Where will this course lead?

The Animal Behaviour and Welfare BSc (Hons) top-up degree programme is designed to enable people who have successfully completed a Level 5 qualification in animal related studies to upgrade their qualifications to a vocationally relevant, BSc (Hons) qualification. Graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills required to pursue employment in advanced animal behavioural or welfare-based roles, e.g., Animal welfare inspectors, animal behaviour therapists, animal trainers, animal facility managers or animal science researchers. The curriculum allows for continued progression on to level 7 courses.

What will I study?

The Animal Behaviour and Welfare Degree year builds on your previous study and offers completion of an Honours Degree. The programme develops contemporary, high-level animal behaviour and welfare knowledge and skills, through modules which are at the cutting edge of their elds and/or look at new and emerging subject areas. During this year you also get the opportunity to pursue a research interest of your choice whilst completing your dissertation module. The modules you will study are: International Animal Welfare, Pet Behaviour Consultation Techniques, Epidemiology, Conservation Strategies, Dissertation (double module), Advanced Animal Learning and Training, Human Animal Interactions. All modules are compulsory.

How will this course be delivered?

The course is delivered in a variety of ways including online learning, face to face in the classroom with lectures, group activities, discussions, and seminars; via some practical work in the eld; on-line resources and activities are used in modules for independent learning; dissertation support is provided via one-to-one online tutorials. Trips and guest speakers help strengthen links to the workplace and the development of skills for employment. If social distancing measures and government guidelines mean we are unable to attend trips, we will endeavour to provide alternatives such as webinar-based guest speakers.

The Animal Care Centre is fully equipped to industry standards and houses a wide range of species to include reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, fish, small mammals, large farm mammals and birds. Extra experience can be arranged individually within the Centre (subject to social distancing guidelines), if required, and dissertation can take place using Centre animals. You will also be required to complete extensive independent study outside the hours spent at college. You should allow a minimum of a full day per week for independent study. The full-time mode of study requires you to be at college two full days a week, based in the classroom. Part-time study is available and

usually requires 1 day per week (or two half days) at college. Attendance is an important part of the course, and you need to attend all sessions. There is no compulsory work experience commitment though additional work experience is always recommended.

Course Duration

Full Time - One Year

Part Time - Two Years

What qualifications will I get?

BSc (Hons) in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, awarded by Oxford Brookes University. To qualify for the award, a student must achieve 120 credits at level 6.

How will I be assessed?

Assessments are through a range of different coursework and presentations designed to develop academic and employability skills; and through examinations in some modules.

How do I get a place on the course?

All full-time applications are to be submitted via UCAS using the following codes: Course Code C867; Institution Code O66 (Oxford Brookes University); Campus Code L (Solihull College & University Centre). Applications will go Oxford Brookes University via UCAS before being forwarded to Solihull College.

Applications for Part Time Study are to be made via the university's website: https://www.brookes.ac.uk/studying-at-brookes/how-to-apply/applying-direct/

In order to gain a place on this course, applicants must meet the entry criteria and attend a formal interview at Solihull College & University Centre and may also be asked to complete a written and/or practical task as part of this process. If you have a learning difficulty or disability, please let us know when you apply. You will be offered support in your interview. If you need help completing your application, we can help with this too. https://www.solihull.ac.uk/uni-level-learner/student-services

What are the entry requirements?

Students will usually have achieved an average grade of 55% in the FdSc in Animal Behaviour and Welfare year 2 or an equivalent relevant animal related level 5 qualification of 240 CAT points, subject to individual credit rating by Oxford Brookes University.

Students who have studied the HND in Animal Management or equivalent HND will need an overall merit profile. Students who have not studied the Oxford Brooke University FdSc in Animal Behaviour & Welfare will need to produce a transcript of the modules and learning outcomes they have studied on their level 5 course to allow credit rating by Oxford Brookes University and evidence coverage of sufficient comparable, content to allow entrance to this BSc year.

The above requirements are minimum requirements. Gaining a place on the course will also be subject to a successful interview and a strong UCAS application with an appropriate reference. Other qualifications and combinations of qualifications will be considered and maybe also acceptable -please contact HE.Admissions@solihull.ac.uk

Own Test (IOT)

Applicants who do not meet the standard entry criteria but have appropriate industry and life experiences may have their prior learning and skills considered. Applicants may be required to complete an Aptitude assessment (this will be advised at interview).

English language requirements

Students who are non-native English speakers or who have not studied the final two years of school in English but can demonstrate capability in English at a standard commensurate to IELTS 6.0, with a minimum of 5.5 being awarded on individual sections for a level 4, 5 or 6 qualifications may be considered as eligible to apply for the programme.

What else do I need to know?

This course is a full-time programme, and you will be expected to attend 2 days per week between the hours of 9-5, timetables will be released to applicants at enrolment and may be available prior to this on request. If you are applying for financial help from Student Finance England, then you should do this as soon as possible to ensure your funding is in place for the start of your course. https://www.gov.uk/student-finance

Please read our full terms and conditions https://www.solihull.ac.uk/uni-level-learner/policies-and-applicant-information/

The degree is validated by Oxford Brookes University.

To find out how studying at a partner college works, please see this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wnzMXrM58U

Students may be required to purchase practical uniform (£25-30) and steel-toe capped boots (£20-30) for use if they work in the Animal Care Centre. Attendance on a variety of trips is a compulsory part of the course and students will be required to pay the associated fees (a maximum of £150 over the year). If social distancing measures and government guidelines mean we are unable to attend trips, we will endeavour to provide alternatives such as webinar-based guest speakers.

There will also be additional costs for learning resources such as books, stationary and for the production of coursework (the cost of this will depend on the direction and ambition of your work but we suggest budgeting approximately £250 for materials and books). (There are no compulsory requirements to purchase books).

What can I do after this course?

On completion of this course, you may wish to progress to study at level 7 on a master's degree course. Previous graduates have progressed into careers with animal charities, as animal technicians, working in zoos, and in education.