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Are you passionate about animals and eager to make a meaningful difference in the welfare and the sustainability of their environments?
Designed as a one-year top-up degree, this course builds on prior qualifications, such as our Animal Management Foundation Degree, this course will give you deepening theoretical knowledge of animal behaviour, psychology, and ecology and equip you with the practical expertise and personal connections required to meaningfully contribute to this rewarding field.
Through industry-led learning experiences such as case studies, practical workshops and residential trips you’ll develop a set of highly valued core skills that will enable you to excel in a career you love.
Foundation Degree: Pass on the second year of a foundation degree in a relevant subject.
HND: Pass grade in a relevant subject.
GCSE English (desirable): English Language grade 4 or above is desirable. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy are accepted in place of GCSEs.
International qualifications: International qualifications will be assessed against these criteria
IELTS: IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any component.
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).
About this course
This course will allow you to immerse yourself in the industry throughout your studies. You’ll gain valuable practical experience, build professional networks, and apply your academic learning into real-world contexts.
Your love of animals will be stimulated through a wide range of engaging and thought-provoking modules that have been selected to ensure maximum exposure to the needs and demands of this rewarding industry.
Alongside your expanding knowledge and subject specific skills, you’ll also develop your communication and employability through employer-focused activities, attendance at professional conferences and seminars and work placements – allowing you to transition seamlessly into the world of work or further higher education when you graduate.
*This course is subject to validation by Luminate Education Group
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)
The modules listed below are for the academic year 2025/26 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.
Modules may include:
Dissertation (Mandatory – 40 credits)
This module emphasises ethical research practices and prepares for research-oriented roles or positions requiring advanced analytical skills. Focuses on conducting independent research in animal management and behaviour, you will design, conduct, and analyse a research project, gaining advanced skills in research methodologies, data analysis, and scientific communication.
British Ecological Concepts (Mandatory - 20 credits)
UK habitats, with practical applications in species identification and habitat assessment. Through engaging in fieldwork, you will develop an understanding of ecosystem health and learn about British ecological legislation and career opportunities within British ecology.
Anthrozoology (Mandatory - 20 credits)
This module focuses on ethical considerations and domestication through examination of the historical and modern relationships between humans and animals. You will analyse the social and ethical implications of keeping animals in various contexts and learn the different techniques for optimising welfare across environments.
Animal Diversity and Evolution (Mandatory - 20 credits)
You will explore the evolutionary processes and adaptations that have shaped animal life on Earth through the study of phylogeny, morphology, and embryonic development to understand species relationships and evolutionary changes.
Animal Psychology and Cognition (Mandatory 20 - credits)
This module prepares you to design studies in animal cognition and address challenges in husbandry and conservation. You will critically evaluate cognitive research and delve into the mental processes and behaviours of animals, including perception, learning, memory and problem-solving.
Foundation Degree: Pass on the second year of a foundation degree in a relevant subject.
HND: Pass grade in a relevant subject.
GCSE English (desirable): English Language grade 4 or above is desirable. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy are accepted in place of GCSEs.
International qualifications: International qualifications will be assessed against these criteria
IELTS: IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any component.
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).
Assessment will occur in a variety of methods to ensure you graduate with a balance of theoretical knowledge, practice expertise and transferable skills necessary for successful employment.
Assessment methods include:
The course will be delivered predominantly at our outdoor learning spaces and dedicated animal care facilities at Temple Newsam, however, there will be the opportunity to access the laboratories at our University Centre campus.
You will have access to a range of subject specific technical equipment including wildlife cameras, audio recording equipment, veterinary models and lab-based dissection equipment.
Completing the BSc Applied Animal Management & Behaviour qualification will equip you with a diverse skill set and knowledge base that will open doors to a range of careers in the animal management and behaviour sector. Although some roles may require further higher-level study, opportunities include:
Fees are charged per academic year. Learners will be required to wear appropriate PPE for undertaking practical sessions, more information on this will be provided at interview. This is at an additional cost and will usually be around £150.
Additional visits are not included in the tuition fee. Please note that no trips are mandatory.
For the latest version of the University Centre Leeds Regulations please click here.
Applications are open for 2025 entry.
To apply directly to study at University Centre Leeds as an international applicant, please see the direct apply link further up this page or 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.
For more information about visa and immigration, please click here.
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Open DaysWant 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.
