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School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences

HNC Animal Behaviour and Wildlife Conservation

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

Our Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Animal Behaviour and Wildlife Conservation provides a solid foundation in understanding animal behaviour and conservation principles.

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Our Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Animal Behaviour and Wildlife Conservation provides a solid foundation in understanding animal behaviour and conservation principles.

Award
HNC
Start date(s)
14 September 2026
UCAS Code
C4AS
Course specifications
View course spec
Course length
Full-time (1 year),Part-time (2 years)
Campus location
University: City Campus
School
School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences
UCAS points calculator
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Why choose this course?

This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.

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. 

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. We will introduce you to subject-specific IT, including geographical information systems, digital media for communicating science, 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 HNC is the gateway to higher study on our BSc awards (BSc animal Behaviour and wildlife Conservation/BSc Animal Behaviour and wildlife Conservation with Sandwich Placement) and will allow you to pursue your passion for animals. It also gives you a head-start in securing your ideal career, and experiences that will last a lifetime. 

What's unique about this course?

What happens on the course?

This course is currently subject to revalidation in February 2026.

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.

Placements on the course

We’ve built professional placements into every degree, every student will be guaranteed a professional placement. Our placements give you the real-world exposure and proven experience your CV needs, while building the industry networks essential for your career.

These short-term, structured experiences include:

  • Short duration: condensed work-like experience in professional environments
  • Academic integration: always linked to coursework, assessments or professional development modules
  • Project-based learning: students work on specific tasks or research with an organisation
  • Flexible format: can be in-person, remote, hybrid or virtual
  • Skill development: enhances workplace skills like communication, teamwork and problem-solving
  • Experiential learning: helping to close the gap between knowledge gained and the skills needed to succeed

Employability on the course

Our courses are designed from day one to prepare you for your future career. You will benefit from:

  • Extended induction: a period to familiarise yourself with your new university
  • Structured learning pathways: courses are crafted with a focus on preparing students for future careers
  • Hands-on project experience: projects and practical activities designed around real-world activities
  • Embedded professional development: all courses are designed with workplace skills development and professional placements as part of the course
  • Industry-informed modules: course content is kept up-to-date with industry standards through our industry links, staff's research and work in the field
  • Placement opportunities: professional development placements for every student

Potential Career Paths

You!

Wildlife Technician

Animal Care Assistant

Conservation Assistant

Field Research Assistant

Environmental Education Assistant

Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Assistant

Assisting in wildlife surveys and habitat management

Supporting the care of animals in various settings

Helping with conservation projects and wildlife monitoring

Supporting ecological and behavioural studies in the field

Helping to deliver educational programs about wildlife and conservation

Aiding in the care and rehabilitation of wildlife

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 Sep intake Fee Year
Home Full-time £9535 per year 2025-26
Home Part-time £4768 per year# 2025-26
International Full-time £15995 per year 2025-26

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.


If a tuition fee is not showing, we may not offer this intake for this course. Please check the start date information on the course finder for start dates.

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

GCSE English Language at grade C/4 or above. Equivalents accepted for English GCSE requirements only  

If you do not hold a GCSE grade C/4+ in Mathematics you will be strongly advised to complete your Mathematics GCSE alongside your studies at the University.

Students wishing to take a hospital laboratory placement as part of the Applied Biomedical Science route must have GCSE Maths at C/4 or above or, Level 2 Essential / Key Skill in Application of Number or an equivalent mathematics qualification.

PLUS EITHER

  • 96 UCAS points
  • A Levels - grades CCC / BCD to include Biology
  • BTEC L3 Extended Diploma or OCR Cambridge L3 Technical Extended Diploma - grades MMM in Applied Science
  • Access to HE Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits at Merit, 36 of these must be in Science
  • T Level - Pass (D or E) - in a Science related subject.

    • Use the UCAS Tariff calculator to check your qualifications and points

    Students must usually have studied for a minimum of two years post GCSE level. However, we will consider applications from mature students who do not have two years of post-16 study, where they have relevant work experience. Please see http://wlv.ac.uk/mature for further information.

    If you've got other qualifications or relevant experience, please contact The Gateway for further advice before applying.

    International students need to have IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each area to meet the GCSE English requirement, equivalencies are not accepted

    International entry requirements and application guidance can be found at http://www.wlv.ac.uk/international/apply

    English language requirements also apply

    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.

    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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