Overview
A foundation year helps you develop the study skills and self-confidence needed for higher education when you don’t reach the entry requirements for your subject.
Animal-based enterprises operate in a tightly regulated environment and require well trained, knowledgeable professionals with knowledge of animal welfare, health, and behaviour.
Changes in animal welfare laws in Britain have meant that there is now more control and regulation of all animal-based enterprises. This has resulted in a greater need for a scientific approach to animal management and welfare across all businesses that work with animals. These sectors require well-prepared animal scientists who can apply their knowledge to emerging management issues.
You'll be challenged to apply your thinking to different scientific issues and undertake field studies (including a residential field trip) to study animals in captivity and in their natural environment.
You’ll develop a detailed knowledge of animal husbandry, genetics, molecular biology, and biochemical and physiological processes, and have opportunities to interact and work with a range of employers. You’ll also have access to our Life Sciences Industry Liaison Lab at Discovery Park where you’ll have the chance to collaborate with specialist research-based companies.
We know employers are looking for dynamic, open-minded graduates who can adapt, innovate, and collaborate. This is why we have designed a new way of teaching and learning to ensure that you are work-ready for when you graduate. Our 2026 course will reflect this new approach. The 2026 course page will be made live shortly.
Accredited by Royal Society of Biology
Royal Society of Biology logo
100%
of our Animal Science students were in work or further study 15 months after finishing their course.
Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023Entry requirements
64
UCAS Tariff Points
Accepted qualifications
We accept a wide range of general qualifications that attract UCAS Tariff points either on their own or in combination with others. Below are some common examples.
| Qualification | Grades |
|---|---|
| A Levels | DDE |
| BTEC | MPP |
| Access | Pass 45 Credits |
| International Baccalaureate | TBC |
We also welcome applicants with few or no formal Level 3 qualifications who wish to return to education. You may be asked to attend an interview.
More information
Contact us
Module information
As well as the core modules, you may also have the opportunity to study a number of option modules in your second and third year. Option modules will not be pre-selected for you. We provide examples of option modules. The availability of specific option modules may vary from year to year. The offer of an option will be subject to a minimum number of students choosing the module to ensure the appropriate student experience. The offer of option modules may also be affected by staff availability. It means we cannot guarantee the availability of a particular optional module. However, we will ensure you have a choice of option modules.
Core/optional modules
How you’ll learn
You will be taught through a combination of blended learning with workshops, laboratory practicals and seminars.
Workshops will enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures. In addition, you will meet with your academic personal tutor at least once each semester, but you are encouraged to arrange additional meetings as required.
You will use industry-standard software as well as have access to specialist facilities and equipment throughout your course.
In the final year, you will conduct an independent research project that can cater to your particular interests and skills development. You will be supervised by a member of our academic team and guided in undertaking independent research, data analysis and presentation of your results. Depending on the topic of your project, you may also have the opportunity to collaborate with an industry partner on an industry-relevant research project.
Your actual contact hours depend on the option modules you select.
When not attending workshops, practical sessions or other timetabled activities you will continue learning through self-study that will be structured for you by the module leader for each module. Typically, this involves reading journal articles and books, engaging with online learning materials (videos, quizzes etc.), undertaking research in the library, working on projects, and preparing for coursework assignments/examinations, workshops and seminars.
Your module tutor will direct you towards specific readings and/or activities to complete before class.
For the Honours Project module in the final year, you will undertake independent research. You will work under the supervision of a member of our academic team, with support of other members of the teaching team where necessary. You will also meet with your supervisor regularly.
The team consists of highly qualified academics. They have a range of expertise and experience.
All our team members hold doctoral and teaching qualifications. They are research-active and they have experience in delivering research-informed teaching. You should note members of the teaching team might change.
Postgraduate students sometimes assist in teaching and assessing some modules. However, experienced academics teach the vast majority of lectures and seminars.
Animal industries need talented, enthusiastic graduates that understand the working of animals from the biochemistry, physiology, anatomy, genetics, behaviour, health, disease and husbandry which can lead to a whole range of exciting careers.Dr Carol TrimAnimal Science Course Advocate
How you’ll be assessed
The course provides you with opportunities to test your understanding of the subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark.
There is also a formal or 'summative' assessment element for each of the modules. Assessment methods include a range of coursework assessments, such as laboratory reports, literature reviews, skills assessments, presentations and your final year major project. Some modules also have a formally assessed exam. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.
Percentage of the course assessed by coursework
The balance of assessment by examination and assessment by coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose.
Typically, there will be two coursework assessments weighted at 50% each and a practical skills portfolio. Some modules from Level 5 onward will have an exam that replaces the 50% piece of coursework.
Feedback
You will receive feedback on all practice assessments and on formal assessments undertaken by coursework. Feedback on examination performance is available upon request from the module leader. Feedback is intended to help you learn and you are encouraged to discuss it with your module leader or personal academic tutor.
We aim to provide you with feedback within 15 working days of hand-in (formal coursework assessment).
Your future career
The course will make you a skilled animal scientist who is ideally prepared for work in areas such as zoos and wildlife parks, veterinary situations, farms, research laboratories and wildlife conservation. To help prepare you for employment, you'll also develop broad transferable skills so that you become a work-ready graduate, set for a career in a wide range of animal care, welfare and management settings, and for further advanced study at MSc or PhD level.
The welcoming atmosphere made me settle in straight away, with supportive supervisors guiding me to succeed in my studies. There are also many opportunities to work and gain experience alongside your studies which help you gain the valuable skills employers are looking for.LukeNow studying for a Master’s degree
Fees
The 2025/26 annual tuition fees for this course are:
| UK | Overseas | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time - Foundation Year 0 | £9,535 | £15,500 |
| Full-time - years 1-3 | £9,535 | £15,500 |
Tuition fees for all courses are payable on an annual basis, except where stated.
The tuition fees relate to 2025/26 only. Please read the 2025/26 Tuition Fee Statement for further information regarding tuition fees and year on year fee increases.
Home (UK) Fees
Home (UK) tuition fees for Foundation Years at Canterbury Christ Church University will be set in line with the maximum tuition fee cap for foundation years in classroom-based subjects or non-classroom based subjects, as set by the UK Government.
Home (UK) tuition fees for subsequent years 1-3 are currently set in line with the maximum tuition fee cap for standard undergraduate degrees set by the UK Government.
The Government has announced that it will increase the tuition fee cap by 3.1%, in line with inflation, for the 2025/26 academic cycle. Subject to parliamentary approval, the University intends to increase our tuition fees in line with this and as per our terms and conditions. This means that from September 2025 onwards, our undergraduate home tuition fees for subsequent years of study are expected to be £9,535.
Overseas/International Fees
Undergraduate / PGCE tuition fees for international students are not set by the UK Government.
- Read advice about funding your degree
- See information about the financial support available for undergraduate studies
- If you would like information about paying your fees, please contact accounts.receivable@canterbury.ac.uk
- For specific fee queries, please contact fees@canterbury.ac.uk
Industry Links
This course is associated with the University’s Life Sciences Industry Liaison Lab at Discovery Park, Sandwich. Here you’ll have the opportunity to undertake laboratory work and be encouraged to broaden your experience by interacting and collaborating with a range biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.
Regulated by the Office for Students
The Office for Students (OfS) regulates Canterbury Christ Church University. The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education in England. It aims to ensure that every student, whatever their background, has a fulfilling experience of higher education that enriches their lives and careers. Further details about its work are available on the OfS website.
Apply now
I would like to start
I would like to study
Duration:
4 yearsUCAS code:
C301Location(s):
CanterburyAny questions?
Find out more
Sign up to hear the latest from the University, including upcoming events, useful updates, student life and more!