About the course
This course is only accepting applicants onto the third year of the course by way of transfer from a similar programme or as part of a top-up from Foundation Degree (year 3 entry).
The course is delivered at University Centre Myerscough and awarded by the University of Lancashire. The course provides students with an ideal opportunity to focus on the issues relating to animal welfare, health, physiology and behaviour. This work is underpinned by current and emerging scientific research.
The course will prepare you for a wide range of careers throughout the animal industry. The first year of the course provides the underpinning knowledge necessary for study in this field. Several of these modules are shared with the Foundation Degree course routes with separate tutorial sessions providing the opportunity for stronger academic and research focus. The themes of animal behaviour and welfare are further developed in the second year of the course. Students will also have the option to choose one module from animals in society, international wildlife conservation or professional practice.
The final year of the course includes the carrying out of a comprehensive industry related research project. The focus in the other modules is on applied research techniques, behavioural ecology and companion animal behaviour.
Key Information
Location: Preston Campus
Course length: Three Years (90 weeks)
Start date: September 2024
Course Modules
Behavioural Ecology
This module examines the adaptive value of behaviour to enhance survival by exploiting resources, avoiding predators and maximising reproductive success. This module aims to explore the idea that behaviours are part of strategies to maximise reproductive success. The costs and benefits of alternative strategies to predict optimal strategies will be evaluated. The module will examine various life history strategies in a fluctuating environment and discuss the implausibility of the concept of group selection. General skills objectives of the module are to further develop competence in analytical and critical thinking, communication, numeracy and data analysis, information gathering and time management.
Companion Animal Science
This module aims to explore the evolution and domestication of companion animals. The ontogeny and importance of behaviour will be discussed. The module will investigate the importance of social behaviour between individuals of the same species and in human/animal interactions. This module will also explore the causation and control of behavioural problems of companion animals.
Innovations in Animal Research (Double module)
This module aims to examine current innovations in animal behavioural, psychological, and physiological research and in the development of practical management strategies across the animal industry. Through a range of research skills and within the critical evaluation of management practices, this module aims to develop fundamental research skills exploring key trends in industry and building on employability skills. Students are expected to carry out a group project of their choice to understand, apply and analyse key trends and to suggest future improvements and recommendations. Furthermore, the module aims to consider subject-specific impacts on normal animal husbandry and management decisions whilst ensuring animal welfare is of an utmost priority. The module aims to investigate and evaluate current industry-specific issues for chosen species including companion, farm, wild and zoo-based individuals whilst developing learner skills in effective communication with peers and industry representatives.
Research Project (Double module)
YEAR 3
The aims of this double-weighted module is to equip students with the ability to understand and define clearly a problem to be solved and extract relevant material from a literature survey. Also to develop the ability to design and undertake an original investigation and to further develop the ability to present, analyse and interpret results. Students should also develop the ability to present a coherent, critical account of the work and how it relates to that of others; develop management skills; achieve a measure of independence and integrate the different aspects of the course and will be provided with e an opportunity to develop a programme of supervised independent research leading to the presentation of a substantial written Project.
Entry requirements & additional information
This course is only accepting applicants onto the third year of the course as part of a 'top-up' from Foundation Degree (year 3 entry).
Applicants who believe they may be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Certificated and/or Experiential Learning (APCL/APEL) for certain modules will be considered on an individual basis.
Applicants for whom English is a second language must be able to demonstrate proof of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at level 6.0 (with no component score lower than 5.5) or equivalent.
All offers may be subject to successful interview.
Learning Environment: Learning activities on the course are diverse, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical sessions and workshops. Students are expected to undertake extensive independent study and research to support lectures, seminars and assessments. Group work and group presentations form an important part of the course. Students will have access to specialist IT hardware and software, an on-line learning environment and reference facility.
Assessment: Students will complete a variety of assessments including examinations and tests, practical assessments, essays, presentations, reports and group work.
Additional Information: The course may involve visits or lectures delivered by external speakers who will outline the work/research interests of the various organisations they represent. This provides an excellent opportunity to find out about both the technical issues and developments being discussed and the employment and career opportunities available in the various fields.
What work experience can I get? There is no formal work placement on this course but the programme does offer the flexibility to gain additional experience during the course, where students have opportunity to undertake extra-curricular work experience or internships with employers throughout the UK and overseas.
On successful completion of the course, students may apply for postgraduate study programmes such as MSc, M Phil, PhD or PGCE.
Laboratory coats are required for practical laboratory sessions. Waterproof clothing for field and farm work and outdoor visits. A black warehouse coat is essential for working on the Animal Centre and can be purchased from the on-line Myerscough Shop. Dark coloured combat trousers are also recommended.
Extra Costs:
Additional costs for items that are essential for the course:
Black Warehouse Coat - £15
Laboratory Coat - £12
Waterproofs and boots £50
Additional costs for opportunities and items that are optional for the course include:
Field Study trip to South Africa £3,500
Animal Studies
Britain is well regarded as a nation of animal lovers, from companion pets to large animal collections. This has resulted in a multi-million pound industry, ranging from well known national pet feed companies to pet stores, catteries and kennels and numerous other businesses providing for the needs of animals.
If you care about animals and have a deep interest in their health and wellbeing, Myerscough provides an excellent opportunity for you to further your studies. You'll develop a range of skills and have the opportunity to care for a range of animals including dogs, cats, rabbits and ferrets, farm animals, reptiles and amphibians and a range of invertebrates.
Our Animal Studies Centre
Myerscough College’s Animal Studies Centre has tripled in size after the completion of a £3 million extension and major refurbishment. The new Animal Studies Centre features specialist classrooms, dedicated indoor and outdoor areas for different animal groups, as well as spacious private rooms, reception and study areas, all fully equipped with the latest I.T technology.
The Animal Studies Centre also offers a range of services to the public, from grooming and healthcare through to behaviour classes and hydrotherapy for injury recovery.