BSc Zoo Animal Management with Conservation Top-up (Level 6)

Required qualifications

Though this course is designed as a progression award from our FdSc Zoo Animal Management with Conservation award, candidates that have obtained a similar level 5 qualification in animal management or land-based subjects may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Similar qualifications include, but are not limited to, Foundation Degrees and Higher National Diplomas.

If you would like to take the full BSc programme available at South Staffordshire College, but do not have level 4 and 5 qualifications, please apply for the FdSc Zoo Animal Management with Conservation in the first instance.

What skills will I develop?

Graduates of this BSc in Zoo Animal Management and Conservation will be able to demonstrate:

• high level skills and critical understanding of the underlying concepts and principles associated with both zoo animal management and conservation to gain related employment which requires the exercise of professionalism, independent thought, personal responsibility and decision-making in complex and unpredictable circumstances
• rigorous and research-informed understanding and knowledge of the complex nature of zoo animal management and conservation and integration of a knowledge base of key subjects such as anatomy, physiology, behaviour, ecology, welfare and ethics to further understanding
• academic and critical thinking skills within the zoo animal management and conservation sector and professional communication skills to enable academic progress to post graduate courses or to enter employment at a supervisory level and allow effective and fulfilling career development and progression
• professional and competent transferable skills with a view to fully equipping them in the skills and attributes they require for their future careers within the zoo animal management and conservation industry
• an ability to integrate academic study and practical experience and fully embed a vocational ethos to their programme of study with an emphasis on independent learning skills and reflective working practise which is progressive in nature
• they are equipped with the confidence, professional skills and knowledge and capacity to become lifelong learners and develop successful careers

Careers

The top-up is designed to allow students the opportunity to continue to develop attributes embeded into our FdSc Zoo Animal Management with Conservation qualification.

The programme aims to develop you as reflective and critical students who are prepared to positively contribute to the world of work. This will be achieved by a combination of at college learning as well as industry visits, and guest lectures, helping to re-enforce your previous work-based learning undertaken during the Foundation Degree.

You will develop your knowledge and understanding of zoo animal management and conservation in all modules, developing practical and vocational skills relevant to the industry, such as practical skills around the observation of animals, the management and handling of all taxa, the importance and complexities of conservation and human resource management skills.

It is expected that students will be prepared for gaining employment in a variety of areas within the animal industry including but not limited to:

• Zoological husbandry and research
• Exotic animal keeping sector
• Environmental consultancy
• Conservation project manager UK or overseas based
• Wildlife and conservation non-government organisations, charities and government agencies
• Animal technician
• Research (MSc, PhD)
• Zoo education
• Teacher
• Animal management lecturer
• Retail management
• Journalist/commentator/campaign manager

Work experience

During the course, students will gain the opportunity to visit industry specific employers and discuss managerial roles and responsibilities. You will take part in college wide industry specific careers days and benefit from guest speakers and visits from industry experts. Though there is no formal expectation of a work experience placement at this level, it is encouraged for students to continue in placements from their FdSc course to continue to develop their skills and CVs. By doing this, many of our students have been offered full time positions at their placements when they have graduated. Rodbaston College and the University of Wolverhampton are committed to your career and your future and as such, the course is mapped to the University Employability Framework that ensures all graduates know themselves and their place in the world, have a plan for their future, develop their skills and opportunities and are able to express themselves to ensure success in their future careers.

English and maths

As a higher education course, it is expected that you have good English and maths skills in order to gain access to the course. Whilst on the course however, you will continue to develop and enhance these skills throughout each module with both English and maths embedded in all delivery. Your use of English to help to communicate your knowledge and understanding of the subject and the science behind it will be a focus of all feedback and instruction. We will also work with you to improve your scientific writing, sentence structure and grammar to build your professional communication skills in specific study skills sessions. Maths is embedded into every module due to its universal application and your ability to process and analyse data will form fundamental elements of most modules.

It is recognised however, that all students have differing abilities and challenges to face with their English and maths skills and all students will be able to take advantage of an extensive network of support and assistance in this area from both the college learning support team and the materials and staff at the university.

Other important information

Duration: One year full-time

Fee: £6,165.00

Next intake: September

Students will receive a timetable for their course at enrolment in September.

With a student focused approach and a friendly and supportive environment, South Staffordshire College offers an excellent, established and popular learning environment. The course has been developed in partnership with the University of Wolverhampton and, although all of the teaching takes place at the Rodbaston College, you will also be a full member of the University of Wolverhampton student body and have access to all the facilities at their campus should you choose to visit. As a HE student at South Staffordshire College, you are a highly valued and respected member of the college studentship. As such you will have your own dedicated area within the Rodbaston Hall building and will have access to everything the college has to offer. It is expected that you will take advantage of every opportunity available to you in order to grow and develop into a skilled, independent and ambitious graduate. On site at Rodbaston College we have a large variety of excellent resources to assist in our deliver of this established and popular course. These include:

• A zoo with over 150 species of animals including domestic, agricultural and exotic species
• Commercial equine yard
• Commercial fisheries unit
• Extensive grounds with multiple habitats including new and ancient woodlands, ponds and lakes and wildlife sensitive areas