A brown chequered snake draped over a student's arm
BSc (Hons) Available in Clearing

Animal Management (Zoo and Wildlife Conservation)

Learn about the zoo industry, wildlife management, and breeding and conservation efforts, in the UK and internationally.

Start date
September 2025
Location
Writtle
Duration
3 years
UCAS course code
D305

Start date
September 2025
Location
Writtle
Duration
4 years with foundation
UCAS course code
DF05

You have the option to study this course over one year to achieve a CertHE or, if you've already completed a foundation degree (or equivalent), you have the option to study this course over one year as a Top-Up, which will upgrade your existing qualification to a full honours degree.

CertHE students study the same modules as students on Year 1 of the BSc, and Top-Up students study the same modules as students on Year 3 of the BSc.

The CertHE is open to UK students only. The next Top-Up intake is in September 2026.

It's possible to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as BSc (Hons) students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.

As a part-time student you'll study for twice as long as full-time students, so your degree will take six years to complete. If you choose to add a foundation year, your degree will take eight years to complete.

It's possible to combine part-time and foundation options. Contact us to discuss what you can do, or choose a combination of options when you apply online.

1st

in the East of England for undergraduates employed as managers, directors or senior officials.

Source: GOS

If you’re passionate about zoo animals and wildlife and want to support breeding and conservation efforts, our industry-focused course will give you the knowledge and skills to pursue a successful career.

As well as hands-on learning with animals, you’ll study a range of modules that cover animal health, zoo management and conservation. It’s ideal if you’re interested in a career in roles such as zookeeping, zoo nutrition or wildlife education.

Careers

Our Animal Management (Zoo and Wildlife Conservation) degree gives you a comprehensive understanding of the zoo industry and wildlife management.

Graduation doesn't have to be the end of your time with us. You might decide to stay at ARU and study a Masters degree, such as our MSc Animal Welfare and Conservation or MSc Conservation Education and Engagement. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.

Teaching and modules

You’ll start by learning about the fundamentals of animal management, covering biology, ethics, and essential practical and professional skills.

In years 2-3, as well as building on your knowledge of these core topics, you’ll focus on genetics, biotechnology and animal growth as they pertain to zoo animals and wildlife.

You’ll round off your degree by completing an independent research project on a relevant topic of your choice. It’s a great opportunity to look at an area that interests you in more depth while demonstrating everything you’ve learned.

Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.

Year 1
  • Professional Skills for the Animal Industry (30 credits)
  • Animal Biology (30 credits)
  • Ethics of Animal Use (15 credits)
  • Human-Animal Interaction (15 credits)
  • Animal Husbandry (15 credits)
  • Ecology and Evolution (15 credits)
  • Into ARU
Year 2
  • Research Methods (15 credits)
  • Commercial and Professional Skills for Animal Science (15 credits)
  • Behaviour (15 credits)
  • Animal Health and Welfare (15 credits)
  • Management of Zoo Animal Collections (15 credits)
  • Principles of Animal Nutrition
  • Reproduction and Breeding (15 credits)
  • Wildlife Conservation Skills (15 credits)
Year 3
  • Capstone Project (30 credits)
  • Applied Nutrition and Feeding (15 credits)
  • Applied Health Management (15 credits)
  • Applied Issues in Wildlife Conservation (15 credits)
  • Strategies and Issues in Animal Breeding (15 credits)
  • Applied Behaviour and Animal Welfare (15 credits)
  • Developments in Zoo Management (15 credits)
Module details

To prepare you for university study, you can take a foundation year at the start of this course. Find out more about foundation years.

Year 1
  • Academic and Personal Management Skills (20 credits)
  • Biological Concepts (Introduction to Laboratory Skills) (20 credits)
  • Maths for IT and Science (15 credits)
  • Chemistry for Life Sciences (15 credits)
  • Applied Industry Techniques (30 credits)
  • Independent (Themed) Project (20 credits)
Module details

You have the option to study this course over one year to achieve a CertHE or, if you've already completed a foundation degree (or equivalent), you have the option to study this course over one year as a Top-Up, which will upgrade your existing qualification to a full honours degree.

CertHE students study the same modules as students on Year 1 of the BSc, and Top-Up students study the same modules as students on Year 3 of the BSc.

The CertHE is open to UK students only. The next Top-Up intake is in September 2026.

It's possible to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as BSc (Hons) students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.

As a part-time student you'll study for twice as long as full-time students, so your degree will take six years to complete. If you choose to add a foundation year, your degree will take eight years to complete.

Facilities

As an Animal Management student, you'll:

  • study on our 150-hectare campus with its specialist animal centres and working farm
  • take part in animal handling practicals involving work with a wide range of domesticated and captive species
  • go on 'behind the scenes' trips and privileged experiences throughout your course
  • learn from high-profile subject specialist staff.

Take a guided tour and meet our students

Entry requirements

Fees and funding

Apply for Animal Management (Zoo and Wildlife Conservation)

Clearing places available

UK students, apply online

UK students

Call our Clearing line

01245 686868

UK students

Apply through UCAS for 2026

International students

Apply direct

Part-time courses

Apply directly to ARU

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