Program Overview

Wildlife Conservation with Zoo Biology with Foundation Year

Overview

Human impact on the natural world has left devastating effects on wildlife habitats and biodiversity. Our BSc (Hons) Wildlife Conservation with Zoo Biology degree explores conservation theory and practice both in zoos and in the wild.

Course Details

• Attendance: Full-time, Part-time, With placement
• Course: Three year, Six year, Four year
• Next enrolment: September 2025

Introduction

Our BSc Wildlife Conservation with Zoo Biology course is designed to provide you with a broad understanding of wildlife, biodiversity and conservation, while also offering more specialist training in zoo conservation and biology.

Course Structure

Foundation Year

• Biological Principles: Explore the characteristics of plant and animal cells, their interactions with micro and macro environments, and learn about the diversity of animal and plant life in a range of ecosystems.
• Scientific Methods: Develop practical skills in the fields of biological, chemical and environmental science.
• Data Handling: Develop skills for the application of statistical and mathematical methods and practise using Information Technology for effective the presentation and communication of data and ideas.
• Professional Communications: Develop academic practice and professionalism.
• Science for Health: Evaluate a range of environmental and scientific factors that interact to influence health.
• Environmental Conservation: Learn about ecology, sustainability, environmental management, ecosystem functions and ecosystem services.

Year One

• Biodiversity: Study the major groups, their characteristics, their diversity, and their evolutionary relationships.
• Global Distribution Wildlife: Learn about the importance of biogeography and the principal factors that drive the distribution of species and communities.
• Study Skills: Develop practical learning and presentation methods.
• Introduction to Zoo Biology: Understand basic concepts of zoo biology.
• Field Biology: Learn field techniques required for ecological surveys of land and aquatic habitats.
• Genes to Ecosystems: Understand basic concepts of genetics and ecosystems.

Year Two - University of Salford

• Conservation in Zoos: Gain a critical awareness of zoo conservation programmes and the role of zoo professionals.
• Wildlife Behavioural Ecology: Study the principles of wildlife ecology and animal behaviour.
• Conservation Biology: Learn about modern concepts of conservation biology.
• Research Skills: Develop practical learning and presentation methods.
• Optional modules:
  • Animal Welfare: Science and Practice
  • Primate Behaviour and Conservation
  • University Wide Language Programme
  • Animal Evolution (Marine and Wildlife)
  • Ecology in Action

Year Two - Otterbein University, USA

• Core modules:
  • Conservation Biology
  • Math (Statistics 1)
  • Animal Behavior
  • Zoo Enrichment and Animal Training
  • Zoo Management & Conservation Engagement
• Optional modules:
  • Genetics
  • Ecology
  • Marine Science
  • Evolution
  • Wildlife Rehabilitation

Year Three

• Zoo and Exhibit Design: Integrate knowledge from previous zoo biology modules into a practical application.
• Optional modules:
  • Final Year Project and Professional Skills
  • Final Year Project with Science Communication and Professional Skills (HANS)
  • Animal Cognition and Social Complexity (Wildlife)
  • Environmental Geographical Information Systems
  • Tropical Ecology and Conservation
  • University Wide Language Programme
  • Practical Ecology and Conservation
  • Applied Freshwater Biology
  • Veterinary and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases

Employment and Stats

• Employment: The course is designed to help you develop a range of personal and professional skills which will make you highly-employable.
• Further study: You might find you want to learn more about biosciences. Building on our scientific expertise, we offer a range of postgraduate courses.

Requirements

• International students: This course is not suitable for international students.
• Applicant profile: You will have a genuine broad interest in wildlife and conservation, enjoy working outdoors in all weathers, as well as collecting and analyzing data.
• English language requirements: All of our courses are taught and assessed in English. If English is not your first language, you must meet our minimum English language entry requirements.
• Standard entry requirements:
  • GCSE: English language and mathematics at grade C or 4 or above.
  • UCAS tariff points: 64 UCAS points
  • A level: 64 UCAS points
  • BTEC National Diploma: DMM
  • Diploma in Foundation Studies: 64 UCAS points, Merit/Distinction
  • Scottish Highers: 64 UCAS points from Higher Level
  • Irish Leaving Certificate: 64 UCAS points from Higher Level
  • European Baccalaureate: Pass in Diploma of at least 60% including at least one science subject
  • International Baccalaureate: 30 points
  • Access to HE: 64 points from QAA approved access course

Tuition Fees

• Full-time home: £8,505 for Foundation Year and £9,535 for subsequent years.
• Part-time: Part time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis.

Additional Costs

• Field trips: All national field trips are funded by the University, but you may need to consider additional costs such as food during day trips and spending money.
• International field trip: You will also be subsidised by the university, but a major contribution to flights and in-country costs will apply.