Uni courses for working with animals 🐶
I want a career working with animals but maybe not as a vet. What uni courses should I look at? If you did zoology, animal science, animal behaviour or something similar, what do you wish you’d known? 🐾
Diggory the AI Uni Coach helped write this post
Diggory the AI Uni Coach helped write this post
Reply 1
Hi there,
If you’re interested in working with animals, there are some really exciting degree options that combine hands-on experience with real career pathways in conservation, welfare, research and zoo or wildlife settings.
At LJMU, for example, some animal-focused courses include:
Animal Behaviour BSc (Hons)
This degree is all about understanding why animals behave the way they do across wild, zoo and domestic environments. You’ll do regular fieldwork and lab work, and there are options for short placements or a year-long sandwich placement to get real work experience. Recent graduates have gone on to roles such as Research Officers, Animal Welfare Coordinators and Animal Colony Managers — and have worked with organisations like Chester Zoo, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, RSPCA, Newquay Zoo and Dolphin Quest.
More info: https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduates/2026/31243-animal-behaviour-bsc-hons
Zoology BSc (Hons)
Zoology gives you a broad biological foundation, from physiology to ecology and behaviour, with lots of hands-on fieldwork. You can take part in residential field trips in the UK or (often) overseas — possible destinations have included places like Doñana National Park in Spain — and there are placement options of 4–6 weeks or a full year with relevant organisations. Local fieldwork can take you to major zoos like Chester Zoo, Knowsley Safari Park and the Blue Planet Aquarium as well as coastal and upland habitats.
More info: https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduates/2026/30990-zoology-bsc-hons
Wildlife Conservation BSc (Hons)
This course focuses on protecting wildlife and tackling biodiversity loss. You’ll learn practical skills like wildlife surveying, species ID, GIS and habitat management, and go on UK-based field trips plus residential fieldwork — and there’s also an international trip at Level 6 (e.g., to forests in Poland or Iceland). Places for longer placements include conservation NGOs, nature reserves and wildlife parks. Recent sandwich placements have included working with the RSPB, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, as well as endangered species rearing at Blackpool and Chester Zoos, and international placements in Costa Rica and Bulgaria.
More info: https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduates/2026/30970-wildlife-conservation-bsc-hons
Hopefully this gives you a clearer idea of the kinds of experiences you could have. Looking closely at modules, fieldwork opportunities and placement options can really help you decide which course suits you best.
Happy to answer any questions! 🙂
Megan (LJMU Rep)
If you’re interested in working with animals, there are some really exciting degree options that combine hands-on experience with real career pathways in conservation, welfare, research and zoo or wildlife settings.
At LJMU, for example, some animal-focused courses include:
Animal Behaviour BSc (Hons)
This degree is all about understanding why animals behave the way they do across wild, zoo and domestic environments. You’ll do regular fieldwork and lab work, and there are options for short placements or a year-long sandwich placement to get real work experience. Recent graduates have gone on to roles such as Research Officers, Animal Welfare Coordinators and Animal Colony Managers — and have worked with organisations like Chester Zoo, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, RSPCA, Newquay Zoo and Dolphin Quest.
More info: https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduates/2026/31243-animal-behaviour-bsc-hons
Zoology BSc (Hons)
Zoology gives you a broad biological foundation, from physiology to ecology and behaviour, with lots of hands-on fieldwork. You can take part in residential field trips in the UK or (often) overseas — possible destinations have included places like Doñana National Park in Spain — and there are placement options of 4–6 weeks or a full year with relevant organisations. Local fieldwork can take you to major zoos like Chester Zoo, Knowsley Safari Park and the Blue Planet Aquarium as well as coastal and upland habitats.
More info: https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduates/2026/30990-zoology-bsc-hons
Wildlife Conservation BSc (Hons)
This course focuses on protecting wildlife and tackling biodiversity loss. You’ll learn practical skills like wildlife surveying, species ID, GIS and habitat management, and go on UK-based field trips plus residential fieldwork — and there’s also an international trip at Level 6 (e.g., to forests in Poland or Iceland). Places for longer placements include conservation NGOs, nature reserves and wildlife parks. Recent sandwich placements have included working with the RSPB, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, as well as endangered species rearing at Blackpool and Chester Zoos, and international placements in Costa Rica and Bulgaria.
More info: https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduates/2026/30970-wildlife-conservation-bsc-hons
Hopefully this gives you a clearer idea of the kinds of experiences you could have. Looking closely at modules, fieldwork opportunities and placement options can really help you decide which course suits you best.
Happy to answer any questions! 🙂
Megan (LJMU Rep)
Reply 2
Original post
by angeisat1409I want a career working with animals but maybe not as a vet. What uni courses should I look at? If you did zoology, animal science, animal behaviour or something similar, what do you wish you’d known? 🐾
Diggory the AI Uni Coach helped write this post
Diggory the AI Uni Coach helped write this post
Hi,
I am a current Ecology and Conservation student at Lancaster. When I was looking different courses I was mostly interested in courses which focused on wildlife conservation as I wish to gain a career as a conservationist in the future. For me I really enjoy my course as I can do a mix of ecology and wildlife conservation modules as well as geography and environmental science modules. There is many opportunities to do field work to practice your ecological skills and develop your understanding of key topics taught during a range of modules.
There is a wide range of courses which focuses on animals and this ranges from animal management to the ecology, wildlife conservation and zoology side. So some courses are strong for a career in zoos whilst others are good for a career as an ecologist or a wildlife conservationist, so I really enjoy my course as it covers a wide range of topics.
Some courses I looked at:
•
Ecology and Conservation (UCAS for Ecology and Conservation)
•
Zoology (UCAS for Zoology)
•
Wildlife Conservation (UCAS for Wildlife Conservation)
•
Biodiversity and Wildlife Conservation (UCAS for Biodiversity and Conservation)
•
Animal Management (UCAS for Animal Management)
Let me know if you have any questions regarding the courses or student life in general
Emily
MSci Ecology and Conservation
(Lancaster Student Ambassador)
(edited 2 days ago)
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