School of Life Sciences

HNC Animal Behaviour and Wildlife Conservation

HNC Full-time 1 year, Part-time 2 years

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HNC
Start date(s)
16 September 2024
UCAS Code
C4AS
Course specifications
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Course length
Full-time (1 year),Part-time (2 years)
Campus location
University: City Campus
School
School of Life Sciences
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Why choose this course?

The HND Animal Behaviour and Wildlife Conservation is designed to develop your interest, knowledge and understanding of the behaviour of animals and the issues that affect their conservation. The course focuses on animals in their natural environments. Whichever elements of the course you prefer, at the end of your studies you will be able to use the knowledge of the behaviour and biology of animals in order to contribute effectively to their protection and conservation.

Importantly, you will have lots of opportunities to develop your practical skills in behavioural observation, species survey and wildlife conservation. The emphasis will be on wildlife species and their conservation in the UK, with field visits and residential fieldwork integral to the course, however there is a distinct international perspective to your studies as we draw on examples from around the world. You will use subject-specific IT, including geographical information systems, digital media, Global Positioning Systems and animal tracking technologies.
The species you will encounter cover the entire range from the animals found in your immediate environment, such as garden birds and butterflies, through to the large, charismatic mammals such as wolves, tigers and elephants.
The mix of field-based information collection and recording, practical activity and class-based work you will do is unmatched in most other subject areas. The degree will allow you to pursue your passion for animals and give you a head-start in securing your ideal career, as well as giving you experiences that will last a lifetime.

What happens on the course?

The course develops from descriptive and skills-based study in the first year through to interpretative and evaluative work in the final year. The overall aim is to prepare you for the world of employment through providing sound basic knowledge which can be applied to the characteristic situations encountered in animal-based work. The two most distinctive features of the course are;

(1) A focus on study outside of the classroom through fieldwork and the encouragement of independent study and work experience; and,
(2) An equal emphasis on behaviour and conservation allowing the investigation of the effects of one aspect on the other. We strongly believe in this link and encourage you to consider how to apply your behavioural knowledge to improve wildlife conservation.

Course Modules

Module: 4AB010
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core
Locations: University: City Campus

This module will introduce selected aspects of animal behaviour and you will investigate why animals behave as they do. The module will include topics such as the history of animal behaviour studies; evolution of behaviour; territoriality; movement; how animals learn to exploit their environment safely; mate selection; social groupings, and predator-prey relationships. The ways in which animals respond to their physical and social environment determine whether an animal personally survives and whether it passes its genes onto any offspring, thereby determining whether the species is likely to be successful.

Module: 4AB013
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core
Locations: University: City Campus

The module will explore and develop the fundamental physiological underpinnings of behaviour that influence animal behaviour. Topics include the physiological bases of reproduction, mechanics of movement, digestion, circulatory systems, neurological systems and hormones.

Module: 4AB022
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core
Locations: University: City Campus

This module investigates the diversity of all life on earth, including all living organisms in the prokaryotes (Bacteria and Archaea) and eukaryotes (Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, Protista, Rhodophyta + many smaller kingdoms). Most of the module will focus on the Eukarya, which contain all animals from simple sponges (phylum Porifera) to complex vertebrates (phylum Chordata) and all phyla in between. The module will investigate the evolution, diversity, distribution and features that make up the major groups of living organisms, giving the student an appreciation of all life on earth. The module will put the student in good stead to build on their knowledge about diversity, evolution, and adaptations from this module in 4AB013 Animals Inside Out, 5BM012 Evolution and Origin of Life, 5AB026 Mammal Diversity and Conservation, and 6ABXXXX Reptile and Amphibian Diversity and Conservation.

Module: 4AB014
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core
Locations: University: City Campus

The inter-relationships of the natural world will be investigated, particularly the way in which different organisms interact with each other at the population, community and ecosystem level. Terrestrial biomes and aquatic environments will be explored and ecosystem processes investigated. The concepts of competition, predation, herbivory and the niche will be introduced. The role of plants in habitats, and the process of succession will be considered.

Module: 4AB009
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core
Locations: University: City Campus

Wildlife conservation will provide an overview of the key drivers of conservation, why we need conservation and how it operates. This will be looked at from a global perspective and examine topics such as in situ/ex-situ conservation, the history of Wildlife Conservation, the wildlife conservation industry, the role of the media, key items of International legislation, regional issues and perspectives (e.g. European or Southern Africa), the link between Ecotourism and conservation, as well as generic issues needed to manage sites and species for conservation. The second part of the module will specifically develop the general issues raised about conservation in the context of the UK. This will be achieved through examining UK-specific habitats and species as well as the structure of UK wildlife conservation and the roles and responsibilities of different bodies.

Module: 4AB011
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core
Locations: University: City Campus

You will be introduced to a range of established techniques and skills. These will enable you to initiate and undertake analysis of information and understand appropriate solutions to problems arising from or encountered during practical activities, field work, employment or work placement.

Potential Career Paths

As a diplomate of HND Animal Behaviour and Wildlife Conservation you will have experience of a diverse mix of field-based information collection/recording, practical activity and office-based work that is unmatched in most other subject areas. As a result many diplomates use their behavioural and conservation skills and knowledge to enter into employment with wildlife conservation organizations in both the public or voluntary sectors. Examples range from statutory bodies such as Natural England through to general Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) such as The Wildlife Trusts and species-specific NGOs such as Butterfly Conservation and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Opportunities for employment extend beyond the UK as many organisations based in the UK or in other countries work overseas in areas from the tropics to the polar regions

 HND qualifications are widely-recognised in the scientific establishment as vocational courses which prepare students for vocational employment.
 This course is designed to progress seamlessly to the appropriate BSc (Hons) degree.
 Where you have a stronger and specific interest in animal behaviour and captive environments you will be able to seek out additional career options with zoos, aquaria, game parks and other animal collections. Here you can bring your expertise to bear on all aspects of species management.

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

 

The course develops from descriptive and skills-based study in the first year through to interpretative and evaluative work in the final year. The overall aim is to prepare you for the world of employment through providing sound basic knowledge which can be applied to the characteristic situations encountered in animal-based work. The two most distinctive features of the course are;
 
(1) A focus on study outside of the classroom through fieldwork and the encouragement of independent study and work experience; and,
(2) An equal emphasis on behaviour and conservation allowing the investigation of the effects of one aspect on the other. We strongly believe in this link and encourage you to consider how to apply your behavioural knowledge to improve wildlife conservation.

1.   Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the behaviour of animals in their natural and captive environments  

2.   Use the knowledge of the behaviour, ecology and biology of animals in order to effect the protection and conservation of species and their habitats

3.   Survey species and habitats successfully using the appropriate methods and practical skills in preparation for subsequent employment

4.   Understand the nature and extent of the practice of wildlife conservation and the wildlife conservation industry, allowing you to become an effective practitioner and advocate.

5.  Plan and execute wildlife-oriented studies with consideration for the unique ethical and welfare aspects of working with animals

Location Mode Fee Year
Home Full-time £8600 per year 2022-23
Home Full-time £9250 per year 2023-24
Home Full-time £9250 per year 2023-24
Home Full-time £9250 per year 2024-25
Home Part-time £3120 per year# 2022-23
Home Part-time £4625 per year# 2023-24
Home Part-time £4625 per year# 2023-24
Home Part-time £4625 per year# 2024-25
International Full-time £13450 per year 2022-23
International Full-time £14450 per year 2023-24
International Full-time £14450 per year 2023-24
International Full-time £14950 per year 2024-25

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

# Undergraduate part-time fees for 50% rate of study

Typical Entry Requirements:

56 UCAS points.

  • A-levels: Grade profile of CD including at least one Science subject, preferably Biology
  • Access to HE Diploma (60 credits) of which a minimum of 45 must be at Level 3 and 18 Level 3 credits must be in Science (56 UCAS point equivalence, minimum 45 credits at pass)
  • BTEC: Grade profile of MPP in Applied Science or Animal Management
  • T-Level: Pass grade with a core component profile less than D in a Science related subject.
  • Tariff: Other Level 3 qualifications are accepted for entry. A minimum of 56 UCAS Tariff points will be required.
  • International entry requirements and application guidance can be found here
    •

Use the UCAS Tariff calculator to check your qualifications and points

Other Requirements: Applicants must be 18 years old or above at the start of the course.

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) click here.


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

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