two students looking at a snake with blue overlay

Animal Management and Behaviour

Foundation Degree

Apply now for 2025

Study Animal Management and Behaviour with University Centre Leeds

Are you passionate about working with animals? A foundation degree in Animal Management and Behaviour provides the perfect route into a range of careers working with pets, exotic animals, livestock and wildlife.

The animal care sector is a rewarding industry to grow and develop in. Approximately 110,000 people are currently employed across a diverse range of professions. By 2024, this is estimated to increase by 3.2%, with particular employment growth predicted in the animal services sector. And with roughly 1,800 currently employed within the Leeds region and predicted to grow over the next few years, this course offers a wonderful way to turn your love of animals into a blossoming career.

  • Starts:
  • Duration: 2 years full-time
  • Venue: Temple Newsam Home Farm
  • Fee: £8,745 full-time (per academic year for UK students)
     
    International Fee: £14,000 full-time (per academic year) £3,000 Scholarship available
  • UCAS Course Code(s): D301
  • UCAS Institution Code: L21
  • Study Mode: Full Time
  • Validated By: Luminate Education Group

Entry Requirements: 48 UCAS Tariff Points

TYPICAL OFFER

UCAS Tariff Points: 48 UCAS tariff points from two A-levels (or equivalent qualifications), one of which must be in a relevant subject

A Levels: 2 x D grades one of which to be in a relevant subject

BTEC L3 Diploma or Extended Diploma: MP, MPP grade in relevant subjects

Access to HE Diploma: Overall pass with 60 credits, with 24 credits to be at a Merit grade in a relevant subject 

T Levels: Acceptable in a relevant subject

GCSE Maths –Learners will be required to have a grade 4 or above in Maths

International qualifications: International qualifications will be assessed against these criteria

Mature applicants: University Centre Leeds welcomes applications from mature* applicants who may not have met the academic criteria, but who can demonstrate a wealth of experience in their chosen field. Candidates in this category and otherwise are likely to be interviewed to assess their suitability for the course and may be asked to provide a portfolio of evidence to support their application.

*21 years and over at the start of the course 

RPL claims: The course structure actively supports claims for Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL) or Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL)

Interviews: A successful interview is required

References: An appropriate reference required either UCAS or internal Luminate Education Group reference.

Animal Management and Behaviour

About this course

This Foundation Degree in Animal Management and Behaviour is tailored to prepare you for employment within the industry. Mostly delivered at Temple Newsam’s Home Farm, it’s an exciting new course designed to give you hands-on experience of raising farm animals and observing wildlife. You will experience a variety of ecological sites across the estate, whilst accessing one of the largest Rare Breed Survival Trust (RBST) farms in Europe. This particular RBST farm is home to an assortment of breeds, including Tamworth pigs, Kerry Hill sheep and Golden Guernsey goats, to name but a few. You will also have access to the animal care centre, which holds a number of species, including domestic and exotic animals.

We have worked closely with employers to develop a qualification that provides you with the practical skills and hands-on experience they are looking for. This includes practical modules in husbandry, exotic animal welfare, companion animal training, conservation and sustainability, as well as enterprise within the sector.

Alongside developing your knowledge, skills and understanding of the land-based sector, you will also develop your academic, employability and entrepreneurial skills.

 

This course is validated by Luminate Education Group

Luminate Logo

How to Apply

How to Apply:

  1. Register for an Account: Click the link below and use the "Create a New User" facility to register for an application account. An email will be sent to the address you provide, with a verification link.
  2. Verify Your Email: Click the verification link in the email to confirm your account.
  3. Complete Your Application: Once your account is created, you can start your application. You can save your progress and return to it later if needed. Your username will be the email address you used to register.

To access your account again and complete your application, use the second link provided in your verification email.

Apply Now: Direct Application Form

Need Help? For further information, please email admissions@ucleeds.ac.uk 

Please note, if you apply directly, we are required to submit a Record of Prior Acceptance (RPA) application to UCAS on your behalf if your application is successful and you enrol. 

If you would like to apply for to study full time, please do so via UCAS.

The institution code for University Centre Leeds is L21.

The application fee for applying through UCAS is £28.50, unless you are eligible for Free School Meals (FSM)

Apply via UCAS

Course Information

Modules may include:

Year 1 (Level 4)

  • Academic and Professional Skills Development (20 credits)
    This module will provide you with the academic study and research skills needed to be successful in higher education.
  • Biological Systems (20 credits)
    Gain the underpinning knowledge of how the biological systems of animals function. This module is taught in the first semester so that knowledge can be utilised in future modules.
  • Introduction to Animal Behaviour (20 credits)
    By undertaking this module, you will develop a broad understanding of how animals behave and learn, as well as the biological processes that cause and regulate behaviour.
  • Practical Animal Husbandry and Handling (20 credits)
    Build your practical skills in maintaining and handling animals, ensuring you are ready for employment.
  • Exotic Animal Biology, Husbandry and Welfare (20 credits)
    The module will enhance your knowledge of keeping exotic animals and how to ensure their optimum welfare.
  • Conservation and Sustainability (20 credits)
    Acquire in-depth knowledge of conservation and biodiversity, as well as the skills required to scientifically study the natural environment.

Year 2 (Level 5)

  • Small Scale Research Project (20 credits)
    This is where you will undertake evidence-based research in order to monitor husbandry routines or identify areas requiring development in a business structure.
  • Animal Health and Disease (20 credits)
    Explore health and disease in a wide variety of species, identifying signs, symptoms and causes.
  • Companion Animal Training and Behaviour (20 credits)
    Using the behavioural knowledge acquired in year 1, you will develop this further alongside learning about animal training techniques.
  • Design and Management of Animal Collections (20 credits)
    Discover how large animal collections are managed and designed in order to balance the needs of animals, staff and visitors.
  • Welfare and Law (20 credits)
    You will focus on key welfare concerns within the sector, as well as statutory and non-statutory instruments that are used to maintain good animal welfare.
  • Enterprise in the Land-based Sector (20 credits)
    This module will develop your understanding of businesses within the land-base sector.

You will experience immersive learning on a working farm and estate that provides access to several acres of ecological interest. You will also have unique opportunities to develop practical skills and enjoy in-situ learning on one of the largest working rare breeds farms in Europe. This will allow you to gain valuable theoretical knowledge and first-hand skills for working with a wide range of species.

You will develop the following knowledge and skills:

  • Observing, recording and interpreting physical and behavioural signs, allowing for the management of the health and welfare of animals
  • Training in animal behaviour and management in the health and welfare of captive animals
  • Husbandry and management practices (including accommodation maintenance, feeding and handling) for a range of exotic animal species
  • A broad understanding of the industry
  • Practical skills that prepare you for employment
  • The ability to evaluate the impacts of current industry practices on animal welfare, organisations and the environment
  • Transferable skills which are relevant to employment, including collaborative working, communication, self-discipline and professional responsibility
  • Academic study and research skills

Benefits include:

  • Smaller groups, allowing more personalised teaching and learning opportunities
  • Taught by industry experts from a range of sectors
  • Opportunities to develop industry links
  • Working collaboratively with employers

Modules are assessed in a range of ways to reflect the diverse range of roles you may progress to within the industry. Assessments will also reflect the range of skills you will need to demonstrate and that employers are looking for. 

These include:

  • Demonstrations
  • Videos
  • Social media strategy
  • Presentation or pitch
  • Reports
  • Website development
  • Trend analysis
  • Portfolio
  • Case studies
  • Educational displays

By having a range of assessment methods, this allows all learners to demonstrate knowledge acquired throughout the qualification.

The course will be delivered predominantly at Temple Newsam, however, there will be the occasional requirement to attend the University Centre to access the laboratories.

TYPICAL OFFER

UCAS Tariff Points: 48 UCAS tariff points from two A-levels (or equivalent qualifications), one of which must be in a relevant subject

A Levels: 2 x D grades one of which to be in a relevant subject

BTEC L3 Diploma or Extended Diploma: MP, MPP grade in relevant subjects

Access to HE Diploma: Overall pass with 60 credits, with 24 credits to be at a Merit grade in a relevant subject 

T Levels: Acceptable in a relevant subject

GCSE Maths –Learners will be required to have a grade 4 or above in Maths

International qualifications: International qualifications will be assessed against these criteria

Mature applicants: University Centre Leeds welcomes applications from mature* applicants who may not have met the academic criteria, but who can demonstrate a wealth of experience in their chosen field. Candidates in this category and otherwise are likely to be interviewed to assess their suitability for the course and may be asked to provide a portfolio of evidence to support their application.

*21 years and over at the start of the course 

RPL claims: The course structure actively supports claims for Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL) or Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL)

Interviews: A successful interview is required

References: An appropriate reference required either UCAS or internal Luminate Education Group reference.

  • Learners will be required to wear appropriate PPE for undertaking practicals, more information on this will be provided at interview. This is at an additional cost and will usually be around £40-£50. 
  • Additional visits are not included in the tuition fee. Please note that no trips are mandatory.

On completion of this foundation degree you can progress on to a top-up degree with University Centre Leeds (subject to validation) or another institution. Higher education courses following this qualification include Ecology, Conservation, and Applied Animal Behaviour. 

You may also seek relevant employment as one of the following:

  • Trainee Keeper
  • Animal Welfare Assistant
  • Laboratory Assistant
  • Technician

For the latest version of the programme specifications for this course please click here.

For the latest version of the course handbook for this course please click here.

For the latest version of the University Centre Leeds Regulations please click here.


Information for International Students

Applications are open for 2025 entry.

To apply directly to study at University Centre Leeds as an international applicant, please visit our 'How to apply' page and complete the steps

You can also apply through UCAS.

For more information please visit our 'How to apply' page.

Course fees for Undergraduates are £14,000 (GBP)

Scholarship available £3,000 (GBP) all courses.

For more information about fees and scholarships, please click here.

Please see our entry requirements page for additional requirements as an international student

International students will study 5 additional hours on top of the regular timetable.

  • 1 hour cultural studies
  • 2 hours academic study skills
  • 2 hours English studies

For more information about visa and immigration, please click here.

Unistats


 

Open Days

  • Book on our current open events
  • Register your interest in upcoming open events

Our online and in-person Open Events give you a chance to hear from tutors, discover the range of student support available, and find out for yourself why University Centre Leeds has the highest rating for student satisfaction in the city (NSS 2024).

Open Days

Request your Prospectus

Want to find out more about the wide range of courses, student support and more available for students at University Centre Leeds?

Request your University Centre Leeds Prospectus now - direct to your phone or delivered to your door.

Logo Dca Tass The Open University Logo (1) Qaa Logo Greenjpg Low Tef 2023 Silver Logo (1) Logo Mixed Economy Group Logo Member Qaa Logo Ofsted Logo Nnecl