Animal Management (Zoo and Wildlife Conservation) with Foundation Year

Turn your passion for zoo animals and wildlife conservation into a career protecting our animals and their ecosystems.
If you’re passionate about protecting wildlife and working with exotic species, our BSc (Hons) Animal Management (Zoo and Wildlife Conservation) degree prepares you for a rewarding career in zoos, conservation and animal welfare. By combining hands-on experience with animals and academic study in health, nutrition, behaviour and sustainability, you’ll gain the practical skills and industry insight through field trips and expert-led learning, equipping you to make a real impact in the animal industry.

Why ARU?
• Develop expertise in surveying a wide variety of zoo and wildlife species



• Meet industry experts and build valuable professional connections through guest lectures and field trips



• Access strong links with leading zoos, wildlife trusts and conservation



• Combine practical skills with academic knowledge to make a real impact in animal welfare and conservation



You’ll begin by exploring the fundamentals of animal management, covering biology, ethics and essential practical and professional skills.
In years two and three, you’ll build on your knowledge of these core topics by focusing on behaviour, breeding and animal health in relation to zoo animals and wildlife. Finally, you’ll complete an independent research project on a topic of your choice. It’s a great opportunity to dive deeper into an area that interests you in more depth while demonstrating everything you’ve learned.

At ARU, you’ll be supported from day one with wellbeing services, money advice and careers guidance to help you through university and beyond.

Their courses are built around the skills and experience employers value. ARU are proud to be in the top 20% of UK universities for teaching quality (TEF 2023), and ranked #1 in the East of England, and #8 in the UK, for UG graduates in senior roles 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025). You'll have access to fantastic facilities thanks to £95m of investment - think SuperLabs, TV studios, law courts, mock hospital wards, gaming studios and more.

Wherever you're heading, ARU will help you get there.