UWS is now open for Clearing 2026. Whether you are waiting on results or already have them, you can Apply Now or Register your Interest below. You can also check out our Clearing hub where you can search our courses, hear from our students and get all the Clearing information and guidance you need.
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.
This programme is in Clearing for students resident in Scotland, Rest of the UK, Republic of Ireland, and EU. During Clearing our entry requirements remain flexible, and we are committed to providing opportunities to study with us based on a range of qualifications. Please get in touch, and we can discuss your specific circumstances. You can apply now through UCAS or find out more information about the Clearing process on our dedicated Clearing hub
We understand that results don’t always go to plan, so our entry requirements during Clearing are flexible. We accept a wide range of qualifications and typically use the UCAS Tariff and the SCQF tariff as a guide, while also taking a holistic approach to each application. This means we’ll consider your overall academic profile and individual circumstances when making decisions.
If you’re close to meeting the entry requirements for your offer or planning to apply through Clearing and looking to top up your qualifications, our Summer School could help you secure your place this September.
If you’re interested, we encourage you to get in touch with our team to discuss your options—we’re here to help.
Visit our dedicated Clearing hub to find out more about the process and next steps.
Direct entry into Year 2 and 3 is possible.
Scottish Advanced Highers
A Levels
T Levels
Why not add language modules in BSL, French or Spanish to your studies which can count towards your degree or as extra modules? Go on! Broaden your horizons, extend your international perspective and enhance your CV.
Study languagesThe 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*)
£9,535 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)
£1,820 cost per year of study (usually paid by the Scottish Government via SAAS*)
£9,790 per year of study (4 years of study for the price of 3 years)
£9,790 per year of study (4 years of study for the price of 3 years)
£16,275 per year of study
£305 per module (20 credits)
£1,630 per module (20 credits)
£1,630 per module (20 credits)
£2,710 per module (20 credits)
Estimated cost per year of study.
Ready to apply? All UK & EU Undergraduate applications should be made through UCAS. Further information for international, part-time and exchange applications can be found below.
Apply on UCAS