HIGHER EDUCATION GUIDE 2020/21

CONTENTS

Why choose Merrist Wood College 5

South Africa Study Tour 6

Access to Higher Education 8

Foundation Degrees 10

BSc (Hons) Degrees 16

How to Apply & Student Support 22

Course Information Events 24

How to Find Us 25

DEGREE LEVEL PROGRAMMESAre you looking for a Degree Level programme that will give you practical skills for your career?

At Merrist Wood College we have an exciting range of Access to Higher Education programmes, Foundation Degrees and BSc (Hons) Top-up Degrees which are vocationally-focused, with underpinning business knowledge, and incorporate opportunities for industry-related work experience.

Merrist Wood College is a 400 acre, multi-award winning college specialising in the land-based industries, which is widely recognised within the industry. Our state-of-the-art Animal Management Centre is home to over 1,000 animals, and includes an arid biome, tropical biome, nocturnal room and large husbandry room. We were recently awarded our Zoo License, allowing us to introduce further rare and exotic species to our animal collection and share it with the wider community. This also provides our students with real-life work experience, teaching the public about important conservation issues, breeding projects and bio-diversity.

The College actively contributes to research and training through its range of Animal Management qualifications, and has a track record of successfully breeding wild animals, including endangered species. We also have a fully functioning farm with rare breed animals, one of the largest indoor riding arenas of any college in the country, an outdoor floodlit warm up arena and stabling for up to 40 horses.

1DEGREE LEVEL PROGRAMMES

2

400 ACRE ESTATE

ANIMAL MANAGEMENT CENTRE HOUSING

1000over

ANIMALS!

STATE-OF-THE-ART

WITH WOODLANDS, WETLANDS & GRASSLANDS

STABLINGFOR UP TO

40HORSES

LARGE INDOOR EQUINE ARENA & OUTDOOR FLOODLITWARM UP ARENA

Annual South Africa Study Tour

ARID BIOME TROPICAL BIOMENOCTURNAL ROOMHUSBANDRY ROOM

FLEECY FROLICSANNUAL LAMBING EVENT

ZOO LICENSEOPEN TO THE PUBLICWORK EXPERIENCE OPPORTUNITIES IN THE UK AND ABROAD

SUCCESSFUL CONSERVATION BREEDING PROJECTS25 NATIVE RED SQUIRRELS SINCE 2013

FULLY-FUNCTIONING

FARM WITH RARE

BREED ANIMALS

EXCELLENT INDUSTRY LINKS

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EXCELLENT RESOURCESYou will have access to our extensive Learning Resource Centre, Higher Education Centre and excellent facilities. See our infographic opposite for more information…

EMPLOYER ENDORSEDThe College has a national and international reputation amongst employers and industry specialists, and a long history of providing unrivalled education in land-based sectors.

STUDENT SUPPORTYou will get individual and group tutorials, personal development planning and have access to our excellent resources.

UNIVERSITY VALIDATEDOur Foundation Degrees and BSc (Hons) Degrees are validated by Kingston University.

WHY CHOOSE MERRIST WOOD COLLEGE

QUALITY TEACHINGOur programmes are taught by expert tutors with industry experience. In 2014 a team of QAA reviewers judged that our Higher Education provision meets all UK expectations.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATIONGuildford is one of the country’s foremost locations for living, shopping, entertainment, commerce and industry, and London is only 40 minutes away by train.

VALUABLE WORK EXPERIENCEOur programmes will provide you with first-hand experience in a range of working environments related to your chosen career.

‘OUTSTANDING’ RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATIONAt the last inspection in 2018 our residential accommodation was rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.

5WHY CHOOSE MERRIST WOOD COLLEGE

SOUTH AFRICA STUDY TOUREach year our Degree Level students are given the opportunity to go on a three week study tour to South Africa where they learn about the Big 5, the Little 5 and everything in between.

This study tour gives our students the opportunity to complete work experience and add additional qualifications to their CV.

Last year our students visited two game reserves in Limpopo, getting a real feel for the land as they camped out whilst at one of the reserves. The students also visited the Mabula Ground Hornbill Project, a conservation group working with the Southern Ground-Hornbills.

During their trip, the students undertook a range of safari and community activities and projects, providing them with invaluable new skills. Some of the topics that the students covered whilst on the trip included animal behaviour, tracking, reserve management, ecology, ethics and ecotourism in the local environment. Upon successful completion of the trip, the students achieved qualifications in wildlife track and sign, first aid and game management.

Whilst in the game reserves, the students went on many game and nature walks and were lucky enough to spot many varied species, including elephants, cheetah, hippo, zebra, wildebeest, many antelope species and warthogs. They also spotted many other smaller species such as monitor lizards and scorpions.

Other highlights of the trip include a cycle tour in Soweto, which included a stop at the Mandela House and The Hector Pieterson Memorial. They also went on a horse back safari where wild animals came very close to the horses and the students had some amazing sightings.

6 SOUTH AFRICA STUDY TOUR

Curriculum Area Leader for Higher Education, Orla Beattie said: “The students had an amazing adventure and made memories that will last a lifetime. They have developed a wide range of skills, which will be very beneficial for their future careers and have complemented their degree courses really well.”

7SOUTH AFRICA STUDY TOUR

ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATIONAccess to Higher Education programmes are designed for adult learners (aged 19 and over) who want to study a degree, but don’t have the necessary qualifications to do so. They are an alternative to A Levels and a nationally recognised route to university or Higher Education, which can be studied full-time over one year or part-time over two years.

Your tutors will support you in tutorials to complete your UCAS application, and help you apply to a range of Degree Level programmes in related subjects. However, if you decide not to progress to Higher Education, with further experience you will have built a foundation of skills to help you pursue a career in your chosen industry.

ACCESS TO ANIMAL MANAGEMENTThis programme requires no prior knowledge or experience in the animal industry, as for many adult learners this is the first step towards changing careers. You will develop a range of academic and study skills to help you study at a higher level, as well as practical skills working with a range of species.

PROGRAMME MODULES

→ Animal Behaviour → Animal Management → Animal Health → Animal Science → Principles of Biology → Animal Nutrition → Inheritance and Evolution → Breeding

→ Conservation → Research Project → Academic Study Skills → Essay Skills → Personal Organisation → Time Management → Presentation Skills → Communication Skills

8 ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION

ACCESS TO EQUINE MANAGEMENTThis programme is aimed at adult learners with a passion for horses, who wish to gain the necessary qualifications to progress on to Higher Education and study a Degree Level programme. You will develop a range of academic and study skills to help you study at a higher level, as well as practical skills working with horses.

PROGRAMME MODULES

→ Animal Behaviour → Animal Health → Animal Science → Principles of Biology → Animal Nutrition → Managing Equine Injuries and Rehabilitation → Running an Equine Yard → Preparation and Presentation for Competition Disciplines → Independent Academic → Study Project → Research Project → Academic Study Skills → Essay Skills → Personal Organisation → Time Management → Presentation Skills → Communication Skills

9ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION

FOUNDATION DEGREESFoundation Degrees (FdSc) are Level 5 qualifications, which integrate academic and work-based learning to meet the needs of industry through close collaboration with employers. Our Foundation Degrees are validated by Kingston University and are typically studied over two years full-time, or four years part-time. Through academic course-based delivery and integrated professional development, you will be able to engage with National Occupational Standards (NOS) and enhance your employment opportunities in a broad range of career pathways. Each year you will be required to gain 200 hours of industry experience in a related field to give you invaluable experience in your specialism.

ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR AND WELFARE FOUNDATION DEGREE (FdSc)UCAS CODE: DD28Develop a fascinating insight into the behaviour and welfare of a wide range of animal species and application of theory to maintain animal welfare. This includes but is not limited to domestic species, production livestock, zoos and aquaria and free ranging wild animals. You will also explore contemporary and classical philosophical literature related to animal consciousness and their moral status to help make more considered choices with regards to animal welfare across the industry.

PROGRAMME MODULES

Year 1: (30 credits each)

→ Animal Behaviour → Animal Health, Welfare and Nutrition → Practical Projects, Enrichment and Training → Professional Development in the

Work Environment

CAREERS

You could work for a wide range of organisations in the UK and overseas, including zoos, safari parks, rescue centres, welfare centres, specialist animal collections, charitable organisations, central and local government departments, and educational establishments.

Year 2: (30 credits each)

→ Animal and Human Interactions → Animal Welfare and Ethics → Research Methods → Professional Development

in the Work Environment 2

10 FOUNDATION DEGREESFOUNDATION DEGREES

ANIMAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION DEGREE (FdSc)UCAS CODE: D3D3Enhance your understanding of the internal workings of many fascinating animal species. Animal science focuses on the scientific disciplines that underpin the management of captive, productive and companion animals. This will include but not be limited to animal health, biology, behaviour, nutrition and anatomy.

PROGRAMME MODULES

Year 1: (30 credits each)

→ Animal Health, Welfare and Nutrition → Principles of Animal Science → Animal Behaviour → Professional Development in the Work Environment

Year 2:

→ Advanced Animal Nutrition → Comparative Anatomy and Physiology → Research Methods → Professional Development in the Work Environment 2

CAREERS

You could work within animal science related industries such as animal nutrition and technology, field research, animal health, wildlife biology, or in veterinary and research laboratories.

11FOUNDATION DEGREES

COMPANION ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR FOUNDATION DEGREE (FdSc)UCAS CODE: C33DThe programme provides deeper insight into the behaviour and welfare of a range of companion animal species and application of theory to improve problem behaviours. It is designed to prepare you for a career in the management of companion animal behaviour predominantly, however in year 1 of the course students can explore content relating to other animal species. As many people working in the companion animal industry are business owners, this is incorporated into the course.

PROGRAMME MODULES

Year 1: (30 credits each)

→ Animal Behaviour → Animal Health, Welfare and Nutrition → Practical Projects, Enrichment and Training → Professional Development in the Work Environment

Year 2: (30 credits each)

→ Problem Behaviour Management → Business Management → Research Methods → Professional Development in the Work Environment 2

CAREERS

You could work in the field of canine and feline behaviour and/or training, or set up your own business to offer services such as dog walking, pet sitting or animal behaviour services. You could also work with charitable organisations involved with rehoming pets.

12 FOUNDATION DEGREESFOUNDATION DEGREES

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EQUINE MANAGEMENT FOUNDATION DEGREE (FdSc)UCAS CODE: DD42This programme brings together horsemastership, equine behaviour, animal biology and welfare, with business and management elements. It offers the opportunity to study practical aspects of equine studies, whilst also maintaining a focus on the development of managerial concepts relating to the maintenance of an equine establishment. You will be required to complete work placements alongside academic modules, to ensure the development of both industry and academic skills.

PROGRAMME MODULES

Year 1: (30 credits each)

→ Principles of Animal Science → Animal Health, Welfare and Nutrition → Practical Skills for Equine Studies → Professional Development in the Work Environment

Year 2: (30 credits each)

→ Business Management → Application of Equine Learning Theories, Behaviour and Cognition → Research Methods → Professional Development in the Work Environment 2

CAREERS

You could work in equine yard management, equine events, independent business ownership, training and coaching. Previous students have also progressed into equine journalism and sales.

13FOUNDATION DEGREES

FOUNDATION DEGREES

WILDLIFE AND CONSERVATION FOUNDATION DEGREE (FdSc)UCAS CODE: D4D4This programme provides a comprehensive understanding of the scientific study of wildlife, the diversity of living organisms and their habitats, and the practical steps that can be taken for effective conservation. It provides an opportunity for you to explore the theory and practice related to wildlife conservation. You will examine ecological principles which seek to explain how populations interact with each other and the physical environment and integrate understanding of the natural, socio-cultural, economic and political issues which promote the need for wildlife management.

PROGRAMME MODULES

Year 1: (30 credits each)

→ Animal Breeding Programmes and Husbandry → Animal Health, Welfare and Nutrition → Ecological Field Skills 1 → Professional Development in the Work Environment

Year 2: (30 credits each)

→ Global Biodiversity and Conservation Issues → Practical Wildlife Conservation → Research Methods → Professional Development in the Work Environment 2

CAREERS

You could work in ecological surveying, habitat management, species conservation, environmental education, conservation planning and policy, and community-based conservation projects in the UK and overseas.

14 FOUNDATION DEGREES

ZOO MANAGEMENT FOUNDATION DEGREE (FdSc)UCAS CODE: CC30Develop a fascinating insight into the behaviour and welfare of a range of captive wild animal species and apply theories learnt to maintain and improve animal welfare. The primary focus of this course is on species housed within zoos and aquaria however careers are not limited to this. There is also scope for you to explore the theory and practice related to wildlife conservation and the focus of this in zoos.

PROGRAMME MODULES

Year 1: (30 credits each)

→ Animal Breeding Programmes and Husbandry → Animal Health, Welfare and Nutrition → Zoo Management Skills → Professional Development in the Work Environment

Year 2: (30 credits each)

→ Management of Zoological Collections → Global Biodiversity and Conservation Issues → Research Methods → Professional Development in the Work Environment 2

CAREERS

You could work as a zoo keeper, animal trainer, education officer or presenter in zoological settings in the UK and abroad.

15FOUNDATION DEGREES

BSc (HONS) DEGREES

BSc (HONS) DEGREES

On completion of a Foundation Degree, you may wish to top-up with one further year of study (two years for part-time) to achieve a BSc (Hons) Level 6 qualification.

ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR AND WELFARE BSc (HONS) DEGREEUCAS CODE: D300

This programme allows for more in-depth specialist knowledge development and the opportunity for research into a chosen field of study. You will develop awareness of current issues regarding animal management, behaviour and welfare in a range of settings, including farming, zoos, the leisure and entertainment sectors, laboratories and domestic environments.

PROGRAMME MODULES

→ Animal Cognition (30 credits) → Concepts in Animal Welfare (30 credits) → Practical Experiments in Animal Behaviour (30 Credits) → Research Project (30 credits)

CAREERS

You could work in a variety of roles within welfare organisations, in the animal behaviour field, government departments, and in practical and research roles involving the management, welfare and training of animals.

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ANIMAL SCIENCE BSc (HONS) DEGREEUCAS CODE: S023

This programme enables a deeper engagement with the scientific disciplines that underpin the management of captive, productive and companion animals. It will help you to build on previous knowledge and experience of the animal sciences, and further develop your skills in applying scientific principles, enabling the development of key skills for employment within various sectors.

PROGRAMME MODULES

→ Principles of Genetics, Reproduction and Breed Development (30 credits) → Principles of Immunology and Parasitology (30 credits) → Animal Cognition (30 Credits) → Research Project (30 Credits)

CAREERS

You could work within the animal nutrition sector, the agricultural industry, zoological collections, conservation, academic or government research, teaching and other animal-related careers.

17BSc (HONS) DEGREES

WILDLIFE AND CONSERVATION BSC (HONS) DEGREEUCAS CODE: S039

This programme will help you to develop knowledge and skills which are essential for working conservationists and ecologists. You will develop expertise through research, surveying and data collection, and will apply knowledge of ecosystems to environmental issues and novel approaches to conserving wildlife. You will be given fieldwork opportunities both on site and in an array of local habitats.

PROGRAMME MODULES

→ Conservation Technologies and Science Communication (30 credits) → Creating Sustainable Futures (30 credits) → Behavioural Ecology (30 credits) → Research Project (30 credits)

CAREERS

You could work within wildlife conservation and ecology, in areas of wildlife protection, biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management. Job roles could include wildlife conservation officer, wildlife biologist, countryside warden/park ranger or gamekeeper.

18 BSc (HONS) DEGREES

ZOO MANAGEMENT BSC (HONS) DEGREEUCAS CODE: S098

This programme seeks to expand your knowledge and understanding of wild animals, their captive management and behaviour, beyond the scope of the Foundation Degree. You will study a range of modules (theoretical with practical application) related to captive management of exotic species.

PROGRAMME MODULES

→ Current Issues in Zoological Management (30 credits) → Zoological Design, Interpretation and Education (30 credits) → Behavioural Ecology (30 credits) → Research Project (30 credits)

CAREERS

You could work within the zoo industry as an animal keeper, safari park wildlife ranger, education officer, habitat designer, animal trainer, research scientist/assistant, curator, nutritionist or conservationist. There is scope to progress into managerial roles within the zoological industry based on your continued professional development post graduation.

19BSC (HONS) DEGREES

WILDLIFE REHABILITATION BSC (HONS) DEGREEUCAS CODE: TBC

This programme will help you to develop knowledge and skills that are essential for treating and caring for sick, injured or orphaned wild animals, preparing them for successful release back into the wild. You will develop clinical, behavioural and ecological expertise through research, surveying and data collection, and will apply knowledge to real scenarios. You will be given fieldwork opportunities both on site and with other wildlife rehabilitation centres, both in the UK and abroad (optional).

PROGRAMME MODULES

→ Behavioural Ecology (30 credits) → Care and Management of Wildlife for Rehabilitation (30 credits) → Wildlife Release and the Law (30 credits) → Research Project (30 credits)

CAREERS

You could work within wildlife conservation and protection, in roles such as wildlife rehabilitator or wildlife biologist.

BSC (HONS) DEGREES20 BSC (HONS) DEGREESBSC (HONS) DEGREES

21

Apply OnlineTo apply for one of our Access to Higher Education programmes, please visit our website: www.merristwood.ac.uk

To apply for one of our Foundation Degrees or Top-up Degrees, please visit: www.ucas.com

For information about enrolment terms and conditions please visit www.gcgrp.net. The academic regulations for Degree Level programmes can be found on Kingston University’s website www.kingston.ac.uk

Financial Support

Eligible students who are studying for their first undergraduate degree will not have to pay tuition fees up front. A loan is available from the Government to cover the cost of tuition whilst you are studying. For more information please visit: www.sfengland.slc.co.uk

If you are not studying a traditional Degree Level programme, the Advanced Learner Loan is available to those aged 19 and over studying an approved qualification at Levels 3 to 6 (subject to availability). For an Access to Higher Education programme, Student Finance England will ‘write off’ any outstanding balances you owe from the Advanced Learner Loan once you complete a Degree Level course, as long as the Degree Level course is eligible for student finance.

Alternatively, you may be eligible for certain bursaries to help towards the cost of travel, materials, trips and visits or childcare. For more information please visit the ‘Finance’ section of our website: www.merristwood.ac.uk

HOW TO APPLY AND STUDENT SUPPORT

22 HOW TO APPLY AND STUDENT SUPPORT

search for‘Activate Learning’on the UCAS website

AccommodationWe have a halls of residence on site providing a supportive community for students living away from home. At the last Ofsted inspection in 2018, our residential provision was rated ‘outstanding’. For more information Tel: 01483 88 40 93 or Emails: halls@guildford.ac.uk.

Additional Learning SupportWe are fully committed to widening participation and supporting students with learning difficulties and disabilities. Students with dyslexia, physical disabilities, sensory impairment, emotional or behavioural difficulties have access to individual support needs and specialist help where needed. If you have any additional support needs please tell us, so that we can make all reasonable adjustments to help you reach your full potential. For more information please call: 01483 88 40 17.

23HOW TO APPLY AND STUDENT SUPPORT

FIND OUT MORE AT ONE OF OUR

COURSE INFORMATION EVENTS...→ WEDNESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2019, 5.30-8pm

→ SATURDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2019, 9.30am-12.30pm

→ WEDNESDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2020, 5.30-8pm

→ SATURDAY 20 JUNE 2020, 9.30am-12.30pm

Come along to find out more about our programmes and student support.

Pre-register at www.merristwood.ac.uk or just turn up to one of our events.

24 COURSE INFORMATION EVENTS

GUILDFORDCOLLEGE

MERRISTWOOD

COLLEGE

HOW TO FIND US 25

MERRIST WOOD COLLEGEHolly LaneWorplesdonGuildford, SurreyGU3 3PE www.merristwood.ac.uk Official Merrist Wood @merristwood

Every care has been taken to ensure that the information in the guide is accurate at the time of printing. The College reserves the right to cancel, suspend, modify or change programmes, facilities, services or venues in any way and cannot accept legal or financial liability arising as a result.

This booklet can be made available in other formats.