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Animal Management and Conservation: Open University BSc (Hons) (Top Up)

Course Summary

This course deepens the academic and scientific knowledge of students progressing from Foundation Degree level. It will support students to develop the skills and knowledge required to work at senior level in the land-based industry, including in zoological roles.

The course focuses on contemporary practices and challenges of land-based and animal management roles, including climate change, animal welfare and wildlife crime. It enables students to develop their knowledge base in animal nursing, conservation and research, whilst at the same time putting theory into practice at Nescot’s substantial animal care facilities. This will give students the opportunity to develop high standards of education within a vocational setting that is not commonly available at Higher Education Institutions.

Traditional Entry Route:

  • Foundation Degree in Animal Management or related subject at pass level.  
  • Foundation degrees with biological or Land-based backgrounds will also be considered.
  • Evidence of level 2 Literacy is required, for example key skills or functional skills at level 2 or GCSE English language at Grade C/4 or above. If applicants do not have evidence of Literacy at level 2, it will be necessary to complete a piece of writing to demonstrate competence in written English.


Other entry routes:

Students lacking the above qualification, but with significant, appropriate experience from the land-based industry may apply. Eligibility will be assessed through interview, portfolio of evidence and a skills assessment which will be mapped against the graduate skills expected for entry at Level 6.

We actively welcome applications from mature students from a variety of backgrounds.

Other Requirements: 

Applications from international students with equivalent qualifications are welcome. A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in any component, or equivalent is required for those for whom English is not their first language.

Applicants from external settings will be required to create a personal statement addressing background experience and education experience to date and are subject to interview.

Successful completion of the course gives you a recognised BSc qualification, valuable in a range of professional roles worldwide.

Students from the programme have progressed into a range of higher-level roles, including into zoological and ecology positions. Graduates may also apply for Masters-level courses in animal management.

Fees for Academic Year 2024/25

Annual tuition fees: £8,400

Concession: NO
Government Subsidised: NO
Student Loan Available: YES (Higher Education funding available)

Full fee information here

Fees are for 2024/25 entry and are for UK students of all ages. For more information about financial support for students, please click here.

All students are expected to have Personal Protective Equipment, which can be purchased on enrolment for a cost of approximately £40. The course also includes a number of optional study trips which represent an additional cost to students of approximately £50.

The educational research expedition, is an optional part of the Conservation (Terrestrial and Marine) module and represents an additional cost to students of approximately £250. For those students unable to attend, alternative opportunities will be arranged.

The BSc (Hons) Animal Management (Top Up) Degree has been designed to enable graduates of the Foundation Degree in Animal Management to ‘top-up’ their qualification to a full Bachelor of Science Honours Degree. Applications are also invited from applicants with passes in comparable Level 5 modules from other institutions.

Nescot have been running a successful BSc Top-Up for a number of years. It focuses on the contemporary challenges faced in the land-based sector, in particular conservation and climate change.

All modules are at Level 6 and are subject to confirmation:

  • Advanced Animal Management
  • Field Zoology
  • Conservation and the climate crises
  • Dissertation
  • Wildlife Crime
  • Herpetology

View the full programme specification here

Teaching and learning will take place at Nescot College, where the land-based department spans two-thirds of the campus. The ‘urban farm’ facilities are an oasis of calm nestled within the vibrant suburban surroundings of Ewell, which has excellent transport links. Ewell East train station is a short walk from the campus and travel time to London Victoria is around half an hour.

The animal care unit is home to a wide range of species, including livestock animals such as sheep and poultry; domestic pet species such as rabbits and rodents; and captive exotic species including reptiles and amphibians. The collection contains around 400 individuals including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates, which allow students to easily apply theory to practice on a regular basis. This will allow students to develop the practical skills necessary to successfully enter the animal and land-based industry across the range of taxa commonly kept in captive animal collections or as companion animals.

Learning is enriched through relevant visits to professional settings.

We anticipate fewer than 25 per class. Previous class sizes have varied between 10-18 students.
We expect students to complete independent study and assessments within their independent guided learning hours for each module.


The Open University Regulations for Validated Awards

Open University Students Guide

View the full programme specification here

Click here to go to our university-level information and support pages.


Disclaimer:

This Nescot College website describes the facilities and courses which the College intends to offer during the academic year commencing Autumn 2024. The web pages are prepared in advance of the academic year to which they relate and every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in these pages is helpful, fair and accurate at the time of printing. However, this information is subject to change over time.

Nescot will take reasonable steps to provide the courses and services as described, however, the College cannot guarantee the provision of any course or facility. Some circumstances, such as staff changes, resource limitations and other factors over which the College has no control, such as industrial action or a change in the law or the level of demand for a particular programme or module (please note that this list is non-exhaustive), may result in the College having to withdraw or change aspects of the programmes, modules and/or student services detailed on the website. This could include, but not necessarily be limited to, programme/module content, staffing, the location where the programme/module is taught or the manner of teaching delivery, and the facilities provided to deliver or support the programme. Where circumstances demand an unavoidable change or where it is necessary for the College to discontinue a programme of study, Nescot will take all reasonable steps to minimise the effect and all proposed changes will be notified to potential applicants who have registered an interest in the relevant programme at the earliest possible opportunity as well as being reflected on the College’s website. In addition, any changes between the website and the proposed course and services will be notified to applicants at the time of making an offer.

All prices quoted may be subject to change and you will be notified of any such change when any offer of a place is made to you by Nescot.

Should you become a student of the College, this notice shall be a term of any contract between you and Nescot. Any offer of a place at the College shall be subject to the student enrolment conditions and the College’s rules and regulations as amended from time to time. A copy of the Nescot’s current terms and conditions can be obtained in writing from Nescot, Quality Office, Reigate Road, Ewell, Epsom, Surrey, KT17 3DS.

Last updated - 09/10/2023

Overview

  • Course Code:

    N5806

  • Study type:

    Full Time

  • Award:

    BSc (Hons) (Top Up)

  • Awarded by:

    Open University

  • Course length:

    This programme is offered in full-time mode, and leads to the award of BSc (Hons) Top-Up Degree.

    Full-time mode requires students to attend 12 hours per week for one academic year (30 weeks) and is timetabled across three days.

    End Date: June 2026

  • Start date:

    September 2024
Apply now
  • Course Code:

    N5806

  • Study type:

    Full Time

  • Award:

    BSc (Hons) (Top Up)

  • Awarded by:

    Open University

  • Course length:

    This programme is offered in full-time mode, and leads to the award of BSc (Hons) Top-Up Degree.

    Full-time mode requires students to attend 12 hours per week for one academic year (30 weeks) and is timetabled across three days.

    End Date: June 2026

  • Start date:

    September 2024

Traditional Entry Route:

  • Foundation Degree in Animal Management or related subject at pass level.  
  • Foundation degrees with biological or Land-based backgrounds will also be considered.
  • Evidence of level 2 Literacy is required, for example key skills or functional skills at level 2 or GCSE English language at Grade C/4 or above. If applicants do not have evidence of Literacy at level 2, it will be necessary to complete a piece of writing to demonstrate competence in written English.


Other entry routes:

Students lacking the above qualification, but with significant, appropriate experience from the land-based industry may apply. Eligibility will be assessed through interview, portfolio of evidence and a skills assessment which will be mapped against the graduate skills expected for entry at Level 6.

We actively welcome applications from mature students from a variety of backgrounds.

Other Requirements: 

Applications from international students with equivalent qualifications are welcome. A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in any component, or equivalent is required for those for whom English is not their first language.

Applicants from external settings will be required to create a personal statement addressing background experience and education experience to date and are subject to interview.

Successful completion of the course gives you a recognised BSc qualification, valuable in a range of professional roles worldwide.

Students from the programme have progressed into a range of higher-level roles, including into zoological and ecology positions. Graduates may also apply for Masters-level courses in animal management.

Fees for Academic Year 2024/25

Annual tuition fees: £8,400

Concession: NO
Government Subsidised: NO
Student Loan Available: YES (Higher Education funding available)

Full fee information here

Fees are for 2024/25 entry and are for UK students of all ages. For more information about financial support for students, please click here.

All students are expected to have Personal Protective Equipment, which can be purchased on enrolment for a cost of approximately £40. The course also includes a number of optional study trips which represent an additional cost to students of approximately £50.

The educational research expedition, is an optional part of the Conservation (Terrestrial and Marine) module and represents an additional cost to students of approximately £250. For those students unable to attend, alternative opportunities will be arranged.

The BSc (Hons) Animal Management (Top Up) Degree has been designed to enable graduates of the Foundation Degree in Animal Management to ‘top-up’ their qualification to a full Bachelor of Science Honours Degree. Applications are also invited from applicants with passes in comparable Level 5 modules from other institutions.

Nescot have been running a successful BSc Top-Up for a number of years. It focuses on the contemporary challenges faced in the land-based sector, in particular conservation and climate change.

All modules are at Level 6 and are subject to confirmation:

  • Advanced Animal Management
  • Field Zoology
  • Conservation and the climate crises
  • Dissertation
  • Wildlife Crime
  • Herpetology

View the full programme specification here

Teaching and learning will take place at Nescot College, where the land-based department spans two-thirds of the campus. The ‘urban farm’ facilities are an oasis of calm nestled within the vibrant suburban surroundings of Ewell, which has excellent transport links. Ewell East train station is a short walk from the campus and travel time to London Victoria is around half an hour.

The animal care unit is home to a wide range of species, including livestock animals such as sheep and poultry; domestic pet species such as rabbits and rodents; and captive exotic species including reptiles and amphibians. The collection contains around 400 individuals including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates, which allow students to easily apply theory to practice on a regular basis. This will allow students to develop the practical skills necessary to successfully enter the animal and land-based industry across the range of taxa commonly kept in captive animal collections or as companion animals.

Learning is enriched through relevant visits to professional settings.

We anticipate fewer than 25 per class. Previous class sizes have varied between 10-18 students.
We expect students to complete independent study and assessments within their independent guided learning hours for each module.


The Open University Regulations for Validated Awards

Open University Students Guide

View the full programme specification here

Click here to go to our university-level information and support pages.


Disclaimer:

This Nescot College website describes the facilities and courses which the College intends to offer during the academic year commencing Autumn 2024. The web pages are prepared in advance of the academic year to which they relate and every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in these pages is helpful, fair and accurate at the time of printing. However, this information is subject to change over time.

Nescot will take reasonable steps to provide the courses and services as described, however, the College cannot guarantee the provision of any course or facility. Some circumstances, such as staff changes, resource limitations and other factors over which the College has no control, such as industrial action or a change in the law or the level of demand for a particular programme or module (please note that this list is non-exhaustive), may result in the College having to withdraw or change aspects of the programmes, modules and/or student services detailed on the website. This could include, but not necessarily be limited to, programme/module content, staffing, the location where the programme/module is taught or the manner of teaching delivery, and the facilities provided to deliver or support the programme. Where circumstances demand an unavoidable change or where it is necessary for the College to discontinue a programme of study, Nescot will take all reasonable steps to minimise the effect and all proposed changes will be notified to potential applicants who have registered an interest in the relevant programme at the earliest possible opportunity as well as being reflected on the College’s website. In addition, any changes between the website and the proposed course and services will be notified to applicants at the time of making an offer.

All prices quoted may be subject to change and you will be notified of any such change when any offer of a place is made to you by Nescot.

Should you become a student of the College, this notice shall be a term of any contract between you and Nescot. Any offer of a place at the College shall be subject to the student enrolment conditions and the College’s rules and regulations as amended from time to time. A copy of the Nescot’s current terms and conditions can be obtained in writing from Nescot, Quality Office, Reigate Road, Ewell, Epsom, Surrey, KT17 3DS.

Last updated - 09/10/2023

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