Applied Zoology and Animal Conservation (Final Year Entry) (QA only), BSc (Plumpton)
Equip yourself with the technical understanding and applied skills needed to make a real impact working in the field of animal conservation, with this immersive top-up degree programme.
If you are looking to top-up your degree to help you on your career journey working in animal conservation, then this is the ideal course for you. On our immersive degree programme, you will learn about the latest scientific techniques and technological advancements in the field of conservation, with a focus on how these approaches are being used to ensure the long-term protection of animal species in captivity and the wild. Embarking on this course will enable you to critically explore the historical, current and emerging threats to wild animals and natural ecosystems, with an emphasis on the key issues impacting global biodiversity. You will also gain applied understanding of the practical solutions currently being employed by conservationists to prevent animal extinction, from the importance of captive breeding programmes in zoos to the effectiveness of satellite monitoring of animal species in the wild.
At Plumpton College, you’ll will benefit from working directly with a wide variety of animal species at our Animal Education Centre, building your practical experience of conservation management techniques and working in a zoological environment. You will have an excellent opportunity on this programme to develop your industry awareness and professional network, through participating in a range of engaging field trips and external visits. Our industry-focused degree programme has been designed to help you develop the applied skills and technical knowledge you’ll need to progress and be successful in a variety of roles within the field of animal conservation.
Course/institution codes
P301
Location
Duration
- 1 years full-time
- 2 years part-time
Start month
September
Home* /international fees 2025/26
TBC /TBC
What you should know about this course
* Fees for this programme are being reviewed by the partner college and may be subject to change for 2025-26 up to a maximum of £9,535 per year.
What you will study
About the course team
The programme is delivered by a team of highly experienced and dedicated staff, with specialisms in animal biology, conservation science, ecology and animal husbandry. All staff who teach on the programme are actively involved in research, external continuous professional development programmes and some staff also have roles with NGOs involved in zoology and conservation.
Entry requirements
Successful completion of an FdSc in Animal Science, Zoology, Conservation, Animal Management, Veterinary Science or a related discipline at a Pass or above. Students with a relevant HND or equivalent qualification (Level 5) in these disciplines will also be considered.
Successful completion of the FdSc Applied Animal Behaviour and Conservation (or equivalence) degree (Pass or above) allows transfer to the Final Year of this BSc degree.
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 will also consider an individual basis to mature applicants with experience in a relevant field or related industries who may lack formal qualifications.
For more information, contact the HE Team at (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 this degree programme will typically be in the range of 15 to 20 students. Group sizes may be slightly smaller during practical sessions, when working at Plumpton’s Animal Education Centre, to ensure you receive the best possible learning experience and for the welfare of our animals.
Independent learning
At university, you must develop the ability to work more independently than you may have done so before. During your qualification, you will receive support from module leaders and personal tutors regarding how to do this effectively. Independent learning is an important aspect of your progression and completion of your qualification. You must ensure you are prepared for this and have the correct environment to undertake this.
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
Tuition fees
| Cohort | Full time | Part time | Distance learning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home* | TBC | TBC | N/A |
| International | TBC | TBC | N/A |
University is a great investment in your future. English-domiciled graduate annual salaries were £10,500 more than non-graduates in 2023 - and the UK Government projects that 88% of new jobs by 2035 will be at graduate level.
(Source: DfE Graduate labour market statistics: 2023/DfE Labour market and skills projections: 2020 to 2035).
* Fees for this programme are being reviewed by the partner college and may be subject to change for 2025-26 up to a maximum of £9,535 per year.
Other costs
Any costs associated with field trips, travel and accommodation will be the student’s responsibility and is not included within the tuition fees. There is a range of financial support options available at Plumpton College to support your studies, depending on your situation, including hardship funding.
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer a wide range of financial help including scholarships and bursaries.
The Greenwich Bursary
This bursary is worth £700 for new undergraduate students with a low household income, entering Year 0 or 1 who meet the eligibility criteria.
EU Bursary
Following the UK's departure from the European Union, we are supporting new EU students by offering a substantial fee-reduction for studying.
Financial support
We want your time at university to be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress, so 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.
Careers and placements
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
Graduates from the course will be equipped to pursue careers in the following areas of employment with the animal conservation industry:
- Animal education
- Biodiversity management
- Ecological consultancy
- Nature recovery and Climate change resilience
- Policy and advocacy
- Rewilding and habitat restoration
- Wildlife Surveying and monitoring
- Wildlife tourism
- Wildlife Management
- Zoological collection management
- Zoo education and engagement
- Zoo conservation and science
In addition, graduates could choose to further specialise at postgraduate level, across a range of disciplines within zoology and conservation.
Do you provide employability services?
Plumpton College has a dedicated Careers team ready to assist students both on campus and online. You will also benefit from links to Plumpton’s extensive employer network
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
You will have access to academic tutors on campus and online throughout the duration of your course. Additionally, students who have a learning difficulty, disability and/or ongoing health condition may be able to access reasonable adjustments to support their studies. Support is available to help you apply and access Disabled Student Allowance through either the Inclusive Learning and Development Department or the Higher Education Office.
Support from the department
You will have the opportunity for regular 1:1 meetings with a personal tutor throughout the duration of your degree.
Mode of study
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