- Benefit from a diverse and exciting collection of animals in our

. - Develop strong scientific knowledge on a range of vertebrate species with focus on physiology, behaviour, welfare and husbandry. - Build vital experience through practical handling skills, extensive work placements and strong links with industry.

As a UCS student you will benefit from lecturers with a wealth of industry experience that comes from working with

research committees/ working groups and a wide range of zoos. UCS is also supporting member of the

and staff are members of the

. Our teaching staff have experience and expertise in all areas of animal work including veterinary nursing, health and welfare, research, zoo industry and husbandry and animal behaviour and training.UCS has an unrivalled collection of animals and species in its purpose-built

and was one of the first colleges in the country to be awarded a zoo licence and is part of

The centre offers a wide variety of habitat styles and management systems to maximise the student learning potential and experience.

The course is designed to combine knowledge and research techniques in aspects of animal welfare and behaviour, the animal industry and wildlife management. Work placements are a key feature and benefit from the University centre’s strong links with a variety of relevant organisations. We offer optional overseas study tours (Covid restrictions depending) as well as UK trips allowing students to experience a range of different animal related industries. Students have also undertaken work placement or dissertation data collection with the

, bird of prey centres including the

and also placements at several local farms.

Assessment is via a range of coursework including practical portfolios, laboratory reports, seminars and essays, some modules also include an end of year assessment. In the final year of the course utilising techniques developed throughout the course you will design and conduct your own dissertation study. Previous students have had their research from this published in academic journals, industry magazines or presented at conferences.

You can progress to the

; alternatively, there are many MSc and PhD programmes available at other universities.Sparsholt graduates now work in zoological collections, animal and conservation charities both in the UK and overseas.