HNC Animal Behaviour and Wildlife Conservation

Overview

Our HNC in Animal Behaviour and Wildlife Conservation provides a solid foundation in understanding animal behaviour and conservation principles.

Award

HNC

Start date(s)

15 September 2025

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 HNC 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 but also engages with captive collections as a key part of the behaviour and conservation agenda. 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.

What's unique about this course?

• Professionally Accredited: This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, confirming it meets professional standards.
• Expert Staff: You’ll be taught by research-active experts including Dr Christopher Young, Dr Colin Dubreuil, Dr Ian Hooper, Dr Natasha Kruger, Prof Mark O’Shea, Dr Stefano Vaglio and Mr Ken Oliver, who bring real-world experience into their teaching.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Study in cutting-edge labs within the Rosalind Franklin Building, offering the latest in teaching and technology.
• Field Trips: Gain first-hand experience observing wildlife through local and international off-site field visits.

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

Year 1

• Animal Behaviour
  • Module: 4AB010
  • Credits: 20
  • Period: 1
  • Type: Core
• Animals: inside and out
  • Module: 4AB013
  • Credits: 20
  • Period: 1
  • Type: Core
• Diversity of Life
  • Module: 4AB022
  • Credits: 20
  • Period: 1
  • Type: Core
• Ecology
  • Module: 4AB014
  • Credits: 20
  • Period: 1
  • Type: Core
• Wildlife Conservation
  • Module: 4AB009
  • Credits: 20
  • Period: 1
  • Type: Core
• Wildlife Practical and Fieldwork Techniques
  • Module: 4AB011
  • Credits: 20
  • Period: 1
  • Type: Core

Potential Career Paths

• Wildlife Technician
• Animal Care Assistant
• Conservation Assistant
• Field Research Assistant
• Environmental Education Assistant
• Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Assistant

Additional Information

• Why Wolverhampton? 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.
• What skills will you gain?
  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

Course Fees and Finance

Location	Mode	Fee	Year
Home	Full-time	£9250 per year
Home	Full-time	£9535 per year
Home	Part-time	£4625 per year#
Home	Part-time	£4768 per year#
International	Full-time	£14950 per year
International	Full-time	£15995 per year

Entry Requirements

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

Funding

• 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.
• 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.

University of Wolverhampton

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Overview:

The University of Wolverhampton is a public university located in Wolverhampton, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as degree apprenticeships and CPD short courses. The university is known for its strong focus on student support and its commitment to providing a high-quality learning experience.

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Gym:

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The Students' Union provides a range of services and activities for students, including social events, clubs, and societies.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Student Support:

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