We are pleased to confirm that Writtle University College and ARU (Anglia Ruskin University) are joining together. The merger will happen during the 23/24 academic year. Writtle’s full range of Higher and Further Education courses will continue to be delivered on site at the Writtle campus, enhanced by resources available at nearby ARU. If you are starting your course in September 2024, your degree will be awarded by ARU. Find out more about ARU, including our recent Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework, at aru.ac.uk.
Animal
This course offers a fresh approach to animal science, which is achieved by incorporating practical animal management skills into a broad programme of academic study. This three year Animal Science degree will enable students to develop a sound understanding of scientific principles whilst also developing practical competence with a wide range of species. Students are able to focus their studies on different animal species in order to make their degree relevant to a particular career. Previous examples include:
- Zoo animals
- Companion animals
- Wildlife conservation
- Farm livestock
The final year dissertation aims to develop research skills within the context of the animal sector. Graduates will have a broad scientific training, but more importantly will be able to communicate their understanding to others and apply their skills to specific situations.
Course Modules
| STAGE ONE | |
|---|---|
| SEMESTER A | SEMESTER B |
| Professional Skills for the Animal Industry (30 credits) |
|
| Animal Biology (30 credits) |
|
| Ethics of Animal Use (15 credits) |
Introduction to Biochemistry (15 credits) |
| Animal Husbandry (15 credits) |
|
| Ecology and Evolution (15 credits) |
|
| STAGE TWO | |
|---|---|
| SEMESTER A | SEMESTER B |
| Research Methods (15 credits) |
|
| Commercial and Professional Skills for Animal Science (15 credits) |
|
| Behaviour (15 credits) |
Nutritional Biochemistry (15 credits) |
| Animal Health Science (15 credits) |
Reproduction and Development (15 credits) |
| Livestock Production Systems (15 credits) |
Livestock from Farm to Fork (15 credits) |
| Management of Zoo Animal Collections (15 credits) |
Wildlife Conservation Skills (15 credits) |
| Professional Practice and Legislation (15 credits) |
Applied Behaviour and Training (15 credits) |
| Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology (15 credits) |
Veterinary Immunology (15 credits) |
| Animal Rescue, Rehabilitation & Rehoming (15 credits) |
|
| STAGE THREE | |
|---|---|
| SEMESTER A | SEMESTER B |
| Capstone Project (30 credits) |
|
| Applied Nutrition and Feeding (15 credits) |
Advanced Animal Health Science (15 credits) |
| Genetics and Genomics (15 credits) |
Applied Behaviour and Animal Welfare (15 credits) |
| Livestock Technology (15 credits) |
Developments in Livestock Production (15 credits) |
| Applied Issues in Wildlife Conservation (15 credits) |
Developments in Zoo Management (15 credits) |
| Clinical Animal Behaviour (15 credits) |
Developing Clinical Practice (15 credits) |
| Veterinary Epidemiology & Public Health (15 credits) |
Veterinary Ethics & Legislation (15 credits) |
| Conservation Planning and Development (15 credits) |
|
Key
| OPTIONAL MODULES |
|---|
Optional modules
Students can select 30 credits of optional modules from stage two and 30 credits of optional modules from stage three.
Note
These are the modules that are offered in this academic year; however, the optional modules available may be subject to change for the following reasons:
- Staff availability - for example the availability of staff to deliver specialist modules, which cannot be delivered by staff who do not have the relevant specialist expertise.
- In response to feedback and annual review processes to ensure we continually enhance our programmes. Changes in these circumstances will usually be made for the benefit of students.
- Student demand - to ensure there are adequate numbers on a module to support the provision of an excellent Learning & Teaching experience.
- The currency of the relevant module. Some modules are specified at a time when they reflect the issues that are currently topical in the subject area. They may have lost that currency by the time that the student is required to exercise the option. In the circumstances, in order to ensure that students are provided with an appropriate learning experience, those modules will be replaced by those which are relevant to the changing nature of the subject area.
The Writtle University College will endeavour to ensure that any impact on students is limited if such changes occur.
Entry Requirements
The following information provides the entry requirements for this particular course.
UCAS Tariff Points
96
GCE A Levels
96 UCAS tariff points, to include one GCE A level grade C or above
Irish Certificate
96 UCAS tariff points, to include 4 x H3 higher, one of which in a relevant science-based subject
Scottish Highers
96 UCAS tariff points, to include 3 x B
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
Total (IB) Diploma point score of 24 or more
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma
MMM
BTEC Level 3 Diploma
DD
C & G Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma (720)
Distinction (96)
C & G Level 3 Extended Diploma
Merit (96)
C & G Level 3 Diploma
Distinction (96)
Please note:
An equivalent or higher combination of grades to that indicated above will also be accepted.
GCSEs
All applicants must hold a minimum of four GCSE passes at grade C/4 or above to include English, Maths and Science.
Access course
Writtle University College welcomes applicants studying Access to HE Diploma courses. For more information please contact Admissions.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL/APEL)
Information about our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL/APEL) policy can be found on our Higher Education Regulations and Policies page.
Learning & Teaching Methods
The following list shows the variety of learning and teaching methods experienced on this course.
- Animal handling practicals involving work with a wide range of domesticated and captive animal species including pigs
- Tutorials
- Seminars and debates
- Inquiry-based learning
- Visits
- Online quizzes, wikis and activities
- Laboratory practical classes including dissections
Assessment Methods
This course provides a mix of assessment methods including.
- Practical assessments with companion and zoo animals, farm livestock and horses
- Examinations - both multiple choice and essay questions
- Presentations - both individually and in small groups
- Essays and technical reports
- Assessed seminars
- Case studies
- Experimental work and laboratory reports
- Poster presentations
- Debates
- Dissertation
Employment Details
This list of careers below are those that graduates from this programme have been successful in.
- Animal nutritionist and pet food manufacturing
- Nutrition company sales rep
- Veterinary pharmaceutical and equipment supplies
- Animal Welfare Officer
- Companion and zoo animal keepers ( RSPCA, SSPCA, rescue centres, zoos and safari parks)
- RSPCA
- Progression to Vet School
- Post-graduate study
- Zoo animal keeper
- Quarantine officers
- Animal health inspectors e.g. DEFRA
- Independent wildlife agencies (RSPB, Scottish Natural Heritage, Natural England)
- Membership to professional organisations allied to animal science e.g. British Society of Animal Science (BSAS); European Association of Animal Production (EAAP); British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums; Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW).
Collaborative Working
Join Dr Eleanor Drinkwater and Darren Veitch as they present a series of fascinating, animal packed episodes that culminate in an interactive and enlightening Subject Spotlight focussed on Animal Management & Science.
Find out more