About the course
The course is delivered at University Centre Myerscough and awarded by the University of Central Lancashire. The course provides students with an ideal opportunity to focus on the issues relating to animal conservation. This work is underpinned by current and emerging scientific research and the course will prepare students for a wide range of careers throughout the animal industry with a particular conservation focus.
The year includes the carrying out of a comprehensive industry related research project. The focus in the other modules is on applied research techniques and behavioural ecology.
Key Information
Location: Preston Campus
Course length: One Year (30 weeks)
Start date: September 2025
Interested in taking this course? Click here to apply for this course online
Course Modules
Applied Conservation Science
This module aims to examine current conservation strategies, critically evaluate their effect on biodiversity through research and discussion. The module will investigate the management of ecosystems and the strategies used to conserve them. The module will develop skills in habitat and population management alongside methods for predicting future trends.
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.
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)
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
Foundation Degree or HND in a related subject or 2 years (one at Level 4 and the other at Level 5) of Honours Degree work in a related discipline achieved at 'pass' standard or above. Applicants with alternative equivalent qualifications will also be considered positively. Applicants must also produce evidence of successfully completing a research based module at level 5.
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
Binoculars �30
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.