Animal Management (Zoo and Wildlife Conservation)
Learn about the zoo industry, wildlife management, and breeding and conservation efforts, in the UK and internationally.
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.
in the East of England for undergraduates employed as managers, directors or senior officials.
Source: GOS 2025
If you’re passionate about protecting wildlife and working with exotic species, our BSc (Hons) Animal Management (Zoo and Wildlife Conservation) degree prepares you for a rewarding career in zoos, conservation and animal welfare. By combining hands-on experience with animals and academic study in health, nutrition, behaviour and sustainability, you’ll gain the practical skills and industry insight through field trips and expert-led learning, equipping you to make a real impact in the animal industry.
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Find out more about studying Animal Management at ARU in this short video.
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 begin by exploring the fundamentals of animal management, covering biology, ethics and essential practical and professional skills.
In years two and three, you’ll build on your knowledge of these core topics by focusing on behaviour, breeding and animal health in relation to zoo animals and wildlife. Finally, you’ll complete an independent research project on a topic of your choice. It’s a great opportunity to dive deeper into 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 *.
- 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
- 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)
- Major 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)
To prepare you for university study, you can take a foundation year at the start of this course. Find out more about foundation years.
- 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)
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 at ARU Writtle, 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.