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School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences

BSc (Hons) Zoo Animal Management and Conservation

BSc (Hons) Full-time 1 year

Turn your Foundation Degree into a full BSc (Hons) Zoo Animal Management and Conservation, with hands-on training at Rodbaston's licensed on-site zoo — built for real careers in zookeeping and conservation.

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Turn your Foundation Degree into a full BSc (Hons) Zoo Animal Management and Conservation, with hands-on training at Rodbaston's licensed on-site zoo — built for real careers in zookeeping and conservation.

Award
BSc (Hons)
Start date(s)
14 September 2026
UCAS Code
D305
Course specifications
View course spec
Course length
Full-time (1 year)
Campus location
South Staffordshire College (Rodbaston Campus)
School
School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences
UCAS points calculator
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Why choose this course?

6th in the UK for Health Sciences (Daily Mail University Guide 2027)

93% of students on bioscience courses were satisfied with the teaching on their course (NSS 2026)

If you want a career working with exotic, endangered and domestic species, this is the point where your studies stop being theoretical. This BSc (Hons) Zoo Animal Management and Conservation is a one-year, honours-level top-up degree delivered at South Staffordshire College's Rodbaston Campus, giving you day-to-day access to a fully licensed, on-site commercial zoo alongside farm and equine facilities most universities simply don't have.

The course is designed to progress you from a Foundation Degree or equivalent Level 5 qualification straight into a full honours award, and its content is mapped to the European Professional Zookeeper Qualification Framework (EPZQF) and shaped by employers working in zoos, conservation charities and wildlife organisations — so what you study lines up with what the sector actually needs.

  • A genuine progression route from Foundation Degree to BSc (Hons) in a single year
  • Everyday, hands-on access to a licensed zoo, not occasional site visits
  • Course content mapped to the EPZQF and shaped by zoo and conservation employers
  • Study within a School rated highly for bioscience teaching satisfaction (NSS 2026)

What's unique about this course?

  • Your own licensed, on-site zoo — everyday hands-on access to exotic, domestic and agricultural species as part of your learning, not an occasional trip out.
  • Built to a recognised industry framework — content is mapped against the European Professional Zookeeper Qualification Framework (EPZQF), so your degree carries weight with employers.
  • A purpose-built progression route — designed specifically as the next step from our Foundation Degree in Zoo Animal Management and Conservation, so your prior learning and skills carry forward.
  • International research and study-tour opportunities — options to travel for Honours Project fieldwork, including established links with a conservation reserve in South Africa and schemes such as Operation Wallacea, plus optional study tours to destinations such as Scotland and the Netherlands.
  • A research project you choose — investigate a real question in zoo management or conservation, on-site at Rodbaston or out on the estate, with support from academic staff and industry contacts throughout.

What happens on the course?

This is a fast-paced honours year built around applied learning. You'll spend time in lecture theatres and seminar rooms, but just as much time in enclosures, training sessions and behind the scenes at Rodbaston's zoo, farm and equine yard — turning theory into hands-on husbandry, welfare and enrichment practice.

Across the year, you will:

  • Critically evaluate modern husbandry and welfare practices, including how enclosure design and breeding programmes support the reintroduction of endangered species
  • Investigate animal training and enrichment techniques, building a practical portfolio of hands-on experience with a range of species
  • Examine global wildlife conservation, from grassroots projects to international policy, and the ethics behind competing approaches
  • Design and evaluate zoo education and engagement activity, exploring how zoos connect visitors with wildlife and inspire conservation behaviour
  • Complete an independent Honours Project — a significant piece of original research into a zoo, animal management or conservation question you choose, supervised by academic staff and informed by industry practice

Teaching blends lectures, seminars, laboratory work, fieldwork and case-study discussion, delivered face-to-face and via Microsoft Teams, with a strong emphasis on independent, self-directed study at this level. Assessment reflects the range of skills employers look for — including presentations, scientific posters, reflective portfolios, literature reviews, symposiums and time-constrained exams, alongside direct observation of your practical animal-handling skills.

You'll finish the course with a BSc (Hons) that combines rigorous academic study with genuine vocational competence — the balance zoos, conservation charities and wildlife organisations consistently ask for.

Employability on the course

Graduates leave this course ready for entry-level and supervisory roles across the zoo, conservation and wider animal industries — with a BSc (Hons) that opens more senior progression routes than a Foundation Degree alone.

You'll build:

  • Professional husbandry, training and welfare skills through direct, hands-on species management
  • Confidence communicating complex ideas to specialist and public audiences — vital for zoo education and outreach roles
  • Research and analytical skills through your Honours Project, valued by employers and postgraduate admissions tutors alike
  • Transferable skills in initiative, decision-making and independent working, developed through reflective practice, portfolios and one-to-one tutor sessions

Course content is mapped to the European Professional Zookeeper Qualification Framework (EPZQF), giving your qualification direct relevance to employers across the sector.
Typical career destinations include zookeeping, conservation officer roles, animal behaviour consultancy, zoo education and outreach, ecological consultancy, exotic animal breeding and welfare, and research or further academic study (MSc or PhD).

Course Modules

Module: 6AB032
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core

In this module you will critically evaluate modern husbandry practises and the increasing need to prioritise animal welfare when considering captive management techniques. The animals should thrive and not merely survive. This is of critical importance when looking to breed and possibly re-release endangered species as enclosures should be as near as possible to wild environments to facilitate successful reintroduction. This module will explore the subtleties and complications of the needs of the animals and the potential conflicts with visitors, keepers and management strategies. Ultimately allowing you to investigate and propose solutions to some of these complexities.

Module: 6AB034
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core

The importance of global cooperation in conservation efforts is absolute. In this module you will investigate and evaluate a large range of organisations and projects that are currently working on the conservation of endangered species worldwide. You will critically examine the philosophical aspects of conservation as well as current scientific approaches in the field. You will gain a full and comprehensive understanding of the complexities of conservation on a local, regional and International level and be able to articulate and expand upon many of the more subtle and controversial methodologies and ethics to be found within the sector.

Module: 6AB030
Credits: 40
Period: 1
Type: Core

The Honours Project module will give you the opportunity to undertake an extended, problem-focused, original investigation related to your overall programme of study and is a requirement for the award of Honours. The Project will provide you with a choice based on your interests, modules studied previously, staff expertise and physical resources within the School. The project must be approved for safety, ethics, cost, feasibility and relevance to your degree programme before you carry out any practical work. The project module will test your ability to develop successfully (a) the formulation of a Project design and specification, (b) an assessment of hazards, risk assessment and required safety procedures, (c) ethical considerations, where appropriate, (d) a survey of published literature and other source materials, (e) the execution of the Project objectives, (f) an independent programme of fieldwork, laboratory or other practical study, (g) progress presentation(s) on key stages and (h) the preparation of a written Dissertation and/or other suitable and equivalent submission of the Project outcomes. Students normally undertake practical work during the semester 1 & early semester 2 of the final year of study. Anyone with special needs affecting their study or ability to participate in the module must inform the University support services and module leader / supervisor at the earliest opportunity.

Module: 6AB031
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core

This module will give you the opportunity to investigate the historical role of training in animal management and understand a range of learning theories relevant to training animals in a variety of industry situations. You will build a portfolio of experience assessing the aptitude of animals to training situations, critically evaluating and reflecting on a range of training practices and observations. In additional, you will investigate the importance of environmental enrichment in zoos and its impact on animal welfare. You will develop a full understanding of the role of training and enrichment in modern husbandry.

Module: 6AB033
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core

This module aims to submerge you in the zoo experience; evaluating the impact of learning, and effect of animal related education. You will explore human learning theory and application to zoo experiences, appraise the education value of practical activities and critique animal pathways to core national curriculum. You will gain an understanding of how zoos develop learning programmes; offer new ways to go 'beyond the classroom', connect zoo visitors with wildlife, inspire curiosity and help to develop life-long values and positive attitudes toward the natural world.

Potential Career Paths

You!

Wildlife Biologist 

Animal Nutritionist

Conservation Scientist 

Wildlife Outreach Officer

Vet (Wildlife/Zoo Specialist)

Wildlife Manager

Studies animals in their natural habitats to understand behaviour, population dynamics and ecological impact. Provides data to support conservation strategies and wildlife management policies. 

Designs balanced diets for captive and wild animals, considering species-specific nutritional requirements. Works in zoos aquariums or research facilities to optimise health and longevity.

Develops and implements plans to protect endangered species and ecosystems. Conducts field research, monitors populations and advises governments or NGO's on sustainable practices. 

Educates the public about animal conservation, biodiversity, and environmental stewardship. Develops educational programs, leads guided tours and creates awareness campaigns.

Provides medical care for zoo and wild animals, including diagnosis, treatment and preventative care. Works on-site or in wildlife rehabilitation centres to maintain animal health. 

Oversee zoo operations or wildlife reserves, including staff management, habitat planning, and conservation programs. Ensures regulatory compliance and coordinates research and breeding initiatives. 

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

The University of Wolverhampton delivers this course in partnership with South Staffordshire College's Rodbaston Campus, combining a recognised university degree with a specialist land-based college's facilities and staff expertise.

  • Course content shaped by the 2023 QAA Subject Benchmark Statement for Biosciences, so your degree meets recognised UK academic standards
  • 93% of students on bioscience courses were satisfied with the teaching on their course (NSS 2026)
  • Full academic and pastoral support, including a dedicated personal tutor, ProMonitor progress tracking, and access to both the University Library and the College Learning Resource Centre
  • A clear, supported progression route from Foundation Degree to full honours BSc without needing to relocate away from Rodbaston
  • Backed by a university ranked 6th in the UK for Health Sciences (Daily Mail University Guide 2027)

  • In-depth, research-informed knowledge of zoo animal anatomy, physiology, behaviour, welfare and ethics
  • The ability to apply research methods and data analysis to real-world animal management and conservation problems
  • The confidence to evaluate arguments, evidence and assumptions, and to propose solutions to complex husbandry and conservation challenges
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills for specialist and public audiences, from scientific reports to zoo education sessions
  • Independent research skills built through your Honours Project — from literature review to data collection and dissertation writing
  • Professional workplace skills including initiative, decision-making under pressure, time management and reflective practice, preparing you for supervisory-level roles or further study

Location Mode Sep intake Fee Year
Home Full-time £6682 per year 2026-27

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.

This course is designed as a progression award from our Foundation Degree in Zoo Animal Management and Conservation award.

  • Candidates that have obtained a similar level 5 qualification in animal management or land-based subjects may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Similar qualifications include, but are not limited to, Foundation degrees and Higher National Diplomas.
  • If you would like to take the full BSc programme available at South Staffordshire College, but do not have level 4 and 5 qualifications, please apply for the Foundation Degree in Zoo Animal Management and Conservation in the first instance.

    • This course is not available at present to International applicants.

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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