Animal

Foundation Year (Animal Science)

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.

Studying for a degree with an integrated foundation year will offer you a supportive environment if you have been out of education for a few years or do not have the necessary UCAS points from your recent course of study.

The Foundation Year (Animal Science) is the first year of a four-year undergraduate degree. Following the completion of the foundation year students will progress onto their pre chosen animal science degree pathway.

Students can choose from the following integrated foundation year animal science degree courses:

BSc (Hons) Animal Science (with Foundation Year)
UCAS Code:DF21


BSc (Hons) Animal Science (Bioveterinary Science) with Foundation Year
UCAS Code:DF32


BSc (Hons) Animal Science (Livestock Technology) with Foundation Year
UCAS Code:DF36


BSc (Hons) Animal Science (Pet Behaviour and Welfare) with Foundation Year
UCAS Code:DF39


BSc (Hons) Animal Science (Zoo and Wildlife Conservation) with Foundation Year
UCAS Code:DF38


Please note:
Following successful completion, students will progress to the next year of their pre chosen Animal Science degree course programme.

Please see our Animal Science degree course programmes below for details of modules taught following the foundation year.


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)

Key

OPTIONAL MODULES

Optional modules
Students can select 30 credits of optional modules from year two and 30 credits of optional modules from year 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.


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)

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.


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 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)

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 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)
Clinical Animal Behaviour
(15 credits)
Developing Clinical Practice
(15 credits)

 

Applicants should have achieved 5 GCSEs at Grade 4/C or above, to include English and preferably Maths. Equivalent qualifications in lieu of GCSEs may also be considered. Consideration is also given to applicants who have significant industry experience, but no formal qualifications. Applications from mature candidates are welcomed.

UCAS Tariff Points

32 tariff points.

GCE A Levels

Minimum 32 UCAS tariff points, to include one GCE A Level grade E or above.

Irish Certificate

32 UCAS tariff points in the Irish Leaving Certificate. This must include a minimum of one Highers at H4 or above.

Scottish Highers

32 UCAS tariff points in Scottish Highers. This must include a minimum of one Higher grade D or above.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

32 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, to include a minimum of one Higher at H3 or above. This must also include Maths and English Language at a minimum of Standard Level S3 if equivalent GCSE's have not been obtained.

Overseas students:

Considered on individual merit and level of qualifications / evidence of English language ability. International students will need an IELTS score of 5.5 with a minimum of 5 in all elements.

Mature Students:

We particularly welcome applications from mature students, each application is considered on its own merit.

Students are taught using a variety of learning and teaching methods, depending on your chosen animal management degree course these include.

  • 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

Students are assessed in a variety of ways many of which are centred on the College farm, depending on your chosen animal management degree course these include.

  • 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

Animal Management & Science
with Dr Eleanor Drinkwater

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.