Working in the laboratory and the field will provide you with experience in the application of the theories learned in lectures. Visits to external organisations (including Sequani, Slimbridge, Bucklebury Farm, Birmingham SeaLife Centre and Bristol Zoo amongst many others) will allow you to appreciate how these theories are applied in the commercial world.
A field course module to South Africa runs in the second year and will give you a fantastic opportunity to explore African ecology and ethology. Activities will include animal tracking, day and night game drives, a visit to Pillansberg National Park and individual student projects (this is run at additional cost).
There are a number of complementary studies courses available that you can take alongside your studies at a reduced cost. These include first aid, health and safety, animal nursing and dog grooming and will not only enhance your skills and knowledge but improve your employability, giving you a broad range of qualifications that employers really want.
Throughout the course you will complete 300 hours of work experience on a placement of your choice. This can be at a wide range of relevant organisations, both in the UK and overseas. Students have previously undertaken in placements in organisations such as; Bristol Zoo, Slimbridge, Vale Wildlife Rescue, The Blue Cross, RSPCA and Prinknash bird and deer park. This work placement will not only provide you with skills that are valued by employers, it will prepare you for working in an animal-related field, and volunteer work in an organisation will often lead on to a paid position in the future.
What people say:
Placement Provider; “Our placement student was a responsible one, requiring intuition, problem analysis, evaluation and accomplishment. She proved a valuable asset and we would highly recommend her for any work involving animal care.”
Students:
Karen; “While on work experience I have been able to reflect on my abilities, highlighting my strengths and improving on my weaknesses so I become more employable.”
Yasmin; “A fantastic experience and rare opportunity, work placement has taught me about a new area of animal handling and management that I would seriously consider as a career.”
Ashley; “The past year has been full of many new experiences for me and has passed by quickly, from starting university and everything that comes with that to gaining new skills that will help me in life after completing the course.”
Emily; “The field course to Mankwe is by far the best module! It was amazing waking up and seeing rhino or giraffe walking past your door... We learnt so much about wildlife out there and valuable skills like how to track as well as partaking in activities such as anti-poaching which really made you think about the current poaching problem. I think it’s safe to say that everyone had an amazing time... I'm pretty sure it’s the first time people have cried when finishing a module!”