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School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences

FD (Science) Zoo Animal Management and Conservation

FD (Science) Full-time 2 years

Train hands-on at Rodbastan's own licensed zoo, working with exotic, domestic and farm animals. This Foundation Degree builds real careers in zookeeping and conservation, with a clear route to a BSc top-up.

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Train hands-on at Rodbastan's own licensed zoo, working with exotic, domestic and farm animals. This Foundation Degree builds real careers in zookeeping and conservation, with a clear route to a BSc top-up.

Award
FD (Science)
Start date(s)
14 September 2026
UCAS Code
DF05
Course specifications
View course spec
Course length
Full-time (2 years)
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)

Most animal management courses send you off-site to gain zoo experience. Here, the zoo is the campus. Rodbaston is home to a fully licensed commercial zoo, working farm and equine yard, so from your first week you're handling real exotic, domestic and agricultural species — not case studies.

This Foundation Degree in Zoo Animal Management and Conservation was built with industry, for industry. It combines academic study, practical husbandry and structured work placements into a single, career-focused qualification that prepares you for roles across the zoo, wildlife and conservation sectors — and gives you a direct route into a BSc top-up if you want to go further.

  • Learn on a working, licensed zoo — daily hands-on husbandry with exotic, domestic and agricultural species on campus.
  • Graduate placement-ready — a structured work experience programme built into every level of the course.
  • Study internationally — an in-situ conservation study tour to South Africa develops fieldwork and species survey skills.
  • Progress further — seamless progression onto the BSc (Hons) Zoo Animal Management with Conservation top-up year.
  • Curriculum mapped to industry standards, including the European Professional Zookeeper Qualification Framework (EPZQF).

The University of Wolverhampton is ranked 6th in the UK for Health Sciences (Daily Mail University Guide 2027), and 93% of students on our bioscience courses are satisfied with their teaching (NSS 2026) — so you're backed by a strong academic reputation as well as hands-on, industry-facing training.

What's unique about this course?

  • A working commercial zoo on campus. Not a partner site or occasional visit — a fully licensed zoo, farm and equine yard you train on every week, with animals of genuine conservation importance.
  • One of the broadest skill sets in the sector. Alongside animal care, you'll gain estate and machinery skills rarely taught elsewhere — tool use, first aid, health and safety practice, and power tool and machinery training including tractor driving and fork loader use.
  • A South Africa study tour. Take your conservation learning into the field, developing habitat management, species survey and tropical fieldwork skills alongside networking opportunities in-situ.
  • A guaranteed academic pathway. Progress straight onto the BSc (Hons) Zoo Animal Management with Conservation top-up — no need to find and apply to a different institution.
  • Genuinely vocational assessment. Portfolios, scientific posters, symposiums and direct observation of industry skills sit alongside traditional academic work, so what you're assessed on mirrors what the job actually involves.
  • Small-group, land-based teaching. Delivered at South Staffordshire College's Rodbaston Campus, with a University of Wolverhampton degree and the specialist facilities and staff expertise of a dedicated land-based college.

What happens on the course?

Across two years, you'll move from building a solid foundation in animal biology and husbandry, through to managing a collection, leading conservation-focused projects and developing the professional skills employers actively look for.

Year 1: building your foundations

You'll get hands-on early, working across our licensed zoo, farm and equine facilities while developing the underpinning science behind good animal care. Expect a mix of practical husbandry sessions, lectures, seminars and lab work covering:

  • Animal anatomy, physiology, taxonomy and evolutionary biology
  • Core husbandry and health management across a wide range of taxa
  • Animal behaviour, welfare and environmental enrichment
  • Wildlife conservation, ecology and the human impact on biodiversity
  • Academic and industry skills — including your first structured work placement

Year 2: taking the lead

The second year shifts from foundational knowledge to critical, applied practice. You'll take on more responsibility for zoo operations and start shaping your own specialism through an independent research project.

  • Zoo management — diets, breeding programmes, legislation and licensing
  • Zoo animal welfare and the history and future of conservation practice
  • Enclosure design and environmental interpretation for the public
  • Advanced professional and management skills, including supervising others
  • A self-directed scientific investigation, presented as a formal research report

Teaching blends lectures, seminars, laboratory work and zoo-based practicals, supported by field trips and collaborative conservation projects. You'll be assessed through a genuinely varied mix — reports, presentations, portfolios, reflective journals, practical observation and group work — so you build the communication, evaluation and team-working skills employers ask for, not just exam technique.

Throughout, you'll have access to an on-site personal tutor (your Course Leader) for academic and pastoral support, and every module is designed to embed real industry knowledge — from zoo business models to guest speakers working in the sector.

Upon completion, you'll be prepared to enter a range of animal-related careers or continue your studies with a Level 6 top-up degree, such as the 

BSc (Hons) Zoo Animal Management with Conservation top-up

or

 BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Wildlife Conservation.

Employability on the course

Every part of this course is designed with your career in mind — from your very first induction through to the specialist career support you'll get in your final year.

  • Extended induction to settle into university life and your new campus with confidence.
  • Structured learning pathways that build your knowledge and skills deliberately towards specific career outcomes, not just academic credit.
  • Hands-on project experience, with practical activities and assessments modelled on real zoo and conservation work.
  • Embedded professional development and mandatory placement hours in every level of the course.
  • Industry-informed teaching, kept current through staff research, sector links and guest speakers working in the field.
  • A dedicated careers team running bespoke sessions on job roles and routes into them, plus invitations to college career fairs.

Where this course can take you: 

  • Zoo keeping and wildlife biology
  • Conservation science and ecological consultancy
  • Animal nutrition
  • Zoo and exotic animal education / outreach
  • Behavioural consultancy
  • Wildlife or zoo management
  • Conservation-focused NGO, charity and public sector roles
  • Exotic animal breeding and the private exotic keeping sector
  • Progression to research, academia or a BSc top-up degree

Course Modules

Module: 4AB028
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core

This module aims to develop your study skills to increase confidence in your ability to structure assignments and write in the academic style, to achieve your best potential and be successful in all types of assignments throughout the programme. It will also allow you to examine different employment and career options within the zoo animal management and conservation sector, develop professional industry skills and includes an expectation to complete up to 150 hours (50 hours mandatory) of industry work experience and Continuing Professional Development opportunities.

Module: 4AB030
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core

This module is designed to equip you with a broader concept of the diversity found within the animal kingdom and the scientific theories as to how it came to be. It will provide you with knowledge of anatomy and physiology as well as taxonomic and evolutionary principles. This greater awareness of the diversity of life, the underpinning science behind its evolution and its current anatomy and physiology will provide a crucial base understanding to lead into all aspects of zoo animal husbandry and conservation. The module will provide you with insight, knowledge and skills that can then be transferred and developed in all other modules.

Module: 4AB027
Credits: 40
Period: 1
Type: Core

This module will enable you to work practically with a large range of large, domestic and exotic species on our well stocked licensed zoo/animal unit. As well as practical animal husbandry experience, this module will also give you a strong foundation in modern zoo husbandry theory and animal health management.

Module: 4AB031
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core

In a world where the pressures of an ever-increasing human population are impacting the environment in ever more obvious ways, an ability to monitor, understand, slow and perhaps even reverse the issues we are facing has become essential. In this module you will be introduced to methods and knowledge regarding the current state of the planet, how all life interacts, the human impact on biodiversity and the methods and practises we can use to gain a far greater understanding of the world around us, and our place in working towards a less damaging and more sustainable future.

Module: 4AB029
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core

This module is designed to provide you with an understanding of animal behaviour and its application in animal management. It will allow you to recognise the scientific and historical basis of the study of animal behaviour and its importance in animal husbandry and conservation. In addition, you will investigate the effects of physiology on behaviour and develop understanding of animal societies. This module will also develop your scientific research and analysis skills in preparation for future scientific studies within the course

Module: 5AB038
Credits: 20
Period: 2
Type: Core

This module will develop your design appraisal skills of animal enclosures using behavioural, nutritional and physiological principles, alongside public needs, perceptions and educational intentions. You will evaluate a range of enclosures from a number of zoological collections analysing them in terms of all stakeholders. You will then investigate the principles of environmental interpretation and its importance to modern zoological collections and design a system of educational, factual and interesting displays for a named collection.

Module: 5AB036
Credits: 20
Period: 2
Type: Core

As you are on a vocational course, it is vital that part of the course is undertaken in the workplace. This module allows you to develop knowledge of the workplace including health and safety legislation and employer/employee responsibilities as well as experiencing time in the workplace developing industry specific skills. It allows you to reflect upon your experiences and build future career plans. This module aims to further develop your skills gained in the Level 4 Academic and Industry Skills Development module by providing knowledge, understanding and application of advanced professional industry skills such as zoo management strategy, animal collection and business planning, and the supervision and management of people, including mandatory industry work experience and Continuing Professional Development opportunities (minimum of 75 hours with an expectation of up to 220 hours).

Module: 5AB035
Credits: 20
Period: 2
Type: Core

This module will provide you with the opportunity to carry out an investigation that is of relevance or interest to the zoological and or conservation sector. In many cases it is expected that you will have identified a problem or challenge arising from your placement or other work-based learning experiences. You will devise, plan, execute and evaluate a scientific investigation and present your results as a formal scientific report.

Module: 5AB034
Credits: 40
Period: 2
Type: Core

Through studying this module, you will build on the professional practical skills developed at Level 4, focusing on zoo husbandry routines, diet formulation and health related practices. You will explore the key considerations relating to zoo diet formulation and factors to consider when establishing species specific breeding programmes. In addition, you will explore modern zoo record keeping systems together with relevant zoo legislation and the licencing process for UK based zoological collections.

Module: 5AB037
Credits: 20
Period: 2
Type: Core

This module focuses on the chronological progression of animal collections within the UK and the evolution of modern zoo practice in accordance with current and future sociological changes and challenges beyond the 21st century. At the completion of the module, you will be able to demonstrate your knowledge of the progression and improvement of zoological gardens, from inception to the present day. This knowledge is intended to equip you with the ability to make recommendations for future developments, with emphasis placed on animal welfare and conservation of endangered species.

Potential Career Paths

You!

Wildlife Biologist

Animal Nutritionist

Conservation Scientist

Vet (Wildlife/Zoo Specialist)

Wildlife Outreach Officer

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. 

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. 

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

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!

You'll study for a University of Wolverhampton degree, delivered through the specialist facilities and land-based expertise of South Staffordshire College's Rodbaston Campus — giving you the best of both: university-level academic rigour and hands-on, industry-embedded training.

  • Ranked 6th in the UK for Health Sciences (Daily Mail University Guide 2027)
  • 93% of bioscience students satisfied with their teaching (NSS 2026)
  • A personal tutor system for pastoral and academic support throughout your course
  • Access to the full University Library, Skills for Learning workshops and the 24-hour ASSIST chat service
  • Additional Learning Support and DSA guidance for students who need it
  • A clear, supported progression route onto the BSc (Hons) Zoo Animal Management with Conservation top-up

Course-specific support is layered on top — including a College Learning Resource Centre, bookable laptops, a specialist HE common room library, and a dedicated safeguarding team on site at Rodbaston.

By graduation, you'll be able to:

  • Apply core principles of animal biology, anatomy, physiology and genetics to real husbandry decisions
  • Demonstrate practical skills in animal handling, husbandry and welfare assessment across a wide range of species
  • Apply ethical, legal and professional standards to the care and management of zoo animals
  • Evaluate the role of zoos in conservation, public education and research
  • Design enrichment programmes and enclosures based on behavioural need
  • Apply principles of population management, nutrition and breeding strategy
  • Use fieldwork and observational techniques common to conservation and animal studies
  • Analyse data and apply scientific method to behaviour and health monitoring
  • Communicate confidently, in writing and in person, to specialist and public audiences
  • Reflect critically on practical experience to improve future performance
  • Work effectively in teams and solve problems in live animal-care settings
  • Understand sustainability and environmental impact within zoo operations
  • Prepare for employment or further study through self-directed learning and placement experience

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.

Key entry Requirements - 64 UCAS points

either

  • A Levels with a minimium grades CC including a Biological Science
  • BTEC Extended Diploma grade MPP, BTEC Diploma grade MM in a related subject area
  • Access to HE Diploma (60 credits) of which a minimum of 45 must be at Level 3 (64 UCAS point equivalence, minimum 45 credits at merit) in a related subject
  • T-Levels in a related subject area - grade P (grade D or E within Core)
  • Mature students (21 years and over) who can evidence a satisfactory work experience portfolio would be favourably considered.

PLUS

Five GCSEs at grade 4 / C+ including English Language, Mathematics and Science

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

Online

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Find out how our course is rated on Discover Uni, the official website for comparing UK higher education courses.

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