Animal Behavioural Science & Welfare

Foundation Degree (FdSc)

Study mode Full time / Part time

Location Moulton

Level Level 5

Start date Sept 2025

Duration 2 years / 3 years

Awarding body University of Northampton

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This course is suitable for anyone wishing to work with animals and will give students the knowledge and expertise to enter a wide range of professions in this area.

This is a two year Level 5 programme with the opportunity to enter the BSc (Top Up) upon achievement.

Our on-site facilities include a working farm, Animal Welfare Centre, Equine Yard and Veterinary Practice, where you can gain hands-on commercial experience alongside your studies.

We also have links with a wide range of animal organisations, such as Woburn Safari Park, Colchester Zoo, The Raptor Foundation, Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Dodson and Horrell Feed Specialists, RSPCA, Woodgreen Animal Shelter and Twycross Zoo.

The first year provides the underpinning knowledge of how animal bodies work and how different species are managed as well as allowing you to sample a variety of areas to specialise in later.

You will be able to gain hands-on experience of working with a wide range of species alongside studying the more scientific aspects of keeping animals.

In year two, you will further explore animal body systems and the law and ethics behind the animal industry whilst specialising in one of the following: Animal Science, Veterinary Health, Animal Behaviour and Welfare or Conservation.

Industrial experience and research forms a key part of this course whereby you must also complete an industrial placement and project of your choice within the animal sector.

For information about course fees please refer to our Fees and Financial Support pages.

The course is assessed through a rage of assessments including written assignments, poster presentations, seminar presentations, portfolios, exams and project work. The course is mostly assessed through individual assessments, but elements of group work may be incorporated to bring in a real-world learning experience.

The Foundation degree is unique in that it includes two modules with strong industry links; a work placement at an agreed placement and an industry linked project.

Our variety of assessment methods, providing students with an increased chance of success, have been commended by external examiners.

Upon successful completion of this course you could progress on to our BSc (Hons) top-up degree to complete your studies. Previous students have progressed from this course to work in various fields in the animal industry.

Please see the typical offer list below. A wide range of qualifications are accepted. Applicants may also be offered a place on the basis of their experience and we would welcome applications from mature students or people currently working in industry who are seeking Continuing Professional Development (CPD) or part time study opportunities

Qualification	Grade Profile	UCAS Tariff Points
Level 3 Extended Diploma	PPP	48 points
Level 3 Diploma	MP	48 points
A-Levels	DD or EEE	48 points
International Baccalaureate		24 points
Scottish Highers	DD	30 points
Higher Irish Leaving Certificate	B1/B2	54 points

We also have Access to Higher Education course options which can support you in gaining the qualifications required for a degree level programme.

International Students

If you are an international student looking to study this course please contact our Student Services team to check the entry requirements for details on country specific entry requirements.

The UCAS code for this course is D302.

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