You’ll join the final year of the BSc (Hons) Zoology course, building on your previous knowledge. Top-up courses are equivalent to the final year of an undergraduate degree and allow you to 'top up' an existing qualification into a full honours degree.
Immerse yourself in the theory and practical application of zoology, for a fulfilling career conserving the biodiversity of our planet and protecting animal species across the globe.
Course Duration:
1 year full time; part-time available
UC
UCAS Code:
D326
Part or Full Time:
Full Time / Part Time
Level of Study:
Top-up Level 6
Placement Year:
Optional
Typical Offer:
A pass at Foundation Degree or HND in animal science or management related subject or a recognised diploma from Fleming College, Canada.
You’ll apply existing knowledge to explore how human activity affects animal populations, how zoos contribute to conservation, how animals learn and much more. See the impact of conservation first-hand on a day trips to a UK zoo.
Learn from experienced animal scientists, conservationists and industry practitioners to develop industry-standard skills and understand how zoology applies in the real world.
As part of your top-up, you’ll undertake an independent research project. You can use our animal facilities or work with an industry partner, such as a zoo, conservation charity or welfare organisation.
Our fantastic on site facilities include a range of laboratories, a 70-species Animal Collection, and commercial animal therapy centres to develop your experience. Our 360-hectare estate is ideal for learning a range of survey techniques and for studying British wildlife.
Academic requirements
A pass at Foundation Degree or HND in an animal science or management related subject or a recognised diploma from Fleming College, Canada
We welcome students with equivalent qualifications; please contact us to discuss
Non-academic options
Direct entry into Level 6 can be subject to interview and approval of prior content covered in evolution, ecology and general conservation biology principles
Previous learning towards a university-level qualification or relevant work experience may count as credit for this course
International students
We welcome applications from international students and accept international qualifications at equivalent levels to the above
You may also need to evidence proficiency in English language
Industry opportunities on this course are diverse to ensure you develop the skills, experience and connections needed for your graduate career. Many of our students secure graduate roles with their work placement employers.
Field trips and guest lecturers
There are day trips to a UK zoo, which is part of a core module. You’ll explore all aspects of captive-based conservation, including zoo husbandry, reintroduction breeding and conservation education.
Day-long field trips are run throughout the programme. Previously, these have included Cotswold Wildlife Park, Guide Dogs’ Breeding Centre and Bristol Aquarium amongst others.
Recent guest speakers have included zookeepers, conservationists, and sustainability experts in a variety of different optional modules.
Graduate destinations
As a Zoology graduate you may go on to work in zoos, aquariums, wildlife parks, or rescue, conservation or welfare centres. You’ll also have the transferable skills you need for other graduate careers. Our careers team can support you to find and prepare to secure your perfect role. Recent graduate destinations have included:
Instructor, Guide Dogs for the Blind
Animal Welfare Assistant, Blue Cross
Editorial Assistant, BSAVA
Zookeeper, Bristol Zoo
Guest Experience Manager, Bristol Aquarium
Postgraduate Study - MRes Animal Behaviour and Welfare, MRes Anthrozoology
You'll benefit from a strong support network from day one to be the best you can be. This will range from your personal tutor and specialist academic support team (our Achievement and Success Centre) to dedicated wellbeing and employability (Innovation, Careers and Enterprise) centres.
Academic support
You’ll have your own personal tutor while you’re here who will support you to succeed in your studies. You’ll also have access to our academic and wellbeing support teams who run regular workshops and one-to-one sessions on campus and online.
Alongside this, we have a comprehensive bank of online study skills resources to help you make the most of your qualification.
Your learning experiences
You'll experience a range of teaching methods to strengthen your digestion of topics, including lectures, workshops and practical sessions, as well as supported work placement learning as part of many courses.
Your career
Your course will be made up of two semesters, within which you’ll study compulsory and optional modules on different industry-focused topics, enabling you to develop your own unique portfolio of knowledge, skills and experience, ready for your career. The course is taught in English.
Course information
Overview
You’ll apply existing knowledge to explore how human activity affects animal populations, how zoos contribute to conservation, how animals learn and much more. See the impact of conservation first-hand on a day trips to a UK zoo.
Learn from experienced animal scientists, conservationists and industry practitioners to develop industry-standard skills and understand how zoology applies in the real world.
As part of your top-up, you’ll undertake an independent research project. You can use our animal facilities or work with an industry partner, such as a zoo, conservation charity or welfare organisation.
Our fantastic on site facilities include a range of laboratories, a 70-species Animal Collection, and commercial animal therapy centres to develop your experience. Our 360-hectare estate is ideal for learning a range of survey techniques and for studying British wildlife.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
A pass at Foundation Degree or HND in an animal science or management related subject or a recognised diploma from Fleming College, Canada
We welcome students with equivalent qualifications; please contact us to discuss
Non-academic options
Direct entry into Level 6 can be subject to interview and approval of prior content covered in evolution, ecology and general conservation biology principles
Previous learning towards a university-level qualification or relevant work experience may count as credit for this course
International students
We welcome applications from international students and accept international qualifications at equivalent levels to the above
You may also need to evidence proficiency in English language
Please contact us for further information.
Employability
Your career
Industry opportunities on this course are diverse to ensure you develop the skills, experience and connections needed for your graduate career. Many of our students secure graduate roles with their work placement employers.
Field trips and guest lecturers
There are day trips to a UK zoo, which is part of a core module. You’ll explore all aspects of captive-based conservation, including zoo husbandry, reintroduction breeding and conservation education.
Day-long field trips are run throughout the programme. Previously, these have included Cotswold Wildlife Park, Guide Dogs’ Breeding Centre and Bristol Aquarium amongst others.
Recent guest speakers have included zookeepers, conservationists, and sustainability experts in a variety of different optional modules.
Graduate destinations
As a Zoology graduate you may go on to work in zoos, aquariums, wildlife parks, or rescue, conservation or welfare centres. You’ll also have the transferable skills you need for other graduate careers. Our careers team can support you to find and prepare to secure your perfect role. Recent graduate destinations have included:
Instructor, Guide Dogs for the Blind
Animal Welfare Assistant, Blue Cross
Editorial Assistant, BSAVA
Zookeeper, Bristol Zoo
Guest Experience Manager, Bristol Aquarium
Postgraduate Study - MRes Animal Behaviour and Welfare, MRes Anthrozoology
How you'll study
Your support network
You'll benefit from a strong support network from day one to be the best you can be. This will range from your personal tutor and specialist academic support team (our Achievement and Success Centre) to dedicated wellbeing and employability (Innovation, Careers and Enterprise) centres.
Academic support
You’ll have your own personal tutor while you’re here who will support you to succeed in your studies. You’ll also have access to our academic and wellbeing support teams who run regular workshops and one-to-one sessions on campus and online.
Alongside this, we have a comprehensive bank of online study skills resources to help you make the most of your qualification.
Your learning experiences
You'll experience a range of teaching methods to strengthen your digestion of topics, including lectures, workshops and practical sessions, as well as supported work placement learning as part of many courses.
Your career
Your course will be made up of two semesters, within which you’ll study compulsory and optional modules on different industry-focused topics, enabling you to develop your own unique portfolio of knowledge, skills and experience, ready for your career. The course is taught in English.
Modules
What you'll study
This course builds on the knowledge you have gained in previous studies, to reach the level of a BSc (Hons) degree.
This course is comprised of both compulsory and optional modules, which you'll be able to choose from to suit your interests and career goals. Optional modules change each year in line with student, industry and research demands - you'll find recent topics studied below. You can attend introductory sessions for optional modules before deciding which ones to study.
Module credits
Through the completion of modules, you’ll gain academic credit that accumulates towards your final award. Your degree classification will be calculated from grades in your Level 6 top-up year.
You’ll explore the real-world impact of conservation action, both in the wild and in captivity, and include contact with zoos, nature reserves and industry experts. You’ll draw on the knowledge you’ve gained during your previous studies, in the areas of animal behaviour, ecology, biodiversity, evolution and biological principles.
Compulsory Modules
Investigative Skills for the Successful Undergraduate
Prepare for undertaking a research project.
Applied Research Project
Independent research and analysis in an animal-related field with one-to-one support from an academic. Utilise our on-site animal facilities or work with an industry partner to ensure your project is addressing a real-world issue. Our students have worked with West Midlands Safari Park, Cotswold Wildlife Park, Gloucester City Council, Operation Wallacea and Vale Wildlife Hospital. You’ll have an investigative skills module, which will help you to develop the research skills you need to succeed.
You could present your research at a national or international conference, or get your work published in peer-reviewed academic press.
Wildlife Conservation in Captivity
Work with a UK zoo to apply the principles of biology to the practical zoo environment, through day trips. Explore topics such as zoo enclosure design, animal-visitor interactions, training in the zoo environment, and zoo nutrition.
Biodiversity and Conservation
Build on existing knowledge to examine global patterns of biodiversity, the processes that determine diversity and the causes of biodiversity declines. Critically analyse conservation methods in protecting nature.
Professional Skills in Zoology
Elevate your professional readiness for roles in the zoology sector by refining key skills and identifying your career developmental needs.
Optional Modules
Anthrozoology
Anthrozoology is the study of human-animal interactions, exploring the impact animals have on our lives, and the impact they have on ours.
Epidemiology
You will study how diseases are transmitted and spread through populations and understand how the dynamics of this spread can be studied and monitored. You will use this knowledge to analyse appropriate methods to help avoid, track and control disease epidemics.
Modules
Overview
What you'll study
This course builds on the knowledge you have gained in previous studies, to reach the level of a BSc (Hons) degree.
This course is comprised of both compulsory and optional modules, which you'll be able to choose from to suit your interests and career goals. Optional modules change each year in line with student, industry and research demands - you'll find recent topics studied below. You can attend introductory sessions for optional modules before deciding which ones to study.
Module credits
Through the completion of modules, you’ll gain academic credit that accumulates towards your final award. Your degree classification will be calculated from grades in your Level 6 top-up year.
Level Six (final year)
You’ll explore the real-world impact of conservation action, both in the wild and in captivity, and include contact with zoos, nature reserves and industry experts. You’ll draw on the knowledge you’ve gained during your previous studies, in the areas of animal behaviour, ecology, biodiversity, evolution and biological principles.
Compulsory Modules
Investigative Skills for the Successful Undergraduate
Prepare for undertaking a research project.
Applied Research Project
Independent research and analysis in an animal-related field with one-to-one support from an academic. Utilise our on-site animal facilities or work with an industry partner to ensure your project is addressing a real-world issue. Our students have worked with West Midlands Safari Park, Cotswold Wildlife Park, Gloucester City Council, Operation Wallacea and Vale Wildlife Hospital. You’ll have an investigative skills module, which will help you to develop the research skills you need to succeed.
You could present your research at a national or international conference, or get your work published in peer-reviewed academic press.
Wildlife Conservation in Captivity
Work with a UK zoo to apply the principles of biology to the practical zoo environment, through day trips. Explore topics such as zoo enclosure design, animal-visitor interactions, training in the zoo environment, and zoo nutrition.
Biodiversity and Conservation
Build on existing knowledge to examine global patterns of biodiversity, the processes that determine diversity and the causes of biodiversity declines. Critically analyse conservation methods in protecting nature.
Professional Skills in Zoology
Elevate your professional readiness for roles in the zoology sector by refining key skills and identifying your career developmental needs.
Optional Modules
Anthrozoology
Anthrozoology is the study of human-animal interactions, exploring the impact animals have on our lives, and the impact they have on ours.
Epidemiology
You will study how diseases are transmitted and spread through populations and understand how the dynamics of this spread can be studied and monitored. You will use this knowledge to analyse appropriate methods to help avoid, track and control disease epidemics.
The programme is made up of scheduled learning, including lectures and seminars, alongside independent learning, including preparing for assignments and exams, wider reading and tasks to prepare for scheduled learning. You’ll be expected to study for two–three hours independently for each hour in scheduled learning. The course is taught in English.
Year
Contact learning
Placement learning
Independent learning
Level six (year one)
21%
0%
79%
You will be assessed through a mixture of written exams, practical exams and written assignments. Many of the modules will be marked based on a mixture of assessment types, whilst others will be based solely on one type of assessment. Feedback will be given via a mixture of written bullet point-style feedback and/or oral feedback.
Year
Written exam
Practical exam
Coursework
Level six (year one)
31%
16%
53%
This course is taught over two semesters, normally consisting of 12 weeks of scheduled teaching and then assessment weeks, with an overview below:
Scheduled teaching takes place between 8:30 to 20:30 Monday to Friday
Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities
Work placements may entail different days and hours
Part-time students may need to attend learning activities five days each week, depending on modules selected
Please visit our student finance page for information on tuition fees and student loans, as well as non-repayable grants, bursaries and scholarships, eligible to different groups, to support with study costs.
Clothing and footwear (circa £100)
If you would like to take part in additional handling sessions you’ll need to purchase appropriate clothing and footwear. We’ll let you know exactly what you need to purchase in your enrolment guide – everything is available from our supplier’s online shop for approximately £100. These items are not required for taught modules on this course.
Our Resource Library is where you'll find all the essential details about Hartpury University's courses. It includes Programme and Module Specifications, along with Course Information Sheets for every course. You can easily download a complete revision history for each of these, clearly showing the dates changes were made.
Course Information Sheets: These are PDF versions of the course webpages. They provide an overview of the course, what to expect during your studies, and the topics covered.
Programme Specifications: These are detailed, validated documents containing academic specifics for each programme. They include descriptions of the programme, its aims, learning outcomes, year and module structure, as well as teaching, learning, and assessment strategies.
Module Specifications: Each Programme consists of several Modules. Our Module Specifications outline the topics covered and the expected outcomes for students studying each Module.
Settle into an accommodation option to suit your taste and budget – at Hartpury University, undergraduate students can choose to live on-campus surrounded by Gloucestershire’s beautiful countryside or off-campus in the heart of Gloucester City centre. Enjoy the best of both worlds.
Finance
We can help you understand how it all works, and what you need to do next. Find out everything you need to know about tuition fees, student loans and bursaries and scholarships. In 2021/22, we provided assistance to over 1/3 of our students through bursaries, scholarships and grants, totalling a little under £1million.
Support
When you become a student at Hartpury, you become part of our community. As a small university, we provide personalised support based on your individual requirements and aspirations. Our teams cover wellbeing, achievement and success, learning support, careers, and more. From wellbeing, safety and employability, to finance, accommodation and IT, our staff will answer your questions or get you set up with someone who can.
TEF Gold
Our undergraduate provision has been awarded Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold in all aspects - Overall, Student Experience, and Student Outcomes.
Teaching quality
Ranked in the top 10 universities for teaching quality (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2025).
Graduate employability
97% of our graduates are in employment, further study or other purposeful activity (Graduate Outcomes, 2024).
Academic support
We’re a top 10 university for academic support (NSS 2024, UK universities).
Commercial businesses, specialist equipment
Animal facilities
Our 360-hectare rural campus provides the ideal space for wildlife conservation. Our diverse ever-expanding collection includes access to over 70 species comprising invertebrates, reptiles, aquatics, exotics and large and small animals.
Our specialist animal science laboratories and veterinary nursing training centre enable students to apply theory to practice, gain real-life experience and develop scientific research skills.
“It's amazing that Hartpury offers the opportunity to work with different species as part of the degree. As part of the course, I did a 40-hour internship in the Animal Collection. I’ve been getting hands on with exotic animals – meerkats, skunks and prairie dogs.
”
Skai Walker
BSc (Hons) Human-Animal Interaction
"Hartpury is a great place to be if you have a passion for animals. There’s so many opportunities on offer to suit different interests. I’m a dog person but being able to experience lots of different things, from the Equine Therapy Centre to the farm, was great for my development."
Lauren Branfield, Trainee Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, Guide Dogs for The Blind
"Hartpury is a great place to be if you have a passion for animals. There’s so many opportunities on offer to suit different interests. I’m a dog person but being able to experience lots of different things, from the Equine Therapy Centre to the farm, was great for my development."
Lauren Branfield, Trainee Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, Guide Dogs for The Blind
Turn your passion into your career
The physical and emotional needs of animals is at the heart of everything we do. Working with research-active staff, our students contribute to studies that are helping us understand animals like never before.
Put theory into practice and boost your CV with access to over 70 species, laboratories, animal therapy and hydrotherapy centres, a new Equine and Animal Assisted Activities Area on a 360-hectare campus that provides an ideal environment.
Get to know our dedicated and passionate teaching staff who’ll help you achieve your very best. We’re proud to have been awarded Gold in all three areas of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF): Overall, Student Experience, and Student Outcomes. This places Hartpury University in the top 15% of published institutions in England. Plus, we're ranked sixth in the UK for Teaching Quality, in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes are reviewed and developed regularly. Changes or cancellation of courses may be necessary to ensure alignment with emerging employment areas, to comply with accrediting body requirements, revisions to subject benchmark statements or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make necessary changes and will notify all offer-holders of changes as and when they occur.
Develop your passion for training animals, enhance your skills with the latest technologies and top-up your existing qualification to a full BSc degree.
Develop your expertise in animal behaviour and welfare and turn your passion into your career. Study the fascinating biology behind behaviour and consider ethical issues.
