FdSc Animal Conservation
| UCAS course code | D3H8 |
| Institution code | P51 |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Course type | Full-time, Part-time route available |
| Study location | Petroc (Barnstaple: North Devon) |
The University Centre for Northern Devon offers respected qualifications, hands-on learning, industry collaboration, and unwavering support for students in the region. We are passionate about raising the aspirations, knowledge and skills of individuals, and year after year our students produce exceptional results, enabling them to progress further in training or employment. Our wide variety of courses are designed to support learners to study higher education locally in subjects including education, computing, science, engineering, and health and care.
Visit the Petroc website to find out how we can help you go further in life.
Course details
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Year 1
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Core modules
NORD1076
Animal Anatomy and PhysiologyNORD1077
Animal BehaviourNORD1078
Ecology and ConservationNORD1079
Developing Graduate SkillsNORD1081
Zoological ConservationPETR1182
Animal Health and DiseaseThe module will review regional, national and global factors affecting the health of wild and domestic species, disease transmission, causal agents and the interventions required to manage the risk of contracting and spreading disease. Students will further their understanding of the mechanisms of disease and immunity and how these can be adjusted and manipulated to maintain animal health.
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Final year
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Core modules
NORD2077
Practical Conservation SkillsNORD2080
Applied Zoological SciencePETR2101
Behavioural EcologyThe module focuses on the evolution of animal behaviours, including adaptation, communication, feeding behaviour, Mating behaviours, coping with predators adaptively, and reproductive tactics. Ecology of social behaviours is also covered. Where possible the lessons will involve observing wild animal behaviour to apply knowledge.
PETR2184
Wildlife Management and RehabilitationThe module will provide an understanding of the complex and varied factors affecting wildlife, including reasons affecting resources, their funding and their management and how these issues impact upon the species themselves. Students will apply their resource management knowledge to a range of habitats. Ecological, legal & ethical rehabilitation factors will also be considered.
PETR2185
Marine Animal Biology and ConservationThe module focuses on the variety of marine fauna, their biology and their conservation. The unit will identify the evolutionary pathways and classifications of marine animals, as well as current conservation threats and conservation measures which have been undertaken to protect and enhance habitats and species.
PETR2171
Experimental Design & AnalysisThis module focuses on core skills and techniques in field studies and data analysis essential to animal conservation. Practical work needs to be performed safely and efficiently within an appropriate experimental design, results described and analysed competently, and outcomes effectively presented. Students complete a chosen research project and a literature review of a topic addressing wider issues.
The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.
Fees, costs and funding
As this course is delivered by one of our partner colleges, please contact the college directly for information on fees and funding.
Tuition fee price changes
In November 2024, the UK Government announced an increase to tuition fees and maintenance support for 2025/26 academic year, setting the standard tuition fee and student maintenance loan at £9,535 per year and the University’s tuition fees were increased to this rate.
The UK Government has indicated that further fee increases may be announced this year and in subsequent years. If the UK Government does so, the University may increase annual tuition fees in subsequent years, which may include the fees for the 2026/2027 academic year, in line with the Student Contract and all times in line with the maximum tuition fee caps set by the Government. More information about fees and costs of studying.
How to apply
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.
Progression routes
Completing this course enables you to progress onto these related courses and programmes with the University of Plymouth at level 5 or level 6, as specifically defined by this programme’s progression agreement.
For further information, including the progression from foundation degree form, please visit https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/business-partners/partnerships/academic-partnerships/study-guide/progression-to-honours-degree
Our partnership with Petroc
The University of Plymouth has developed partnerships with institutions around the world with the sole purpose of making higher education more accessible to those people who need something just a little different.
Our Academic Partnerships enable students to enrol for a degree at a partnership institution closer to home, or engage in distance learning – even when they’re in the middle of the ocean. They are there for those people looking to return to education, or enhance their professional development. Full- or part-time; foundation degree to masters-level – we cater for a huge variety of needs and aspirations.
Many of our partners offer specialist degrees, unique facilities, and smaller class sizes at a competitive price. And as a student of two institutions, you get the best of both worlds; a supportive learning environment as part of a close-knit community, and a university-level qualification awarded by the University of Plymouth. You’ll enjoy not only the facilities and services your partnership institution provides, but also all of the additional support and resources you need from us, and you’ll automatically become a member of our Students’ Union, too.
We are continuing to grow the number of partner institutions and expand our academic community to new locations around the UK and overseas. Why not visit the Academic Partnerships page on our website for a full list of partners and for more details on studying with us?
One of our partners delivers this particular course – so please visit their website for full course details, entry requirements, tuition fees and information on what student life is like there.
Studying with Petroc
With main campuses in Barnstaple, Tiverton and Brannams, if you decide to study at the combined college, you’ll be able to take advantage of increased resources and the plethora of learning opportunities associated with them.
