STUDY

Undergraduate

FdSc Conservation Science and Animal Management

Institution code: S82
UCAS code: D328
Start date: September 2026
Duration: Two years full-time
Location: East Coast College (Great Yarmouth)
Typical Offer: 80 UCAS tariff points (or above)
Institution code: S82
UCAS code: D328
Start date: September 2026
Duration: Two years full-time
Location: East Coast College (Great Yarmouth)
Typical Offer: 80 UCAS tariff points (or above)

Overview

The FdSc Conservation Science and Animal Management is an exciting and dynamic course will enable you to develop an understanding of the essential practical and theoretical elements of the management of animal species, and populations with relation to ecology, environmental management, and human impact.

The course offers opportunities to study animal management, wildlife surveying, distribution and conservation within a range of environments.
You will develop an essential broad base to the theoretical knowledge and practical experience needed for working in the conservation and animal management industries and includes compulsory work experience. This course offers you an opportunity to follow a career into wildlife conservation and management at home or abroad by offering an insight into both in situ and ex situ conservation.
You will also have the opportunity to participate in field research both in the UK and usually an overseas research trip in the second year. In recent years this has been a 2-week trip to the Umphafa Private Nature Reserve in South Africa to offer some amazing, hands-on conservation experiences. You will have access to the Zoological Society of East Anglia (ZSEA) facility – Africa Alive – in your second year to apply skills and knowledge in the field.

Whist this is a full-time course, typically this course generally only requires one-two days on campus attendance, supported by self-directed study. This means you can continue to work alongside your studies and balance other commitments. This programme is not open to students requiring a Student visa to study in the UK.

As voted for by students, Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025, winner University of the Year.

Whist this is a full-time course, typically this course generally only requires 1-2 days on campus attendance, supported by self-directed study. This means you can continue to work alongside your studies and balance other commitments.

Course Modules

The course gives you the necessary skills to help conserve wild animals by developing your knowledge in topics such as ecology, biodiversity, captive breeding, animal behaviour and learning.  You will also gain practical experience in observing, surveying and the husbandry of animals.

Full downloadable information regarding all University of Suffolk courses, including Key Facts, Course Aims, Course Structure and Assessment, is available in the Definitive Course Record.

This module provides you with a foundational understanding of animal anatomy, physiology, and cellular biology, which are essential for careers in animal science, research, and related biological fields. By exploring the structure and function of major organ systems and mechanisms such as homeostasis, you develop the scientific knowledge required to maintain animal health and welfare.

Behavioural ecology in its broadest sense is the study of adaptations, and the selective pressures that yield them, in different ecological environments. Some adaptations are behavioural and sometimes behaviour drives the evolution of new adaptations by creating new selective environments. This module will focus particularly on behaviours and other adaptations that arise as a consequence of interacting with others. There is a strong interest in social evolution, and the selective conditions that yield cooperation rather than conflict.

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practices involved in the identification and management of wild animal populations. You will develop skills in accurately identifying species and understanding their ecological roles, which is essential for effective conservation and management strategies. The module explores the challenges posed by wildlife, including human-wildlife conflict, and examines approaches to conserving populations in natural and managed environments.

This module introduces you to the fundamental principles of animal health and disease, providing essential knowledge for careers in animal care and management. You will explore common pathogens and the role of nutrition in maintaining good health, alongside the causes, transmission, prevention, and treatment of common animal diseases. Emphasis will be placed on recognising clinical signs and understanding how environmental and management factors influence disease occurrence.

This module supports you in developing essential skills for higher education and career success, including communication, independent learning, teamwork, and personal development planning. It emphasises a proactive, self-managed approach to learning and performance, both academically and in the workplace. You will gain vocational experience, reflect on your activities, and identify ways to enhance current and future employability.

Effective breeding programs and the correct management of breeding animals are essential for the success of captive breeding and species reintroduction initiatives. This module builds on genetic principles, applying these fundamentals to the genetic management of small populations. It also explores reproductive technologies critical for managing breeding stock effectively.

This module builds on the concepts delivered in the Level 4 module on Behavioural Ecology and enables you to analyse how a good knowledge of animal behaviour can be used to enhance welfare of captive animals and assist in training and husbandry regimes. You will analyse case studies and receive expert guidance from zoo staff on training and enrichment methods.

Emphasis in this module is placed on current zoo husbandry techniques, modern enclosure design, good management practice, and co-ordination of collections and breeding programmes for endangered species. The module includes the management of health, nutrition and breeding programmes for exotic zoo species and will encompass other key topics such as handling, welfare, behaviour, training, record keeping, enclosure design, legislation and the global community in a zoo context.

With an ever-increasing population there is more pressure on rural environments and the species that inhabit them. In order for wildlife conservation to be effective, both at home and abroad, it is essential people understand the functions of different environments and the impact their actions have on different species. This module provides you with an understanding of the development of environmental education and the different methods of delivering it to all sectors of society.

The ability to plan, manage, carry out, analyse and report on a project is an essential skill and this module enables you to develop skills of independent enquiry, undertaking a sustained investigation into a topic of relevance to their academic and professional development. It gives you the opportunity to develop planning and analytical skills, safe and accurate collection of data and information, precise and appropriate processing of data and information, report writing, presentational and communication skills.

Course Modules

The course gives you the necessary skills to help conserve wild animals by developing your knowledge in topics such as ecology, biodiversity, captive breeding, animal behaviour and learning.  You will also gain practical experience in observing, surveying and the husbandry of animals.

Full downloadable information regarding all University of Suffolk courses, including Key Facts, Course Aims, Course Structure and Assessment, is available in the Definitive Course Record

This module provides you with a foundational understanding of animal anatomy, physiology, and cellular biology, which are essential for careers in animal science, research, and related biological fields. By exploring the structure and function of major organ systems and mechanisms such as homeostasis, you develop the scientific knowledge required to maintain animal health and welfare.

Behavioural ecology in its broadest sense is the study of adaptations, and the selective pressures that yield them, in different ecological environments. Some adaptations are behavioural and sometimes behaviour drives the evolution of new adaptations by creating new selective environments. This module will focus particularly on behaviours and other adaptations that arise as a consequence of interacting with others. There is a strong interest in social evolution, and the selective conditions that yield cooperation rather than conflict.

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practices involved in the identification and management of wild animal populations. You will develop skills in accurately identifying species and understanding their ecological roles, which is essential for effective conservation and management strategies. The module explores the challenges posed by wildlife, including human-wildlife conflict, and examines approaches to conserving populations in natural and managed environments.

This module introduces you to the fundamental principles of animal health and disease, providing essential knowledge for careers in animal care and management. You will explore common pathogens and the role of nutrition in maintaining good health, alongside the causes, transmission, prevention, and treatment of common animal diseases. Emphasis will be placed on recognising clinical signs and understanding how environmental and management factors influence disease occurrence.

This module supports you in developing essential skills for higher education and career success, including communication, independent learning, teamwork, and personal development planning. It emphasises a proactive, self-managed approach to learning and performance, both academically and in the workplace. You will gain vocational experience, reflect on your activities, and identify ways to enhance current and future employability.

Effective breeding programs and the correct management of breeding animals are essential for the success of captive breeding and species reintroduction initiatives. This module builds on genetic principles, applying these fundamentals to the genetic management of small populations. It also explores reproductive technologies critical for managing breeding stock effectively.

This module builds on the concepts delivered in the Level 4 module on Behavioural Ecology and enables you to analyse how a good knowledge of animal behaviour can be used to enhance welfare of captive animals and assist in training and husbandry regimes. You will analyse case studies and receive expert guidance from zoo staff on training and enrichment methods.

Emphasis in this module is placed on current zoo husbandry techniques, modern enclosure design, good management practice, and co-ordination of collections and breeding programmes for endangered species. The module includes the management of health, nutrition and breeding programmes for exotic zoo species and will encompass other key topics such as handling, welfare, behaviour, training, record keeping, enclosure design, legislation and the global community in a zoo context.

With an ever-increasing population there is more pressure on rural environments and the species that inhabit them. In order for wildlife conservation to be effective, both at home and abroad, it is essential people understand the functions of different environments and the impact their actions have on different species. This module provides you with an understanding of the development of environmental education and the different methods of delivering it to all sectors of society.

The ability to plan, manage, carry out, analyse and report on a project is an essential skill and this module enables you to develop skills of independent enquiry, undertaking a sustained investigation into a topic of relevance to their academic and professional development. It gives you the opportunity to develop planning and analytical skills, safe and accurate collection of data and information, precise and appropriate processing of data and information, report writing, presentational and communication skills.

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements

Career Opportunities

Completing an FdSc in Conservation Science and Animal Management opens up a variety of career opportunities in conservation, wildlife management, zoos, and animal welfare. Here are some potential job opportunities after completing this course:

  • Wildlife Conservation Office
  • Zoo Keeper
  • Wildlife Ranger
  • Animal Care Technician
  • Ecologist
  • Sustainability Consultant

You may choose to progress to the one year BSc (Hons) Conservation Science and Sustainability (Progression Route) to gain your full BA Hons degree.

Fees and Funding

UK Full-time Tuition Fee

£8,472*

per year
UK Part-time Tuition Fee

£1,412**

per 20 credit module
International Full-time Tuition Fee

£16,440

per year

*Please note, the University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. **Please contact Student Centre for further information on part-time fees.

Further Information

At University of Suffolk, your tuition fees provide access to all the usual teaching and learning facilities that you would expect. However, there may be additional costs associated with you course that you will need to budget for.

UK fees and finance UK bursaries and scholarships International fees and scholarships

How to Apply

To study this course on a full-time basis, you can apply through UCAS. As well as providing your academic qualifications, you’ll be able to showcase your skills, qualities and passion for the subject.

Apply Now Further Information on Applying