BSc (Hons) Animal

Build on your knowledge of the management of both captive and wild animals. Further develop strong research, communication and analytical skills. Explore key issues such as animal welfare, conservation, climate change and human–wildlife conflict.

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Start date/study mode:

UCAS codeDN33

Duration1 year

Fee (UK)£9,535

LocationPartner centre

Course summary

BSc (Hons) Animal Management is ideal if you want to take your passion for animals to the next level. Building on previous studies, this course helps you develop a deeper understanding of how both captive and wild animals are managed, while preparing you for a career or further study in the animal sector. Teaching takes place at East Durham College’s Houghall Campus in Durham, a specialist setting with excellent facilities.

You’ll gain valuable skills in research, communication and problem-solving through engaging modules such as Science Communication, Research Innovation, and a year-long Research Project. This allows you to plan and conduct your own original research on a topic that you're passionate about, such as animal nutrition, health, welfare, or conservation.

The course also explores important global and ethical issues affecting animals today. Modules like Anthrozoology and Global Environments examine real-world challenges, such as climate change, conservation pressures, and human–wildlife conflict, helping you understand how animals and people interact.

Developed in collaboration with animal professionals and employers, the course is industry-focused and informed by current best practices.

After graduating, you’ll be well prepared for a wide range of careers, including work with zoos, wildlife and conservation organisations, the RSPCA, overseas conservation projects, local authorities, the Police, and education settings such as schools and colleges. You’ll also be well placed to continue onto postgraduate study.

Career opportunities may include:

Animal collection manager
Zoo keeper
Animal Scientist
Research officer
Education manager
Animal welfare management
Animal trainer
Animal handler.

How you'll learn

You'll be taught at Houghall Campus(opens in new tab) at East Durham College.

Taught sessions will include core lectures, group work, seminars, and practical sessions.

Where relevant, learning will take place within the college’s Working Animal Centre, and seminar sessions will be based around the application of theory to practice in a realistic working environment using living animals.

You’ll also visit external organisations such as zoos, nature reserves, and farm parks to experience the application of theory to practice in an external working environment, alongside exposure to relevant potential employers and those working in your intended industries.

You’ll be assessed through a range of methods, including essays, exams, practical assessments, and presentations.

Library support

You can access library support through both your college library and University Library Services.

You can:

Visit your college library buildings and borrow print books
Visit University library buildings and borrow print books
Use online library services and resources at both the University and your college
Find support from the University Partnership Liaison Team, University Library Services, and your college library.

Read more about what you can access on the University Library Services website(opens in new tab).

Entry requirements

Our typical offer is successful completion of a relevant Level 5 qualification. You can progress from the FdSc Animal Management at East Durham College, or you can be accepted as direct entry onto the Level 6 if you have completed a Level 5 qualification elsewhere.

Any queries about the course should be made directly to the course team by contacting either:

Rebecca Sweet, Course Leader: rebecca.sweet@eastdurham.ac.uk

James Mulvany, Programme Leader: james.mulvany@eastdurham.ac.uk

Enrolment information

You'll enrol as a student at both your chosen college and the University. You'll apply for a campus card, which is your University ID, library, and Students' Union card. Remember to carry it with you when you visit the University campus as you'll need it to access some buildings and facilities.

As a University student, you'll automatically become a member of the Students' Union(opens in new tab). You'll be able to access benefits such as student discounts (you can apply for a TOTUM card via the TOTUM website(opens in new tab)).

For further information on enrolment and becoming a new student, see our welcome page. Here, you'll find details on applying for your campus card and how to update your personal details (as it's important you keep both the University and your college informed of any changes in your personal circumstances).

During your studying, there are processes in place that allow you to raise issues with both the college and the University.

Please note, this course is not available to international students.

Fees and finance support

UK£9,535

You'll pay your fees directly to the University. Learn how to apply for your student finance and find out more about financial support.

There'll be around £100 in additional costs to purchase uniforms and safety equipment which you can buy directly from the college.

There's an opportunity to join the college on an optional Project Wild Gambia(opens in new tab) trip in year 2, which would cost approximately £1,250 (excluding flights). This is subject to change each year.

Check your fee status(opens in new tab).

See all course tuition fees.

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Start date/study mode:

UK students

September 2026
Apply now

Disclaimer

We want to make sure you have clear and accurate information about our courses. Our website always shows the latest updates. If you’ve applied and been offered a place, we’ll contact you in writing if anything important changes.

View our programme specifications(opens in new tab) for further information about what the course covers, learning outcomes and the skills you'll gain when you graduate.