FdSc Animal Studies

FdSc Animal Studies 

The Animal Studies Foundation degree aims to provide you with a broad knowledge base and practical skills suitable for a wide range of future career paths.  The topics covered will equip you with a range of specialist knowledge and practical skills.

The ‘zoological science’ module covers areas such as evolution, natural selection, physiology and anatomy as well as developing some essential laboratory skills. Studying ‘ethics and animal welfare’ will enable you to evaluate use of animals for production, work, research and entertainment. As well as understanding welfare requirements and law. Learn how to manage animal collections and design enclosures in ‘captive animal husbandry’. Study animal behaviour and how humans interact with animals.

Conservation modules will give you hands on experience of wildlife surveys and an in-depth understanding of the threats to wildlife and its protection in the UK.

The Academic and Personal Development module will equip students from all backgrounds with the necessary skills to complete academic work and carry out research.

Knowledge of animal health, diets, how animals learn and training methods are essential if you ae looking to work in animal care so we’ll introduce you to these too.

Our FdSc Animal Studies course will help you to gain the skills required by employers in a rapidly developing and competitive industry. All of your subject-specific learning will be supplemented with your acquisition of teamworking, time management and critical evaluation skills as you progress through the degree.

Modules

Level 4

• Captive Animal Husbandry and Enclosure Design  50hrs (20 credits)
• Ethology and Anthrozoology  50hrs (20 credits)
• Academic and Personal Development 50hrs (20 credits)
• Working in the Animal Sector 30hrs (20 credits)
• Foundation Zoological Science  50hrs (20 credits)
• Ethics and Animal Welfare 50hrs (20 credits)

Level 5

• Animal Diets 50 hrs (20 credits)
• Animal and Human Health  50hrs  (20 credits)
• Animal Learning and Training 75hrs(30 credits)
• Survey Skills for Conservation  50hrs (20 credits)
• Workplace Enquiry in the Animal Sector  60hrs (30 credits)

Career opportunities

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 and veterinary or pharmaceutical companies. Further study opportunities are also available, such as progression to postgraduate level research.

Employability

Glyndŵr University is committed to ensuring all of our graduates are well-equipped for the world of work. Click here to read more about the success of our employability support.

Assessment

The course comprises a range of modules that are assessed by theoretical and in some cases practical coursework. For some modules end of module examinations are also set.

Entry requirements and applying

120 point from A/AS level, National Diploma or equivalent (max of 60 points obtained from AS levels). Appropriate AS-Level and Level 3 Key Skills qualifications will also be taken into account. An animal-related qualification, such as National Diploma in Animal Management or Science related A2 qualifications are particularly welcomed. In addition 4 GCSEs at grade C or above (including Science, English and Mathematics) or equivalent. Applications are welcomed from candidates who do not possess the standard qualifications but who can demonstrate their capacity to pursue the course successfully. Entrance is dependent on an assessment of past experience, a successful interview, references and diagnostic assessment to determine suitability for the course. Enthusiasm and commitment are essential.