The University of Greenwich accepts a broad range of international qualifications for admission to our courses. If you cannot find your country on this list, please contact international@gre.ac.uk.
Applied Animal Behaviour and Conservation (QA only), FdSc (Plumpton College)
This course focuses on the fundamental scientific aspects of animal behaviour and welfare in addition to the issues relating to their study.
The FdSc Applied Animal Behaviour and Conservation programme enables you to gain a thorough knowledge and understanding of the established principles of Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Conservation and their development within industry. The programme also enables you to gain knowledge and understanding of the principles of business management and apply this in a relevant work-related context. An ability to apply underlying concepts and principles outside the context in which they were first studied and employ those principles in Animal-related industries or other work-relevant context, will allow you to gain the experience required for future careers.
You’ll benefit from working with our wide range of species including aquatics, companion large animals, exotics and small mammals in the Animal Management Centre, gaining experience in handling and management experience. This programme incorporates key business skills, providing you with the sound skills and knowledge that you’ll need.
There are excellent links with the industry, and host regular guest speakers and visits to other centres, including a visit to Mankwe Wildlife Reserve, South Africa, as part of the Wildlife Conservation module. You'll be able to discover 3000 large mammals on the reserve, which is made up of 42 species plus over 250 types of bird, plus a wide variety of amphibians, invertebrates and reptiles.
The course is offered by one of the university's partner colleges: Plumpton College, based at Lewes, East Sussex.
UCAS points
56 (full requirements below)
Course/institution codes
P300
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We received Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023. This recognises our outstanding performance in student experience and outcomes.
Location
Duration
- 2 years full-time
- 4 years part-time
Start month
September
Home/international fees 2025/26
TBC /TBC
What you should know about this course
What you will study
Validated / Quality Assured (QA) Programmes: these are programmes approved (‘validated’) and quality assured by the University of Greenwich for delivery by one of our Partner Colleges. They lead to a University of Greenwich award.
About the course team
The programme is delivered by a team of highly experienced and dedicated staff, with expertise in a range of disciplines within the animal sciences and related fields. Staff teaching on the programme benefit from maintaining strong professional links to organisations in the animal industry, operating at both a local and national level.
Entry requirements
Typical Offer: 56 Points
Qualifications: two A-Levels/Extended Diploma/Advanced Technical/International Baccalaureate/Access to HE
We consider a wide range of Level 3 qualifications with UCAS Tariff points, specifically:
A-Level: two subjects (CD) and must include one in a STEM-related subject.
BTEC National: Extended Diploma (MPP)
C&G Advanced Technical: Extended Diploma 1080 (MPP)
International Baccalaureate: 24 Points overall.
Access to HE: 56 Points
We also consider applicants with relevant industrial experience if over 21 years of age.
We expect a minimum of five GCSE’s, including Mathematics, English Language and a science, all at grade 4 or above (grade C or above under the A*-G system).
Students with English as a second language will be required to have gained IELTS at 6.5 overall with 6.0 in Writing.
For more information, use our contact form or call us on 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
Further information about entry
We welcome applications from mature students.
For more information, contact the HE Office (HEoffice@plumpton.ac.uk).
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use Prior Learning?
Find out more on our Recognition of Prior Learning pages.
How you will learn
Teaching
Learning takes place through a combination of timetabled learning and independent study.
You can view more information about how each module is taught within our 'What you will study' section.
Seminars and workshops enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups. You will also be able to meet your personal tutor. Timetabled learning may fall between 9am and 9pm depending on your courses and tutorials.
Class sizes
Class sizes on the programme are typically between 15-20 students, depending on the modules and year of study. In the first year, all modules are compulsory and class sizes will not vary, apart form in some practical sessions, where groups may be divided to ensure high standards of animal welfare can be maintained and to ensure appropriate supervision of students. In the second year of the programme, group sizes can be slightly smaller.
Independent learning
Students are also encouraged to undertake their own personal study. Whilst this enables the student to pursue their own areas of interest, this time also sets the foundation for a future of lifetime learning - an essential in the rapidly evolving animal welfare industries.
Overall workload
You should expect the workload to be similar to a full-time job.Each module you study towards this degree is worth 15 or 30 credits. These represent around 150 or 300 study hours respectively. If you receive 100 contact hours for a 30-credit module, you should expect to commit 200 hours to independent study to complete it successfully.
Assessment
You can view how each module is assessed within our 'What you will study' section.
Each course has formal assessments which count towards your grade. Some courses may also include 'practice' assignments, which help you monitor progress and do not count towards your final grade.
Feedback summary
We aim to provide feedback on assignments taken at the college and to release examination results within 15 working days.
Dates and timetables
The academic year runs from September to June.
Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, contact the HE office (HEoffice@plumpton.ac.uk)
Fees and funding
Your time at university should be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress. Planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.
| Cohort | Full time | Part time | Distance learning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home | TBC | TBC | N/A |
| International | TBC | TBC | N/A |
Funding your study
There is a range of financial support options available to support your studies, including the Aspire@Greenwich award for study resources that many full-time students will receive.
EU students may be eligible for a bursary to support their study. View our EU bursary to find out more.
Discover more about grants, student loans, bursaries and scholarships. We also provide advice and support on budgeting, money management and financial hardship.
Safety equipment
Students will be required to fund their own equipment and protective clothing and steel toe capped boots for working with animals on site.
Field trips
The cost of field trips is activity dependant. Some are free, while others may require a contribution. You are not obliged to pay for field trips in order to complete your course.
Resources
Course texts and other study resources are available from Library. You may wish to purchase your own copies. You receive a small allowance for printing costs, which you can top up if required.
Careers and placements
Will I have a work placement?
Students studying at Level 5 on the programme must undertake the Work Placement module (30 credits) at a relevant external organisation. Students will be provided with guidance on sourcing a suitable placement opportunity, via regular tutorials with the module leader and access to Plumpton College’s database of approved work placement providers. Placements may be undertaken at a wide range of organisation types within the animal industry.
How long is my placement?
Students are required to complete a minimum of 150 hours of work experience at a relevant placement provider within the animal industry (or related organisations). Usually, students will be expected to complete their placement hours over the course of the academic year on days where they do not have scheduled lectures. However, due to the nature of some types of placement, it may be possible for students to start their placement during the summer break.
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
Through an increased awareness of animal welfare, there are certainly lots of opportunities for a career in welfare organisations and animal collections. You'll also develop further employable skills through both work placement and business modules. During this time, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside animal management and welfare specialists; gaining additional first-hand experience.
Do you provide employability services?
We offer impartial careers guidance to all of our students, email careers@plumpton.ac.uk to explore your next step or to book an appointment – we’re here to help.
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
The College’s Inclusive Learning and Development Department offers dedicated support for HE students, this can take the form of one-to-one support, exam access arrangements. Students who have a learning disability are able to access support with making an application to the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) from the College’s Inclusive Learning and Development Department.
Support from the department
The Library boasts a collection of over 8,000 books, covering a range of key subject areas within land-based curriculum. The Library also provides students with access to a variety of magazines, periodicals and academic journals through online databases.
Learning technology is central to the learning experience of students at Plumpton College and therefore is supported by dedicated staff within the College Teaching and Learning Team. The responsibilities of this team are to help support students with learning technology to enhance the overall learning experience.
Mode of study
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