FdSc Zoo Management

Develop a fascinating insight into the behaviour and welfare of exotic and zoological species and apply theories learnt to improve animal welfare.

This course is also available part time and as BSC top up.

START DATE: Friday 20 September (first year students)

Why Merrist Wood College?

 

Merrist Wood is highly regarded in the animal industry as the leading animal education establishment in Surrey, with a wide range of animal care courses. It was awarded a zoo licence in June 2018, allowing it to share its collection of exotic animals, some of which are of conservation importance, with the wider community.The College has wide links with industry and tuition is by highly qualified and experienced tutors who will ensure you gain the best possible grounding in your chosen career.

Investigate the behaviour and welfare of exotic and zoological species, supported by the study of a wide range of species in the College’s Animal Management Centre and in relevant commercial settings, through visits to local animal collections.

Underpinning theory is delivered in the classroom. Industrial experience, assessed through the professional development module over two years, will be undertaken in a related field and will give you invaluable experience in your specialism, with 200 hours to be undertaken each year at an animal collection or other relevant location.

You must have an interest in pursuing a career in zoo management. The programme is ideal if you have previous animal experience or if you have achieved a Level 3 related animal course, however this is not compulsory.

During this course you will benefit from the following:

  • Taught by expert, passionate tutors with industry experience.
  • Extensive grounds which include ancient woodland, species rich grassland and wetland areas. Rich fauna, including protected species of bats and amphibians.
  • Friendly learning environment with small class sizes and excellent student support.
  • Merrist Wood College is highly regarded in the animal industry as the leading animal education establishment in Surrey
  • Animal Management Centre including facilities such as a desert biome, tropical biome and nocturnal room.
  • Industry experience provides an invaluable opportunity to work in a variety of settings to support your chosen career path.

Course duration: 2 Years full-time. This course can also be taken on a part-time basis over 4 years.

Tuition Fees

Home/EU* Fee for September 2024 entry: £8,000 per year

Please note: Tuition fees are published for the first year of entry only and may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by the Office for Students.

*Fee information for European Union (EU) students: If your course starts on or after the 1st August 2021, you will no longer be eligible for financial support from Student Finance England unless you meet one of the following criteria:

  • you are able to benefit from the citizens’ rights agreements
  • you are an Irish national living in the UK or Republic of Ireland – benefits of Irish nationals under Common Travel Area guidance arrangement will continue

Additional costs include:

Optional trips for work experience, especially if you wish to volunteer overseas, as some of our previous students have done. Additional printing over and above the £10 allowance provided by the college,and the cost of books that you might wish to purchase.

We strongly recommend purchasing a laptop to support you in your studies on the course.

If you need any further information or guidance, please contact us at HE@activatelearning.ac.uk

 

Year 1: professional development in the work environment 1 (30 credits), animal breeding programmes and husbandry (30 credits), animal health, welfare and nutrition (30 credits), zoo management skills (30 credits). Total 120 credits.

Year 2: professional development in the work environment 2 (30 credits); research methods (30 credits); management of zoological collections (30 credits); global biodiversity and conservation issues (30 credits). Total 120 credits.

All students are supported with academic development and you will have access to a personal tutor.

There will be a range of theory, practical, and work placements. Assessment is by course work and exam.

Progress onto a one-year Top-up degree on the Zoo Management BSc (Hons) at Merrist Wood College.

Progress onto employment in areas such as zoological collections, wildlife management, conservation and ecology, scientific research, or conservation education. 

 

The minimum entry qualifications for the programme are:

A Levels: 64 UCAS points normally in science-based subjects

BTEC: 64 UCAS points normally in science-based subjects

Access Diploma: Pass

Plus: English and maths GCSE and it is advantageous to have a science (biology) or psychology.

A minimum IELTS score of 6, TOEFL equivalent is required for those for whom English is not their first language. These entry requirements are subject to change.

 

You are advised to ensure that anti-tetanus protection via a course of injections or booster is up to date prior to the commencement of the course. You should also ensure that you have adequate clothing for outdoor work in inclement weather. Fees shown are per year. Please contact the College for further information.

The academic regulations for this programme can be found on Kingston University’s website

Applicants should apply through the UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) website. This includes students already at Merrist Wood College. All courses will be listed under Activate Learning on the UCAS website.

For more information, or information regarding International fees, please Book a Call

 

Merrist Wood offers accommodation for new and existing full-time students who wish to live in our halls.

Tutor

Dawn Rigby

Tutor Dawn Rigby I believe that young children need a special environment in which to grow and deserve practitioners who are inspiring, dynamic, reflective and passionate about their learning.
Read Dawn's full story here

Why Merrist Wood College?

  • Clear routes of progression with qualifications ranging from foundation level to degree level!
  • Industry experienced teaching staff give you the responsibility and independence you need to take charge of your own future.
  • 100+

    different courses

  • 50+

    years of experience in teaching land-based subjects

  • 400

    -acre campus specialising in the land-based industries

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