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Get ready to pursue a career in the animal care and welfare or zoological sciences with UWS’s BSc (Hons) Animal Care and Zoology degree.
This degree will give you a grounding in the biological sciences before progressing to more advanced topics in the animal care and zoological fields. You will also develop the skills and knowledge to run a business in the animal care sector.
There is a focus on practical work using modern techniques, fostering transferable skills and developing research and problem-solving abilities.
Our team of experts will prepare you for a rewarding career in a broad range of biological, animal care and zoological sciences.
By undertaking the BSc (Hons) Animal Care and Zoology degree you will develop skills enabling a rewarding career working with animals both within Scotland or overseas. Graduates can find roles in veterinary clinics, animal welfare organisations, zoos, wildlife conservation projects, environmental consultancies, research and also in animal-related businesses such as pet services or agriculture. Progression into taught or research-focussed postgraduate study is also possible, including MSc, MRes and PhD degrees.
Work-based learning is incorporated into the degree in a third-year module and an optional year-long sandwich placement. This opportunity can help to provide relevant skills and experience that will boost your employment prospects upon graduation.
Direct entry into Year 2 and 3 is possible.
The programme reflects a modular structure, providing a credit total of 120 credits at SCQF Levels 7-10, and is delivered on a full-time or part-time basis. Modules focus on foundational biology relevant to life on earth, knowledge underpinning the care and welfare of animals, advanced zoological topics, business creation and developing academic study skills and confidence. Most of the modules are shared across academic provision within the School of Health and Life Sciences, supplemented by modules in the School of Business and Creative Industries, reflecting an interdisciplinary/multi-professional ethos to learning and teaching.
A general introduction to various biological disciplines, from cell and molecular aspects to ecological and environmental topics. You will be introduced to the role of an animal care professional and research animal-specific topics. Additionally, you will receive an introduction to the University’s Virtual Learning Environment.
Studies focus on more specialised areas of animal science and zoology including animal nutrition and behaviour and vertebrate physiology, as well as business creation.
You will deepen your knowledge of animal care and zoology with core modules in animal husbandry, practical animal care, conservation and wildlife biology, in addition to a module on running a business. You can also choose to take part in a work-related learning module in a relevant area of interest. You will also complete practical training with an industry partner and a residential field trip.
You will study specialist animal care and zoology areas such as animal health and zoonosis, animal welfare and legislation and behavioural ecology. A critical part of the Year 4 curriculum is a supervised project where you participate in research in a subject area of your choice.
You will be taught through a combination of lectures, laboratories, tutorials and workshops.
You will also have the opportunity to take part in group work and independent learning to develop your transferable skills such as research, presentation, communication and working as part of a team.
This degree is assessed using a variety of assessment methods including:
Most modules on the programme will be offered using an on-campus mode of delivery through face-to-face teaching on Lanarkshire campus. Timetables for campus teaching and learning activities shall be prepared in advance and made available to students during the Induction phase. Library resources are available for a range of current life science programmes and shall be enhanced to encompass relevant contemporary resources for this new programme. The programme and modules shall each have a designated space on the UWS virtual learning environment. Wider university services will also be available and information about these will be embedded into induction and programme learning material. These include student support, school librarian, academic skills advisors, and disability services.
£1,820 cost per year of study (usually paid by the Scottish Government via SAAS*)
£9,250 Cost per year of study, but not more than £27,750
£9,250 Cost per year of study, but not more than £27,750
£15,500 per year of study
£305 per module (20 credits)
£1,550 per module (20 credits)
£1,550 per module (20 credits)
£2,580 per module (20 credits)
£1,820 cost per year of study (usually paid by the Scottish Government via SAAS*)
£9,535 per year of study (4 years of study for the price of 3 years)
£9,535 per year of study (4 years of study for the price of 3 years)
£15,500 per year of study
£305 per module (20 credits)
£1,590 per module (20 credits)
£1,590 per module (20 credits)
£2,580 per module (20 credits)