This degree equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge to work within the field of conservation. There is an emphasis on practical application using both national and international examples, and utilising field specialists within the institute and externally as guest speakers to discuss current issues and research in conservation.
Modules cover a range of subjects from anatomy and physiology to specific animal behaviour and population management. A range of optional modules in the second and third years allows you to personalise your degree programme.
The programme is delivered at Cornwall College Newquay with a range of lectures, workshops, seminars, laboratory and field-based practical sessions.
There will be some modules taught in situ utilising the surrounding environment, for example habitat and wildlife surveys within the first year Fieldwork module. These will involve a mix of day or residential field trips to develop
and apply survey techniques in the field.
The BSc (Hons) Applied Zoology and Conservation is a full-time four year programme designed to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to work within the field of conservation.
Modules cover a range of subjects from anatomy and physiology to behaviour and population/habitat management.
There is an emphasis on practical application using both national and international examples, and utilising field specialists within the institute and externally as guest speakers to discuss current issues and research in zoological conservation.
The placement year will take place between years 2 and 3, requiring a total of 26 weeks on placement with either a single or multiple relevant employers/organisations. During the placement year you will need to conduct an independent research project and will be supported in the lead up to the placement and throughout by a placement year supervisor. The research conducted as part of the placement year project cannot be used for the Honours Project in Year 3.
Fancy a career working with animals in a zoo or welfare centre? If you would like to learn about domestic, exotic or companion animals, their husbandry, biology or behaviour, this programme is perfect for you.
The programme offers specialised modules to develop skills in animal care and animal health, as well as enhancing knowledge of fundamental animal biology, ranging from how animal cells function to animal nutrition.
The College has strong links with the animal industry in Cornwall, giving you the chance to gain real work experience and further insight into the sector. Trips to animal collections, farms, animal care facilities such as rehabilitation and rescue centres and other institutions, will help you to develop skills in animal care and animal health and welfare assessment, as well as giving you an insight into various animal industries.
In addition, guest speakers will give some of the lectures and workshops allowing you to gain knowledge and understanding from experts working or researching in the field.
The majority of our students successfully progress on to a final year and obtain a full BSc Honours degree, or gain employment directly related to their work experience placement.
You will be required to complete around 100 hours or three weeks of professional experience during the programme. This is invaluable for gaining contacts and showing future employers you have practical work experience as well as academic knowledge.
This course is also available with Science Gateway, perfect for you if you would like to study any of the science-based Foundation Degrees (FdSc) we offer, but don’t have the right qualifications or grades to do so.
This 1 year top up programme is designed for foundation degree graduates wishing to progress to an honours degree. The programme will further develop skills of scientific analysis, communication and evaluation. You will gain an understanding of applied zoology which will enhance your opportunities for employment or postgraduate study.
Optional modules focus on a number of topics including: the conservation and monitoring of wild terrestrial and aquatic animals; mapping techniques using geographic information systems (GIS); developing ways in which to communicate ideas and messages about conservation issues to wider society; and evaluating the impacts of animal disease.
You will be given training to help develop your analytical and research skills in preparation for the Honours Project, where you explore an area of interest in greater depth.
Through our close connection to a number of conservation and animal welfare organisations, this programme will extend your knowledge of animal biology beyond foundation degree level, with the emphasis of your studies chosen by you.
The programme will apply knowledge in these fields, particularly in South West England, but also internationally. There will also be some formative assessment by mini in-class tests, presentations and group work.
Opportunities also exist to enhance your skills and experience via attending one of the optional residential international field trips to Borneo, South Africa or Honduras (subject to additional fee and availability)
This top up programme is designed for foundation degree graduates wishing to progress to an honours degree. The programme will further develop skills of scientific analysis, communication and evaluation. You will gain an understanding of applied zoology which will enhance your opportunities for employment or postgraduate study.
Optional modules focus on a number of topics including: the conservation and monitoring of wild terrestrial and aquatic animals; mapping techniques using geographic information systems (GIS); developing ways in which to communicate ideas and messages about conservation issues to wider society; and evaluating the impacts of animal disease.
You will be given training to help develop your analytical and research skills in preparation for the Honours Project, where you explore an area of interest in greater depth.
Through our close connection to a number of conservation and animal welfare organisations, this programme will extend your knowledge of animal biology beyond foundation degree level, with the emphasis of your studies chosen by you.
The programme will apply knowledge in these fields, particularly in South West England, but also internationally. There will also be some formative assessment by mini in-class tests, presentations and group work.
Opportunities also exist to enhance your skills and experience via attending one of the optional residential international field trips to Borneo, South Africa or Honduras (subject to additional fee and availability)
This popular programme provides an ideal graduate-level route into veterinary nursing and successful completion allows registration with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons as a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN). The programme is run over three years and is strongly linked to the workplace: you undertake a veterinary nursing placement in practice for two to three days per week in the first and second years and full-time in the third year.
Work-related learning is fully integrated, with 1800 hours of completed veterinary nursing work experience and assessments for the programme relating directly to the veterinary nursing industry.
The modules offered provide a broad education in veterinary nursing of small animals – covering all of the requirements necessary to register as an RVN – as well as in additional areas such as animal behaviour, care and rehabilitation and animal nutrition.
You will explore current issues in the industry and are encouraged to investigate areas of your interest. A research project is completed in the third year.
The programme is delivered by a team of specialists including veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, animal scientists and zoologists, all of whom have practical industry experience.
Level 6 • Full-time • Duchy College Stoke Climsland
This programme provides progression for graduates of the FdSc in Veterinary Nursing or Animal Health and Management, or equivalent programmes. It is a contemporary and relevant Level 6 qualification, run over one year for full time students or two years for part time students, based mainly at our Stoke Climsland campus.
The programme incorporates a range of core and optional modules which ensure relevance for students who intend to work in any part of the animal health or veterinary industry. In addition, some option strands will be primarily aimed at Veterinary Nursing graduates, enabling them to develop specialist areas of interest and facilitate progression within practice.
You will explore current issues in the industry and are encouraged to investigate areas of your interest.
An Honours Project is completed as part of the year. The modules are closely linked to industry and students will be encouraged to support their learning with appropriate work experience. Graduates of this programme will be at the forefront of an ever changing world, where animal welfare is increasingly seen as paramount, and will be able to make a real and meaningful impact in this area.
Level 1 • Full-time • Duchy College Rosewarne, Duchy College Stoke Climsland
If you are interested in working with animals and are considering working in this rewarding and varied industry, the Level 1 Land-based Operations course is for you.
As you study you will learn, develop and practice skills required for employment and/or career progression in the Land-based sector and gain valuable transferable skills. Throughout the course you will be challenged, but the team of dedicated tutors will support you every step of the way to explore where you might want your career path to take you.
The Level 1 Diploma also offers the opportunity to improve on your GCSE grades in Maths and English if you want to gain a higher grade. This could assist you to progress onto a Level 2 programme or Apprenticeship.
At Duchy College, Rosewarne.
The Animal Care Unit is a wonderful learning environment and offers practical and theory sessions which are taught using the on-site facilities which are truly amazing. You will work in groups and complete practical tasks, under supervision, working on the College Campus with the wide range of animals in the Animal Unit. The animals you will be working with range from Large animals (Goats, Donkeys, pigs etc), Small animals (Rabbits, Guinea pigs, Chinchillas, Degus, Hamsters, Mice etc), Birds (Finches, Parakeets, Quails etc) and Exotics including (Reptiles, Amphibians and fish) so you can see there is literally something for everyone. You will also have the opportunity to learn about growing food plants, making use of the College’s diverse facilities.
At Duchy College Stoke Climsland
We have a large range of animals at the college including rabbits and guinea pigs, goats, pigs, and rodents. We also have snakes, lizards, amphibians as well as fish. Alongside practical lessons your theory lessons in the classroom will include Health and Safety, preparing to work in Land-based industry, assist with the health and well-being of animals, introduction to wildlife and conservation, assist with feeding and watering animals, assist with the preparation and maintenance of animal accommodation and assist with the handling and restraint of animals. All units are designed to give you the basic skills needed to care for a range of animals. Our animal care unit has been built to provide an environment for students to be able to learn the basics of animal care replicating industry standards. Our lecturers have background knowledge and experience in the animal care industry and are passionate about sharing this with students.
During the course there will be guest speakers to share their knowledge and experience to enhance your learning and personal development. You will also have the opportunity to visit some animal establishments to see how your learning can be put into practice in the world of work.
Level 2 • Full-time • Duchy College Rosewarne, Duchy College Stoke Climsland
This Level 2 Animal Care course is available both Duchy college campuses, which are each home to a large variety of animals.
The Level 2 Technical Certificate in Animal Care is about preparing you for any career with animals. Whether going into further study, wanting to become a pet shop assistant, a zoo keeper or work in rescue centres, this course sets you up for a career in the animal industry.
Caring for animals can be an extremely fulfilling and rewarding career. From working in kennels and catteries to pet shops, rescue centres or sanctuaries, there is a wide range of careers available on successful completion of your course. With access to animal collections on campus you will gain the practical training you need to pursue a career in this exciting industry.
This is a one year course than runs from September to July. It is run over 4 days at college and 1 day at a work experience placement to gain at all important experience. This course uses a balance of theory and practice to help you develop the skills and knowhow to confidently work with animals’ great and small.
You will cover a broad range of topics that cater for all animals from small to large mammals, to birds, reptiles, fish and amphibians. You will learn how to maintain animal health and welfare, how to care for feeding and accommodation routines. You will explore animal behaviour and correct handling techniques, along with ensuring Health & Safety is paramount in the Animal and Land based industries.
You will learn about how to care for exotics animals and how animals’ biological systems work.
You will also get to choose between either Introduction to Caring for Horses or Livestock. You will trial both units before deciding which you would like to develop further.
You will study a combination of theory and practical work, and can expect to spend time both at college and in a work experience placement of your choice. You will also have the opportunity to go on field trips to local zoos, wildlife parks and animal sanctuaries.
You will need to purchase PPE to wear during your practical sessions. More information about what PPE will be required will be provided upon application.
