Animal Management (Zoo and Wildlife Conservation)

After graduating, you’ll be ready for a wide range of roles in the animal sector. Whether you see yourself working hands-on in zoos, supporting wildlife conservation projects, managing animal welfare programmes, or inspiring others through education and research, this degree gives you the practical skills and industry insight to succeed. You’ll also benefit from our strong links with zoos, wildlife trusts and conservation organisations to kick-start your career.

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.

Previous graduates have gone onto a variety of job roles, including:

• zoo keeping
• zoo nutrition
• zoo and wildlife education.

You could also consider roles in related fields, with other graduates finding success working in animal nutrition, animal welfare officer roles and animal research technician roles. You might also progress to vet school.

We want you to be a step ahead when you graduate, so we offer:

• courses designed with employers
• tutors with professional industry knowledge
• hands-on learning through Live Briefs, internships and placements
• Ruskin Modules that help develop the skills employers value.

Alongside your course, there are lots of other opportunities to build your skills and experience:

• add value to your CV with an ARU Certificate of Professional Development
• get involved in a thriving volunteering programme
• develop your brilliant business ideas
• work with businesses to make a social impact.

We’re here to help you develop your CV and find that all-important role after graduation. Our Employability Service offers tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, help to complete job applications, and much more. You’ll have 24/7 access to an online Careers Centre too, which is packed with useful resources.

The support continues after you graduate, with lifelong access to our Alumni Career Centre.

Find out more about careers support at ARU.

A foundation year prepares you for the rest of your course, and focuses on general skills such as researching and referencing, numeracy and ICT, and communication. We'll also start to look at some more subject-specific topics.

We'll assess your progress in a number of ways 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, and your dissertation.

You’ll need a laptop, along with standard safety equipment for outdoor work. This includes steel toe-capped boots or wellingtons, long-sleeved overalls and a waterproof jacket and trousers. The estimated cost is between £100 and £250.

You’ll also need notebook and paper for note taking, pens, pencils folders and a scientific calculator.

You’ll have the opportunity to participate in optional animal and conservation trips, both locally and overseas. Please note that these trips are self-funded at your own expense.