Recent changes in animal welfare laws in Britain have meant that there is now more control and regulation of all animal-based enterprises. This has resulted in a greater need for a scientific approach to animal management and welfare across all businesses that work with animals. These sectors require well-prepared animal scientists, able to apply their knowledge to emerging management issues. This programme seeks to provide a stimulating and challenging experience for students and is intended for those aspiring to work in animal care, welfare or animal-based industry, from zoos and wildlife parks, to pet shops, veterinary situations, farms and wildlife conservation. Special consideration is given to scientific understanding of animal physiology and welfare. This programme also provides a vehicle for the development of a set of transferable skills appropriate to a wide range of animal care, welfare and management settings, and for further advanced study.

Core knowledge and understanding is acquired through a number of methods and strategies including lecture and discussion; laboratory practical; field course, student-led seminars; tutorials; individual oral presentations; group oral presentations; poster presentations; problem solving exercises, case studies and projects. Intellectual skills are promoted through lectures, practical classes, workshops and seminars. Learning to apply these thinking skills is achieved by the use of case studies and especially through laboratory and field-based activities. This enables students to apply their classroom learning in more challenging environments and to appreciate general processes and relationships in practical and ‘real-world’ settings. Throughout their degree, students receive academic and personal support from their personal tutor as well as from the Student Support Guidance Service and the Employability and Careers Service