Level 6 BSc (Hons) Animal Management (Animal Welfare and Conservation) (Top-Up)
Start Date: 1st September 2026
- Length 1 Year
- Study Full-Time
- Location Kidderminster College
- Price £9,535
Qualification Gained
Level 6 BSc (Hons) Animal Management (Animal Welfare and Conservation) (Top-Up)
Levels ExplainedMore about the course
The BSc (Hons) Animal Management (Animal Welfare and Conservation) is a one‑year Level 6 Top‑Up degree designed for students who have completed a relevant Level 5 qualification (such as a Foundation Degree or HND). The course develops advanced knowledge and practical skills in animal welfare, cognition, conservation and education, preparing graduates for employment across the animal, conservation and zoological sectors or for progression into postgraduate study.
The programme integrates real‑world learning, including welfare auditing, applied behavioural observation, conservation analysis and the design of educational resources for public engagement. Students explore how welfare, science, ethics and conservation intersect in modern animal management environments, drawing on current frameworks, legislation and sector standards. Teaching is supported by employer input from zoos, sanctuaries and conservation organisations to ensure the curriculum reflects professional practices.
Through modules in Applied Animal Welfare Science, Applied Animal Cognition, Global Biodiversity & Conservation, and Conservation Education, students develop strong analytical, evaluative and evidence‑based decision‑making skills. Alongside this, the Final Year Project enables students to investigate a species or welfare/conservation issue in depth, building confidence in research, critical thinking and professional communication.
Graduates will leave the programme with a strong portfolio of applied experience, industry‑aligned skills and the ability to work confidently within specialist roles such as welfare assessment, conservation education, animal management, research support and related fields.
Entry requirements:
Applicants should hold a relevant Level 5 qualification such as an FdA, FdSc or HND in Animal Management (or an equivalent subject), normally achieved at a Merit grade or above.
External applicants may also be asked to attend an interview and provide an academic reference.
What will I achieve?
Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a Level 6 BSc (Hons) Animal Management (Animal Welfare and Conservation) (Top-Up).
What will I learn?
Students develop advanced understanding of animal welfare, behaviour, cognition, conservation and education, learning how to assess welfare using recognised frameworks, interpret behavioural and physiological evidence, design enrichment and educational materials, and evaluate global conservation strategies.
How is the course taught?
Teaching is delivered through a blend of lectures, practical workshops, employer‑informed activities, independent research and real‑world tasks, ensuring students gain applied skills and experience aligned with professional practice.
How am I assessed?
Students are assessed through a combination of written reports, practical application tasks, portfolio work and a substantial final year project. Assessments are designed to mirror real‑world professional practice, including welfare audits, behavioural and cognitive analysis, conservation evaluations and the creation of educational materials. The Final Year Project allows students to independently plan, conduct and present research aligned to their career goals.
Work experience opportunities:
There is no work experience requirement as part of the course, however you will not be discouraged from gaining your own placement which will support with developing your own experience and competency, equipping you with the required skillset to enter employment. Support with finding a placement can be provided if you would like to find a suitable provision to carry out any volunteering you wish to complete.
Where can I progress?
The course develops advanced knowledge and practical skills in animal welfare, cognition, conservation and education, preparing graduates for employment across the animal, conservation and zoological sectors, such as Animal Welfare Officer, Zoo Keeper or Animal Keeper, Conservation Educator, Research Assistant, Wildlife Rehabilitation Worker, and other positions across the animal and conservation sectors. Or for progression into postgraduate study.
Course costs:
Tuition fees vary depending on the course and mode of study. Read more about tuition fees and financial support.
It's important that you know what your tuition fee includes and what other costs you'll need to plan for. Read what your fee includes.
Get in Touch
Meet our tutors and students
Tom Grosvenor
Tutor - Work-Based Animal CareFrom my experience in the industry working with Cheetahs, Lorikeets, Tigers, Reindeer and Llamas to Chinchillas, it is essential students get the opportunity to gain invaluable experience working hands-on with animals and gaining knowledge in the classroom. The courses I run are a great mix of exciting and informative theory sessions and work-related practical experience working with various animals, including Emus, Wallabies, Alpacas, Pigs, Lemurs, Horses, Macaws, Cows and many more!
Animal Care
Gallery
What can I do with a qualification in Animal Management?
Daily tasks:
- Maintains records, raises and forwards reports and certificates in compliance with current legislation.
- Carries out expert witness work and undertakes teaching of veterinary students.
- Performs ante-mortem inspection of animals destined for the food chain, and animal post-mortem examinations.
- Performs tasks relating to food safety policy, regulation of veterinary drugs, quality control of veterinary products.
- Euthanases old, sick, terminally ill and unwanted animals.
- Investigates outbreaks of animal diseases and advises owners on feeding, breeding and general care.
- Administers local or general anaesthetics and performs surgery.
- Inoculates animals against communicable diseases.
- Examines animals, diagnoses condition and prescribes and administers appropriate drugs, dressings, etc., and arranges or undertakes any necessary x-ray or other tests.
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Daily tasks:
- Advises clients on preventative medicine to maintain appropriate animal health and welfare.
- Maintains the biosecurity of the veterinary premises.
- Cares for animals in hospital accommodation and keeps accurate records.
- Collects and analyses blood, urine and other samples.
- Handles animals during treatment.
- Dispenses and administers medication and applies dressings to animals under direction from the veterinarian.
- Prepares operating theatre, sterilises equipment and assists in theatre as required.
- Assists the veterinary surgeon during surgical and medical treatments of animals.
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Daily tasks:
- Patrols public areas to search for and capture stray or nuisance dogs, and transports captured animals to kennels.
- Meets prospective owners and advises on animal selection and animal care.
- Checks animals for illness, treats minor ailments or calls for vet if further treatment is required.
- Houses, feeds, exercises, trains, grooms horses, dogs and other animals in preparation for entry to shows, races and other events.
- Cleans animals.
- Feeds, washes, grooms, trims and exercises animals.
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Daily tasks:
- Carries out maintenance on farm buildings, hedges, ditches and erects and repairs fences.
- Moves and handles livestock and tends them during birth and rearing of young.
- Treats minor ailments and assists veterinary surgeon as required.
- Cleans barns, sheds, pens, yards, incubators and breeding units and sterilises milking and other equipment as necessary.
- Weighs and measures foodstuffs, feeds animals and checks them for any signs of disease.
- Cultivates growing crops by hoeing, spraying and thinning as necessary.
- Operates farm machinery to prepare soil, fertilise and treat crops.
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What can I do with a qualification in Animal Management?
Veterinarians
Daily tasks:
- Maintains records, raises and forwards reports and certificates in compliance with current legislation.
- Carries out expert witness work and undertakes teaching of veterinary students.
- Performs ante-mortem inspection of animals destined for the food chain, and animal post-mortem examinations.
- Performs tasks relating to food safety policy, regulation of veterinary drugs, quality control of veterinary products.
- Euthanases old, sick, terminally ill and unwanted animals.
- Investigates outbreaks of animal diseases and advises owners on feeding, breeding and general care.
- Administers local or general anaesthetics and performs surgery.
- Inoculates animals against communicable diseases.
- Examines animals, diagnoses condition and prescribes and administers appropriate drugs, dressings, etc., and arranges or undertakes any necessary x-ray or other tests.
Powered by EMSI
Veterinary Nurses
Daily tasks:
- Advises clients on preventative medicine to maintain appropriate animal health and welfare.
- Maintains the biosecurity of the veterinary premises.
- Cares for animals in hospital accommodation and keeps accurate records.
- Collects and analyses blood, urine and other samples.
- Handles animals during treatment.
- Dispenses and administers medication and applies dressings to animals under direction from the veterinarian.
- Prepares operating theatre, sterilises equipment and assists in theatre as required.
- Assists the veterinary surgeon during surgical and medical treatments of animals.
Powered by EMSI
Animal Care Services Occupations
Daily tasks:
- Patrols public areas to search for and capture stray or nuisance dogs, and transports captured animals to kennels.
- Meets prospective owners and advises on animal selection and animal care.
- Checks animals for illness, treats minor ailments or calls for vet if further treatment is required.
- Houses, feeds, exercises, trains, grooms horses, dogs and other animals in preparation for entry to shows, races and other events.
- Cleans animals.
- Feeds, washes, grooms, trims and exercises animals.
Powered by EMSI
Farm Workers
Daily tasks:
- Carries out maintenance on farm buildings, hedges, ditches and erects and repairs fences.
- Moves and handles livestock and tends them during birth and rearing of young.
- Treats minor ailments and assists veterinary surgeon as required.
- Cleans barns, sheds, pens, yards, incubators and breeding units and sterilises milking and other equipment as necessary.
- Weighs and measures foodstuffs, feeds animals and checks them for any signs of disease.
- Cultivates growing crops by hoeing, spraying and thinning as necessary.
- Operates farm machinery to prepare soil, fertilise and treat crops.
Powered by EMSI
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Wednesday 13th May 2026
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