Program Overview

Animal Management (Zoo and Wildlife Conservation)

Course Description

Learn about the zoo industry, wildlife management, and breeding and conservation efforts, in the UK and internationally.

Course Options

• 3 years full-time
• 4 years with foundation year
• 1 year (CertHE)
• 1 year full-time (Top-Up)

Key Facts

• STUDY OPTIONS: 3 years
• START DATES: September
• LOCATION: Writtle
• ENTRY: UCAS code: D305
• FEES:
  • £9,535 UK students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
  • £16,700 International students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)

Teaching and Assessment

Year 1

• Professional Skills for the Animal Industry (30 credits)
• Animal Biology (30 credits)
• Ethics of Animal Use (15 credits)
• Human-Animal Interaction (15 credits)
• Animal Husbandry (15 credits)
• Ecology and Evolution (15 credits)
• Into ARU

Year 2

• Research Methods (15 credits)
• Commercial and Professional Skills for Animal Science (15 credits)
• Behaviour (15 credits)
• Animal Health and Welfare (15 credits)
• Management of Zoo Animal Collections (15 credits)
• Principles of Animal Nutrition
• Reproduction and Breeding (15 credits)
• Wildlife Conservation Skills (15 credits)

Year 3

• Capstone Project (30 credits)
• Applied Nutrition and Feeding (15 credits)
• Applied Health Management (15 credits)
• Applied Issues in Wildlife Conservation (15 credits)
• Strategies and Issues in Animal Breeding (15 credits)
• Applied Behaviour and Animal Welfare (15 credits)
• Developments in Zoo Management (15 credits)

Facilities

• Study on our 150-hectare campus with its specialist animal centres and working farm
• Take part in animal handling practicals involving work with a wide range of domesticated and captive species
• Go on 'behind the scenes' trips and privileged experiences throughout your course
• Learn from high-profile subject specialist staff

Careers

• Zoo keeping
• Zoo nutrition
• Zoo and wildlife education
• Animal nutrition
• Animal welfare officer roles
• Nutrition company sales
• Veterinary pharmaceutical and equipment supplies
• Vet school

Entry Requirements

• 96 UCAS Tariff points
• 4 GCSEs at grade C, or grade 4, or above, including English, Maths and Science
• If English is not your first language, you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.0 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification

Fees and Paying for University

Tuition Fees and Student Loans for UK Students (2025/26)

• £9,535 UK students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)

Tuition Fees for International Students (2025/26)

• £16,700 International students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)

Additional Course and Living Costs

• White laboratory coat
• Wellies
• Steel toe capped boots
• Waterproofs and appropriate outdoor clothing
• Overalls (not orange)
• Riding hat or skull cap that meets current safety standards
• Gloves that can be worn to protect hands while leading animals
• Laptop/device
• Pens and pencils
• Notebook or paper for note-taking
• Folders
• Clipboard

Living at University

• Accommodation
• Bills
• Internet, mobile phone and calls
• Travel
• Food and drink
• Socialising and going out
• Study materials

Apply for Animal Management (Zoo and Wildlife Conservation)

• UK students: Apply through UCAS
• International students: Apply direct
• Part-time courses: Apply directly to ARU

Life in Writtle

• Close to major cities, ARU Writtle is located on a picturesque 150-hectare campus in the heart of the Essex countryside.