FdSc Management of Animal Collections with Conservation
Course Details
-
Department
Animal Management -
Qualification
Level 5 -
Course Type
Full Time -
Length
2 Years -
Location(s)
York
Course at a glance
Dive into the heart of species conservation with our dynamic foundation degree in the management and conservation of animal collections, tailored for those passionate about studying animal behaviour, management and welfare in zoos, safaris and wildlife parks.
UCAS Code
D328
Awarding Body: Askham Bryan College
Centre Code
A70
What you will learn
At University Centre Askham Bryan, we’re not just about textbooks and lectures; we offer an immersive experience supported by a range of industry-specific resources. Our dedicated team of academic and industry experts ensures that your educational journey is both enriching and comprehensive, covering vital aspects of animal-based industries.
Our campus is home to the esteemed Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park, a BIAZA accredited and licensed educational and commercial zoo. This presents a unique opportunity for you to engage directly with a modern forward thinking zoo, blending theory with practice in the most impactful way.
You will be exposed to key theory and practical skills for animal science and conservation including ethical management, health and nutrition, genetics, zoo operations management and animal training, designed to advance and hone your graduate attributes leading to a successful career in the zoo industry.
If you’re ready to make a difference in the world of zoo management and conservation and acquire skills that will set you apart in the animal industry, our programme is your gateway to an extraordinary career. Let your conservation journey begin at University Centre Askham Bryan, where your passion for wildlife and dedication to conservation will flourish.
This course is 2-years full time (part-time study may also be available – contact he@askham-bryan.ac.uk for more information about part-time study).
Year 1 Modules
- Academic Writing and Research
- Animal Anatomy and Physiology
- Practical Animal Health and Husbandry
- Human – Zoo Animal Interactions
- Interpretive Enclosure Design
Elective Modules (elect one)
*We cannot guarantee placement on your preferred elective if the module does not meet the minimum enrolment requirements or is oversubscribed due to resource limitations*.
Year 2 Modules
- Independent Research Project
- Collections Management
- Collections Husbandry
- Introduction to Conservation Genetics
Elective Modules (elect two)
- Conservation Education
- Incubation and Rearing
- Management of Habitats and Protected Areas
- Principles of Animal Training
*We cannot guarantee placement on your preferred elective if the module does not meet the minimum enrolment requirements or is oversubscribed due to resource limitations*.
Programme Specification
Programme Specification FdSc Management of Animal Collections with Conservation 2025
Key Information
Applicants should have achieved:
- 64 UCAS Points (2025/26 entry)
• 5 GCSE’s including Maths English and Science at Grade C/4 or above. Equivalent qualifications may be accepted in lieu of GCSE’s. Applicants must have successfully completed a full Level 3 study and/or have significant industry experience.
Some students may be asked to attend an interview.
Applicants who believe they may be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Certificated and/or Experiential Learning (APCL/APEL) will be considered on an individual basis.
If you have any queries in relation to entry qualifications, then please contact the University Centre directly.
On successful completion, students may wish to consider progressing onto one of the University Centre’s top-up courses, (BSc Zoo Management, BSc Animal Conservation or BSc Animal Management) allowing students to graduate with a BSc or BSc(Hons) degree.
Students studying the course may enter a wide variety of roles in the industry as a zoo keeper, scientific researcher, wildlife manager, lecturer, animal trainer or working on the field of conservation education.
UK, Isle of Man and Channel Isles Students on BSc Honours Degree/ BSc Top up/ Foundation Degree/ Extended Foundation Degree – £9,000
Please note that the fee status of each applicant will be assessed prior to any offer being made (Home Fee or Overseas/International Fee). Where required further information may be requested ensure the correct fee status is allocated. For further information about on studying in the UK and fee status, please visit UKCISA
Non-Home (Overseas Students) on Honours Degree/ Foundation Degree/ Extended Foundation Degree – £14,000
This programme requires students to undertake 300 hours of work placement, with 150 completed each academic year. For the first academic year the work placement hours are completed within the licensed and BIAZA accredited Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park. This work placement is likely to involve some weekend work, as well as days within the half-term breaks. Second year work placement is completed with an external provider which is arranged by the student.
All work placements are subject to a health and safety check by the college to ensure that placements are suitable and safe. Support can be made available via the module tutor to help locate a suitable placement.
If you are already working in the sector, it may be possible to APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning) this element of the course. Evidence of such employment will be needed, outlining duties etc for consideration at the APL panel, where applications will be considered on an individual basis. If you have any queries in relation to this, then please contact the University Centre team directly.
University Centre Askham Bryan fosters diverse talents and skills through a range of engaging assessment methods tailored to hone industry standard subject skills, as well as transferable skills and graduate attributes. From traditional coursework to time-constrained assessments that sharpen quick thinking, with each assessment opportunity you can showcase your abilities.
Engage in online assessments blending technology with information for adaptable problem-solving. Whilst presentations amplify your voice, and scholarly viva-voce discussions deepen understanding. Practical assessments bridge theory with real-world application, helping to shape your subject expertise.
With our varied approach, learning isn’t just about meeting standards—it’s about discovering your potential within an educational landscape.
In addition to tuition fees and accommodation if applicable. Students will need to budget for some extra costs as part of this course, which you will need to pay for yourself.
Below is a link to a list with approximate additional course cost to help with your budgeting.
International Trip Opportunities
Our students get great opportunities for study trips abroad to experience some amazing places such as Borneo, South Africa, Bangkok, Tenerife and even sunny South Wales.
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