School of Life Sciences

BSc (Hons) Zoo Animal Management and Conservation

BSc (Hons) Full-time 1 year

This course will expand your expertise in animal care, conservation, and welfare—combining academic study with hands-on experience at Rodbaston’s on-site licensed zoo.

This course will expand your expertise in animal care, conservation, and welfare—combining academic study with hands-on experience at Rodbaston’s on-site licensed zoo.

Award
BSc (Hons)
Start date(s)
15 September 2025
UCAS Code
D305
Course specifications
Course length
Full-time (1 year)
Campus location
South Staffordshire College Rodbaston Campus
School
School of Life Sciences
UCAS points calculator

Why choose this course?

This course is tailored for students passionate about wildlife, conservation, and zoo animal care. Delivered at South Staffordshire College's Rodbaston Campus, the course offers exclusive access to a licensed on-site zoo and combines academic learning with hands-on, real-world experience.

Developed with industry input and aligned with the European Professional Zookeeper Qualification Framework (EPZQF), it equips you with the specialist skills and knowledge needed to progress into roles such as zookeeper, conservation officer, or animal behaviour specialist.

What's unique about this course?

  • In-depth study of zoo animal biology – covering anatomy, behaviour, welfare, and nutrition with a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice.
  • Strong conservation focus, preparing students to address global challenges in biodiversity, species preservation, and sustainable animal management.
  • Advanced skills development in areas such as research methods, data analysis, and habitat design, equipping students for professional and academic progression.
  • Real-world learning opportunities through placements and partnerships with zoos and conservation organisations, enhancing employability and career prospects.

What happens on the course?

Throughout this one-year top-up course, you will:

  • explore the principles and practicalities of managing zoo animals and conserving global biodiversity.
  • develop an in-depth understanding of animal health, behaviour, welfare, and the ethics surrounding captive animal care.
  • gain hands-on experience with a diverse collection of species at the on-site licensed zoo.

Modules focus on areas such as zoo conservation education, collection planning, and research techniques, equipping you with the tools to critically evaluate real-world issues in zoo and wildlife management.

You'll undertake a research project that allows you to explore an area of personal or professional interest in depth, while working closely with academic experts and industry professionals.

This course balances theoretical study with applied learning, ensuring you graduate with both the academic grounding and practical skills needed for a career in animal management or progression to further study.

Course Modules

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

  • Gain in-depth knowledge of zoo animal care and conservation, informed by the latest developments in the field.
  • Learn how to analyse and apply research techniques to real-world animal management and conservation issues.
  • Build the confidence to solve problems and explore new ideas using advanced concepts in zoology.
  • Strengthen your communication skills to share complex ideas with both experts and non-specialists.
  • Learn to think critically, evaluate information, and come up with practical solutions to conservation challenges.
  • Develop essential skills for the workplace, like taking initiative, making decisions in tricky situations, and being ready for further study or training.

Location Mode Fee Year
Home Full-time £6165 per year 2024-25
Home Full-time £6356 per year 2025-26

The University is committed to a transparent fee structure, with no hidden costs, to help you make an informed decision. This includes information on what is included in the fee and how fees are calculated and reviewed

This course is designed as a progression award from our Foundation Degree in Zoo Animal Management and 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 Foundation Degree in Zoo Animal Management and Conservation in the first instance.
  • This course is not available at present to International applicants.

Tuition Fees Loan (Home Fee Status):

Most students will be able to apply for a loans to pay for these subject to eligibility. To find out more information please refer to the government Student Finance website.

Changes for EU students:

The UK government has confirmed that EU students starting courses from 1 August 2021 will normally be classified as having Overseas Fee status. More information about the change is available at UKCISA:

EU citizens living in the UK with 'settled' status, and Irish nationals living in the UK or Ireland, will still be classified as Home students, providing they meet the usual residency requirements, for more information about EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)


Self-funding:

If you don’t want to take out a loan to pay your fees or if you aren’t eligible to receive a loan, you might want to take advantage of the University’s scheme to pay by instalments: See How to pay.

For more information please contact the Gateway.


Your employer, embassy or organisation can pay for your Tuition fees:

If your employer, embassy or organisation agrees to pay all or part of your tuition fees; the University will refer to them as your sponsor and will invoice them for the appropriate amount.

We must receive notification of sponsorship in writing as soon as possible, and before enrolment, confirming that the sponsor will pay your tuition fees.


Financial Hardship:

Students can apply to the Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund.

for help with course related costs however this cannot be used for fees or to cover general living costs.


Bursaries and Scholarships:

In addition the University also offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships packages

You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

Telephone

01902 32 22 22

Email

enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Online

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