Certificate of Higher Education Management of Animal Collections with Conservation
Course Details
-
Subject Areas
Animal Management -
Qualification
Level 4 -
Course Type
Full Time -
Length
1 Year -
Location(s)
York
Course at a glance
Develop your understanding of animal collections, conservation, and zoo management through this introductory higher education programme, designed to provide a strong foundation for further study or employment within the zoological and conservation sectors. 
UCAS Code
D327
Centre Code
A70
What you will learn
Develop your understanding of animal collections, conservation, and zoo management through this introductory higher education programme, designed to provide a strong foundation for further study or employment within the zoological and conservation sectors. 
You will explore key principles of animal science, behaviour, welfare, conservation, and the management of animal collections, while developing the academic, practical, and professional skills needed to work within modern zoos, wildlife parks, and conservation organisations. The programme also provides opportunities to tailor your studies through optional modules that reflect your interests and career aspirations. 
At University Centre Askham Bryan, learning extends beyond the classroom. Our dedicated team of academic and industry specialists support you in developing an understanding of contemporary challenges in conservation, animal welfare, and zoo management. You will benefit from access to a range of specialist facilities and resources that enhance both theoretical and practical learning. 
Our campus is home to the Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park, a BIAZA-accredited and licensed educational and commercial zoo. This unique resource provides opportunities to observe and study a diverse range of species, gain insight into the day-to-day operation of animal collections, and explore the role of zoos in education, conservation, research, and animal welfare. 
Throughout the programme, you will develop knowledge in areas such as ethical animal management, health and husbandry, behaviour, and zoo operations. By combining academic study with practical learning experiences, you will gain an appreciation of how modern animal collections contribute to species conservation and wildlife protection. 
The CertHE Management of Animal Collections with Conservation provides an excellent introduction to the zoo and conservation sector and offers a pathway to further higher education study and a wide range of careers working with animals, wildlife, and conservation organisations. 
Successful completion of the CertHE may also provide opportunities to progress onto the second year of a related FdSc programme, enabling you to build on your knowledge and work towards a full honours degree. This flexibility allows you to tailor your future study and career pathway to your individual interests and ambitions.
This course is 1-year full time (part-time study may also be available – contact he@askham-bryan.ac.uk for more information about part-time study).   
This programme is validated by Askham Bryan College.
Modules:
Level 4 core modules
- Animal Anatomy and Physiology
- Practical Animal Health and Husbandry
- Human – Zoo Animal Interactions
- Environmental Interpretation in Zoos
Level 4 optional modules choose 1
- Zoo Ethics
- Exotic Animal Behaviour
We cannot guarantee placement on your preferred elective if the module does not meet the minimum enrolment requirements or is oversubscribed due to resource limitations.*
Depending on the level of study students are expected to engage with a minimum of 15–20 hours per week for full-time study (including scheduled contact time and independent learning).
Minimum attendance requirement: 75% of scheduled sessions where attendance is required.
Engagement includes:
- Attending teaching sessions (face-to-face, online, or blended)
- Completing and submitting work by deadlines
- Attending tutorials, project supervision and dissertation meetings
- Participating in group work, placements, and mandatory field trips
Please see the Attendance Policy and Procedure for further details.
Key Information
Applicants should have achieved:
64 UCAS Points
5 GCSE’s including Maths, English and Science at Grade 4 or above.  Equivalent qualifications may be accepted in lieu of GCSEs. Applicants must have successfully completed a full Level 3 study and/or have significant industry experience.
UK based students may be invited to attend an interview at Askham Bryan College and places will be subject to a satisfactory reference and may also require satisfactory completion of an assessment.
If you have any queries in relation to entry qualifications, then please contact the University Centre directly.
On successful completion, students may wish to consider progressing onto the FdSc Management of Animal Collections with Conservation course at the college.
Students should discuss entry criteria and eligibility with their course manager.
UK, Isle of Man and Channel Isles Students on BSc Honours Degree/ BSc (Hons) Top up/ Foundation Degree/ Extended Foundation Degree/ Certificate of Higher Education Fees:
2027/28 = £9,525 per academic year
Please note that the fee status of each applicant will be assessed prior to any offer being made (Home Fee or Overseas/International Fee). Where required further information may be requested ensure the correct fee status is allocated. For further information about on studying in the UK and fee status, please visit UKCISA
Non-Home (Overseas Students) on Honours Degree/ Foundation Degree/ Extended Foundation Degree/ Certificate of Higher Education Fees:
2027/28 = £14,500 per academic year
Fees are charged per academic year of the course. Please note that is any restudy is required there will be tuition fees associated with this. Please refer further guidance and information on tuition fees and additional costs – Student FinanceÂ
Tuition fees are subject to an annual inflationary rise as per government guidance.
Work placement hours are not required within this 1- year course, but work experience is recommended to support your studies.
If you are already working in the sector, it may be possible to APEL (accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning) this element of the programme. Evidence of such employment will be needed, outlining duties etc for consideration at the APL panel, where applications will be considered on an individual basis. If you have any queries in relation to this, then please contact the University Centre team directly.
University Centre Askham Bryan fosters diverse talents and skills through a range of engaging assessment methods tailored to hone industry standard subject skills, as well as transferable skills and graduate attributes. Assessments may include written reports, case studies, TCAs, presentations, discussions, and reflective assignments. These varied approaches allow you to demonstrate your understanding of key  concepts, develop your communication and problem-solving skills, and apply theory to real-world industry scenarios. 
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These costs are in addition to tuition fees and accommodation (where applicable). Students will need to plan and budget for some extra costs as part of this course, which you need to pay for yourself.
Below is a list with approximate additional course costs to help with your planning and budgeting.