviour modification work, ethology, and human-animal interaction, opening doors to careers in animal behaviour, education, and advisory roles. Entrepreneurial opportunities in self-employment are also supported by a well-rounded skill set. Communication, presentation, and technological proficiency enhance employability across industries. For those interested in further study, guidance on progressing to Masters-level qualifications is provided, enabling seamless academic and professional growth.
This is a Higher Education course validated by the University of Cumbria.
Visit the University of Cumbria website here.
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