BSc (Hons) Applied Zoology and Conservation

UCAS course code	0V47
Institution code	C78
Duration	3 years (+ optional placement)
Course type	Full-time
Study location	Cornwall College (Newquay)

From campuses across Cornwall and Devon, including at the Eden Project and in Newquay, we offer a wide range of university-level specialist courses, designed with employers and delivered by industry professionals, in subjects ranging from counselling, ecology, horticulture and marine biology to zoology. Recognised with a TEF Silver award for teaching and student outcomes, our courses emphasise professional technical skills, and benefit from direct one-to-one access to lecturers and personal wrap around support.

Course details

Year 1
Core modules

CORN1000
Fundamentals of Biology

This biology-based module provides students with an understanding of the key biological concepts and practical skills which underpin the study of living organisms.

CORN1001
Field Survey Techniques

This module equips students with the skills and knowledge to carry out field work using appropriate techniques, data handling and analysis, and effective communication of ecological information

CORN1002
Diversity, Classification and Evolution

This module provides an introduction to the main characteristics of different forms of life on Earth and how they evolved.

CORN1003
Health and Welfare of Animals

This module gives students an understanding of the ethical and practical considerations required to maintain health in animals in a variety of contexts and how to detect ill health.

CORN1005
Key Professional Skills

This module parameterises the internal and external factors that defines the relevant employment sector, providing students with the knowledge and skills to begin positioning themselves professionally within that field. PESTLE factors for the industry will be covered as well as specific personal, professional and employability skills required for both academic study and the workplace

CORN163
Animals and their Environment
Year 2
Core modules

CORN2016
Global Conservation Issues

This module explores the relationship between human societies and the natural environment, focussing on the consequences of anthropogenic activity on biodiversity

CORN241
Vertebrate Zoology and Conservation

CORN273
Population Genetics and Community Ecology

CORN276
Research Methods and GIS for Zoology

CORN2022
Zoological Conservation in Practice

This module evaluates the relationship between the ethos and activities of organisations and their role in conservation. The module will have a practical application with student involvement in taxon specific surveys with an emphasis on UK native species, and an understanding of how these filter into conservation management strategies.

Optional modules

CORN2018
Marine Vertebrate Biology and Conservation

This module explores the functional biology of marine vertebrates, focussing especially on key conservation flagship species; elasmobranchs, marine reptiles, birds and marine mammals. A detailed understanding of feeding, physiological and morphological adaptations to the marine environment, locomotion and migration, social and reproductive behaviour will be explored and related to their conservation.

CORN292
Advanced Ecology and Survey Techniques

CORN2028
Primate Behavioural Ecology and Conservation

This module explores some aspects of the behaviour of primates, including how they learn and behave in natural and captive situations, and how this research informs conservation strategies.
Year 3
Core modules

CORN314
Conservation Project Management

CORN315
Conservation Genetics

CORN326
Placement Project

CORN328
Honours Project

This module allows students to explore in detail an academic subject of their choice. The module comprises a substantial research study element, which includes a literature review, experimental design, the collection, analysis and interpretation of data and report writing.

Optional modules

CORN304
Zoology and Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems

This module focuses on recent advances in the biology, ecology and conservation of animal life within freshwater and marine environments, and addresses how conservation measures can ensure marine life and the marine environment can be utilised in a sustainable way.

CORN313
Wildlife Conservation

This module allows students to examine the application of science to the practice of wildlife management and the impact of environmental law and policy on the biological outcomes for threatened species and ecosystems. The module has a strong emphasis on field-based experience with the added knowledge of GIS (Geographical Information Systems) to back up the practical applications, and link into WBL.

CORN316
Monitoring Marine Ecosystems

CORN3006
Applications of Zoology

This module enables students to study and develop ideas related to selected zoological themes relevant to the work place or research situation. The student will explore these themes through the literature seminars and tutorials developing their own research skills
Final year
Core modules

CORN326
Placement Project

^{The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.}

Fees, costs and funding

As this course is delivered by one of our partner colleges, please contact the college directly for information on fees and funding.

Tuition fee price changes

In November 2024, the UK Government announced an increase to tuition fees and maintenance support for 2025/26 academic year, setting the standard tuition fee and student maintenance loan at £9,535 per year and the University’s tuition fees were increased to this rate.

The UK Government has indicated that further fee increases may be announced this year and in subsequent years. If the UK Government does so, the University may increase annual tuition fees in subsequent years, which may include the fees for the 2026/2027 academic year, in line with the Student Contract and all times in line with the maximum tuition fee caps set by the Government. More information about fees and costs of studying.

How to apply

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).

UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.

To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the .

Our partnership with Cornwall College

The �� has developed partnerships with institutions around the world with the sole purpose of making higher education more accessible to those people who need something just a little different.

Our Academic Partnerships enable students to enrol for a degree at a partnership institution closer to home, or engage in distance learning – even when they’re in the middle of the ocean. They are there for those people looking to return to education, or enhance their professional development. Full- or part-time; foundation degree to masters-level – we cater for a huge variety of needs and aspirations.

Many of our partners offer specialist degrees, unique facilities, and smaller class sizes at a competitive price. And as a student of two institutions, you get the best of both worlds; a supportive learning environment as part of a close-knit community, and a university-level qualification awarded by the ��. You’ll enjoy not only the facilities and services your partnership institution provides, but also all of the additional support and resources you need from us, and you’ll automatically become a member of our Students’ Union, too.

We are continuing to grow the number of partner institutions and expand our academic community to new locations around the UK and overseas. Why not visit the Academic Partnerships page on our website for a full list of partners and for more details on studying with us?

One of our partners delivers this particular course – so please visit their website for full course details, entry requirements, tuition fees and information on what student life is like there.

Studying with Cornwall College

Looking to study a specialist subject at university level? Want to do it in one of the most beautiful places in the world? Our wide range of courses gives you the chance to pick up the skills and experience you’ll need for your chosen profession.

Find out more about studying at Cornwall College

��������