this course was previously offered by writtle university college prior to the merger with aru in march 2024. this course will run on the aru writtle campus. studying for a degree with an integrated foundation year will offer you a supportive environment if you have been out of education for a few years or do not have the necessary ucas points from your recent course of study. the foundation year (year 0) will precede our standard 3-year degree course programmes and enables preparation for degree study. you'll study a range of modules that cover general academic skills, along with more subject-specific topics. the uk animal industry consists of a very large number of increasingly diverse enterprises, each demanding different knowledge and skills. despite this diversity, success within the industry requires practical competence and commercial awareness. this course takes a holistic approach to animal management and is aimed at providing students with this broad knowledge. a wide range of species are available to enable students to gain sound practical animal husbandry skills, which are then complemented by an academic programme that covers topics such as nutrition, breeding, health and behaviour. these will be combined with a deeper understanding of business and trade as it relates to the animal sector. in years 3-4, you have a choice of modules so that you can concentrate your knowledge in particular areas of animal management: bioveterinary science, zoo and wildlife conservation, livestock technology, or pet behaviour and welfare. you’ll be taught by subject-specialist staff, and benefit from campus facilities including dedicated canine and equine centres, a small animal unit and a working farm. throughout your course, there’s the chance to join ‘behind the scenes’ trips and other experiences.