The Foundation Degree in Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Conservation develops knowledge and practical skills for further study and employment in key aspects of the animal industry. Core subjects allow graduates from the programme to demonstrate understanding and application in fundamental elements of animal welfare and husbandry. Option units allow students to progress along career pathways focusing on animal behaviour or animal conservation. Students can elect to take options that cover both of these aspects, or choose module combinations that are designed to develop particular knowledge and skills in these two fields in the animal industry. The course provides opportunities to work with employers, and to develop industry-related skills through authentic style assessment. The foundation degree is the fundamental course for progression to Top Up programmes at Level 6 to gain BSc (hons) degrees. This qualification offers excellent employment opportunities in the following areas: animal welfare organisations, assurance, inspection and enforcement agencies, wildlife conservation organisations, animal collections, laboratory technicians, animal behaviour consultancy and training. Graduates have progressed to postgraduate qualifications following completion of the BSc Top Up year at University Centre Kingston Maurward. **Modules** In Year One students complete the following modules: Study and Research Skills, Vertebrate and Invertebrate Biology, Animal Health and Disease, Welfare, Legislation and Ethics, Principles of Conservation, Principles of Animal Behaviour, and Professional Industry Skills Development. In Year Two students study core modules in: Breeding Genetics and Welfare, Specialist Research Project, Applied Husbandry and Nutrition and Anthrozoology There are option modules in recommended career pathways as follows: Animal Conservation Pathway recommended option Units: Research and Education in Conservation, Applied Conservation for Wildlife Animal Management Pathway recommended option units: Applied Behaviour Management, Therapy and Rehabilitation in Animals