Foundation Degree in Animal Science

About the Course

Students holding hedgehog The Foundation Degree in Animal Science (with Equine options) is validated by the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.

It is delivered part-time one day a week over three years at the college's Pibwrlwyd campus in Carmarthen.

Students are required to undertake compulsory internship within an animal / environmental or equine related business.

The course programme provides the knowledge, understanding and critical analytical skills to inform current and future professionals and draws on a wide range of intellectual resources, theoretical perspectives and academic disciplines to facilitate understanding of animal sciences across a diverse range of fields of study.

In addition to these core elements, the programme encourages student research and discussion in relation to current issues of animal management, ethics, legislation and environmental change.

Award
FdSc

Course Length
3 years

Entry Requirements

Entry will be granted to applicants who demonstrate the academic ability and potential to benefit from the programme. Students will be expected to have four GCSEs at grade C and above, plus 40 UCAS points.

Applications from mature learners who may not meet these criteria will be considered on their own merit at interview based on their experience and other qualifications they may have gained as they may be industrially relevant.

The college welcomes students with a range of appropriate vocational qualifications and experience to apply in addition to the traditional 'A' level route. These could include the Level 3 Baccalaureate, Apprenticeships, NVQs, AVCEs, National Diplomas and Advanced National Certificates, NPTC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma and Diploma in Animal or Equine Management.

Career Opportunities

The programme enables students to develop a range of skills which transfer easily to the world of work. Employement routes can include:

  • Veterinary Nursing Assistants
  • Pet Retail Managers
  • Conservation Managers
  • Animal Technicians
  • Competition and Sport Horse Management
  • Riding School and Livery Stables Management
  • Animal Nutritionist
  • Animal Breeders
  • Small Holding Management
  • Marine Management
  • Animal Rescue Workers
  • Research/ laboratory workers
  • DEFRA / Local Government Welfare Officers
  • Kennel and Cattery Managers
  • Charity Workers

The multidisciplinary vocational range of the course allows for progression onto a range of honours programmes such as veterinary nursing, animal behaviour, environmental management, conservation, marine biology, equine science, ecology and zoology.

Typical modules

Level 4 Compulsory Core modules

  • Industry Based Learning 1
  • Compulsory Core: Nutrition Compulsory
  • Core Study Skills
  • Compulsory Core Level 4 Modules
  • Biological Concepts (animals)
  • Equitation Coaching
  • Exotic Species Management
  • Horse Centre Management
  • Marine Biology
  • Ornamental Fish Management

Level 5 Compulsory Core modules

  • Animal Anatomy and Physiology
  • Industry Based Learning 2: Placement Research and Evaluation
  • Landbased Business Management
  • Level 5 Modules
  • Animal Behaviour
  • Animal Breeding
  • Animal Nursing and First Aid
  • Animal Welfare
  • Anthrozoology Conservation
  • Biology Health and Epidemiology in Animals
  • Microbiology Specialist Study
  • NB The modules selected for delivery each year are determined by the animal science team to meet the needs of the student cohort and is dependent on student numbers, staff availablility and resources.

Method of Assessment

Each module is individually assessed. Students must complete 240 credits, of which a minimum of 120 must be at level five. The programme uses a range of assessment methods so that all students are given opportunities to demonstrate their strengths and in order to promote their graduate key skills. Assessment methods include examinations, written reports, research projects, practical assessments, essays and presentations.