Program Overview

Animal Management FdSc

Overview

This course aims to provide learners with a robust foundation of knowledge to prepare them for employment within this diverse and varied sector.

Learners will study a variety of animal-related topics including the fundamentals of animal husbandry and health, introduction to animal biological sciences, conservation and academic skill development. These topics will be studied using a combination of theory and practical sessions delivered by industry experts and designed to contextualise and develop professional skills within the animal management sector.

The course provides the underpinning theoretical knowledge to inform practical activity and will develop practical skills in animal husbandry, collection management and supervisory skills, alongside the relevant academic and research skills expected for further study at level 6 and for graduate employment.

Practical activities will consist of unique opportunities to work with a range of animal taxa across relevant industries (zoos, animal centres and farms), where they will gain hands-on experience with industry experts ranging from animal carers to conservationists amongst others.

Integrated within this course are work placements in real animal management establishments, providing learners with experience to further develop their skills to meet industry standards, and aims to help learners stand out to future employers.

This course is ideal for learners who wish to study and work with animals in a range of contexts and those who wish to go on to further study or employment within the animal management sector.

This Foundation Degree is taught at East Durham College’s Houghall Campus in Durham. You can then 'top-up' to a full honours degree at East Durham College too.

Why us?

• Students will study at East Durham College’s stunning 470-acre Houghall Campus in Durham
• The course content has been carefully designed with students and employers to enhance employability with modules delivered in conjunction with local and regional employers
• This is a strongly vocational course with employability as a key focus with a mix of academic discussion and real-world case studies to expand critical thought and discussion
• There is the opportunity to ‘top up’ this course to a full BSc (Hons) degree with an extra year of study
• East Durham College work with Project Wild Gambia and there may be opportunities for an optional self-funded trip in year 2 to West Africa to get involved in the work East Durham College do with this conservation project

Course structure

Teaching methods include practical sessions at the college and in industry settings, lectures, discussions, case studies and workshops. Students will also be encouraged to develop independent study skills.

Assessment methods include evaluation of work experience, reports, presentations and practical tests.

Modules

Year 1 (national level 4)

• Animal Health
• Animal Welfare
• Animal Behaviour
• Developing Academic Skills
• Animal Husbandry
• Comparative Anatomy and Physiology

Year 2 (national level 5)

• Animal Nutrition
• Animal Legislation and Ethics
• Animal Therapy and Rehabilitation
• Advanced Animal Management
• Research Methods in Animal Science
• Biodiversity and Conservation

Facilities

This course is taught at Houghall Campus at East Durham College. The facilities at Houghall Campus include:

• Purpose-built small animal care centre which includes a reptile house, aquatics, small mammals and external facilities for various mammal and bird species
• Commercial dog grooming studio
• 22-bay dog kennel unit
• Dog agility and walking area
• Specialist veterinary nursing training facilities
• Agricultural centre with pig unit and cattle unit with forage store, plus an existing sheep unit
• Equine centre with 28 stables, training workshops, tack room, an international-standard 40m x 40m indoor arena and a 60m x 40m all-weather menagerie
• Science labs
• Horticulture and arboriculture workshops
• Horticultural glasshouses and potting shed
• Specialist arboretum and pinetum
• Floristry studios
• Well-equipped learning resources centre, IT suites, refectory and social and break out spaces

Entry requirements

• 64 UCAS tariff points from Level 3 or equivalent qualifications, which must include at least one biology unit at level 3.
• A minimum of five GCSE subjects at grade 4 including English, Maths, and Science (preferably Biology) (or equivalent Level 2 qualifications)

Applicants without formal qualifications may qualify through substantial, relevant work-based experience. You may be asked to attend an interview and present a portfolio of evidence.

Fees and finance

The annual fee for this course is £8,750 if you are from the UK/Ireland/EU settled/pre-settled.

There will be around £100 additional costs to purchase uniforms and safety equipment which students will be able to purchase directly from the college.

There is an opportunity to join the college on an optional Project Wild Gambia Trip in year 2 and this would be approximately £1,250 (excluding flights) which is subject to change each year.

Career ready

Potential employers include zoos, the RSPCA, overseas wildlife conservation organisations, recreation services, the Police, local authorities, and schools and colleges.

Career options

• Animal collection manager
• Zoo keeper
• Animal Scientist
• Research officer
• Education manager
• Animal welfare management
• Animal trainer
• Animal handler

Placement opportunities

Integrated within this course are work placements in real animal management establishments, providing you with experience to further develop your skills to meet industry standards, helping you to stand out to future employers. You'll have contact with relevant organisations such as Northumberland County Zoo to gain essential practical and academic skills, network with industry professionals and develop opportunities for voluntary and paid work in the sector.