FdSc Animal Behaviour and Welfare with Science Gateway
Newquay University Centre Cornwall College - 18 September 2025
3 years
Full-time
Course information
Do you have the passion and potential to study one of our university-level programmes, but not the necessary qualifications to start?
Our Science Gateway course is the perfect solution.
Whether you are returning to education or your results weren’t quite what you hoped for, the Science Gateway provides a high-quality route into the large range of science foundation degree (FdSc) programmes at Newquay University Centre Cornwall College.
Science Gateway is designed to prepare you to succeed on a foundation degree in a number of ways.
It’ll help to develop your knowledge of core underpinning scientific concepts, as well as subject knowledge specifically related to your chosen subject area.
With our focus on building practical skills; you’ll gain confidence and competence in both the laboratory and fieldwork. Alongside this, the development of your academic study skills will help to boost your research competencies and overall employability.
You will study at our thriving Newquay campus, set against an inspirational backdrop of wild and rugged headland, sheltered coves, freshwater streams, saltmarsh and sprawling estuaries.
For over 20 years, Newquay University Centre Cornwall College has inspired thousands of science graduates to make a difference, using their passion as a guide.
Our small supportive group sizes and friendly experienced tutors create a family-feel that’s unlike any university experience you will have seen. Another benefit is the contact you’ll get with academic staff teaching at higher levels, ranging from formal tutorials and lessons to attendance at oral and poster presentation sessions.
So, what are you waiting for? The Science Gateway programme is the ideal way to progress onto your foundation degree, knowing that you are well-prepared, not just to achieve but to excel.
Following on from the Science Gateway year you may then progress onto the FdSc Animal Behaviour and Welfare
The programme is for students interested in working with animals, for example in a zoo, on a farm or with companion animals. Applicants wishing to increase their knowledge in areas such as animal behaviour, training, nutrition, welfare and biology and those interested in improving their practical skills and experience with a range of animals, will benefit from this programme. This course provides the opportunity for students to develop a range of skills that would allow them to move into the animal care or training sector working with animals throughout our society with optional modules to allow for program tailoring to personal interests.
Students will be taught by experienced and passionate lecturers and will learn contemporary techniques for the husbandry and training of animals to a high welfare standard informed by the latest research. Our small community learning environment allows staff to provide a bespoke experience for students to allow them to develop in the field of their choice. Through our classroom-based teaching, the college group’s own animal collections and partnerships with the Wild Planet Trust’s Newquay Zoo and Prickles and Paws rehabilitation centre it provides the practical experience, skills and knowledge required for managing companion, zoo, farm, wild and rescued animals. The programme offers a series of modules to develop skills in many areas of animal care, animal welfare and animal behaviour and training. Alongside our partnerships we visit a number of training facilities and animal collections nationally and internationally to allow students to evaluate best practice for the training and husbandry of animals in our care.
Our close association with industry partners allows us to provide industry active instructors on our modules and opportunities for industry relevant experience. We pride ourselves in supporting students through industry experience during their degree, giving them on the ground experience in the sector.
The FdSc Animal Behaviour and Welfare, with Science Gateway is ideal if you would like to study for a Foundation Degrees (FdSc), but do not have the right qualifications or grades to do so. The Science Gateway will prepare you for success on our FdSc programmes by helping you develop your knowledge in relevant areas of biology and chemistry, your practical skills, and your academic study skills.
The Science Gateway course includes modules designed to prepare you for Higher Education. These modules will be assessed in a range of ways, including essays, reports, exams, presentations, and practical tasks.
Foundation Biology
This module introduces learners to the key principles in biology - no prior knowledge is required. The module also provides a range of opportunities to complete laboratory practical work. Learners will develop competence in key practical techniques and build confidence in a laboratory setting.
Foundation Chemistry
This module introduces learners to the key principles of chemistry - no prior knowledge is required. Beginning with atomic theory the module progresses to chemical bonding and organic chemistry. Finally, the module includes an introduction to environmental chemistry with a focus on plastics and pollutants. Theory is supported by practical work.
Fieldwork Techniques
This module introduces basic ecological concepts such as biomes, nutrient cycles, food webs, and the classification of plants and animals. It also provides a range of opportunities to plan and undertake field surveys. Learners will phrase and test hypotheses, develop competence in key practical and analytical techniques and build confidence in field settings.
Research Techniques
This module encourages students to engage with the primary literature, becoming comfortable with identifying appropriate sources and articles, interpreting and extracting relevant information, and communicating that information through different methods.
Study Skills for HE
This module helps refresh basic mathematical and literacy skills needed to start in Higher Education and develops research and study skills needed for success.
First year FdSc modules include:
• Animal Behaviour & Psychology
• Applied Animal Behaviour and Training
• Animal Evolution and Physiology
• Animal Welfare Science
• Animal Nutrition
• Skills for Scientific Success
Second year FdSc modules include:
• Individual Research Project
• Animal disease
• Animals in Society
• Animal Rehabilitation in practice
• Companion Animal Behaviour and Training
• Animal Collections Management
• Exotic and Aquatic Animal Management
GCSE (or equivalent)
L2 Literacy and L2 Numeracy
Minimum of Grade C/grade 4 in Maths, English Language and Science
AS/A Levels
64 UCAS tariff points to include A2 level in appropriate subjects
BTEC National Diploma/Extended Diploma
BTEC L3 Diploma
BTEC 90 Credit Diploma/Subsidiary Diploma
64 UCAS tariff points – MPP grades in an appropriate subject
64 UCAS tariff points – MM grades in an appropriate subject
72 UCAS tariff points – in an appropriate subject and considered only for mature students or exceptional circumstances
City & Guilds (land based) L3 Diploma
City & Guilds (land based) Extended Diploma
City & Guilds (land based) Advanced Technical Extended Diploma
City & Guilds (land based) 90 Credit Diploma
64 UCAS tariff points – MM grades in an appropriate subject
64 UCAS tariff points - MPP grades in an appropriate subject
64 UCAS tariff points – MPP grades in an appropriate subject
72 UCAS tariff points – in an appropriate subject and considered only for mature students or exceptional circumstances
Access to HE Diploma
Year 0
Successful completion of Access to HE Diploma with at least 64 credits at level 3 in an appropriate subject plus English and maths at Level 2
Students will ideally have GCSEs (or equivalent) in both English and maths. Students may be accepted with just one of these, but would need to commit to completing the other alongside the Science Gateway. This can be discussed at interview.
Newquay University Centre Cornwall College
Newquay University Centre Cornwall College is a small but vibrant campus specialising in university level courses focussing on the environment. For over 20 years, we have inspired hundreds of students to make that all-important difference, using their passion as a guide. Our dedicated higher education campus is home to the marine science, zoology and surf stars of the future.
Championing #generationrestoration, this campus may be small, but its students and staff have a big impact on our planet and its future wellbeing. Likeminded individuals come together to undertake international, award-winning research, meaning when their incredible time at Newquay is done, they move onto fantastic and important careers.
It’s why you should definitely consider Newquay University Centre Cornwall College for your #careercollege experience.
Find out more about studying at Newquay
Find out more about our Newquay campus
Events
Newquay University Centre Cornwall College Open Day
Adult University- Dates
11th January 2025, 11:00am - 1:00pm
21st June 2025, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Open Event at Duchy College Rosewarne
16-19 Adult Apprenticeship- Dates
18th January 2025, 10:00am - 12:00pm
15th May 2025, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
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| Course type | University |
| Apply now via UCAS | |
| Tuition Fees: £9250.00
Per academic year for UK students. Detailed information can be found in our Financial Support Section. Financial support for University students |
|
Course Code 12068-NQY-25
Courses listed on this website are indicative of the subject, nature and level of study. The College reserves the right to alter specific qualifications titles, awarding bodies and levels of qualification, which can change in year. Any cost may also vary, based on personal funding eligibility. The Cornwall College Group reserves the right to withdraw any course listed at any time.
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