Petroc

FdSc Animal Conservation

Institution code P51
Duration

3 years
Course type

Part-time
Study location Petroc (Barnstaple: North Devon)
Apply at UCAS.com

Petroc is one of the largest colleges in Devon and is committed to driving forward educational success in further and higher education. 

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. 

Petroc has been delivering a range of degree-level courses for over 30 years and is proud to be able to provide a wide variety of programmes (from HNCs and Foundation Degrees to Higher Apprenticeships and Honours Degrees) in subject areas including education, computing, science, engineering, and health and care. 

Petroc has three campuses situated across North and Mid Devon with modern and stimulating learning environments. We also offer small classes, extensive student support and exceptional links to local industry. 

Visit the Petroc website to find out how we can help you go further in life.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Core modules

    NORD1076
    Animal Anatomy and Physiology

    NORD1077
    Animal Behaviour

    NORD1078
    Ecology and Conservation

    NORD1079
    Developing Graduate Skills

  • Year 2

  • Core modules

    NORD1081
    Zoological Conservation

    NORD2077
    Practical Conservation Skills

    PETR1182
    Animal Health and Disease

    The 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.

    PETR2184
    Wildlife Management and Rehabilitation

    The 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.

  • Final year

  • Core modules

    NORD2080
    Applied Zoological Science

    PETR2101
    Behavioural Ecology

    The 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.

    PETR2185
    Marine Animal Biology and Conservation

    The 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 & Analysis

    This 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.

*UK Government announcement on tuition fees

Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.

Subject to final Parliamentary approval (expected in early March 2025), the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.

How to apply

For further information and to apply for this course, please contact the college's admissions team directly using the contact details below. 

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. 

Open days

Partner college open days

This course is run at one of our partner colleges. Open days are held at the college and more details of these can be found on the college website. You'll find contact details below, on this page.

University of Plymouth open days

You are also very welcome to attend a University of Plymouth open day, to get a flavour of the courses you can progress to from a partner college. There will however be limited information on this specific course and college.

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.
Plymouth students working on a group project