HND in Animal Conservation and Countryside Management (HTQ)

Course overview

Graduates leave prepared for top-up degrees or direct entry into careers in wildlife conservation, animal welfare, habitat restoration and environmental consultancy.

On successful completion of the HND in Animal Conservation and Countryside Management graduates can progress to the following careers:

Conservation officer
Countryside ranger
Zookeeper
Ecologist
Environmental education
Game keeping
Wildlife/Habitat Management
Conservation charity roles

Graduates of the Level 5 Higher National Diploma can progress directly into employment or choose to continue their studies. The qualification is widely recognised by universities as meeting entry requirements for a range of relevant undergraduate degrees, including:

BSc (Hons) Wildlife and Countryside Management
BSc (Hons) Environmental Conservation
BSc (Hons) Wildlife Conservation
BSc (Hons) Countryside and Land Management
BSc (Hons) Wildlife and Environmental Conservation

Make a real impact on the future of wildlife, habitats and our natural world.

The HND in Animal Conservation and Countryside Management (HTQ) at University Centre Peterborough combines your passion for animals and the environment with the scientific expertise and practical skills needed for a rewarding career in conservation.

Developed with employers and universities, this two-year programme balances academic study with hands-on training. At Level 4, you’ll build a strong foundation in scientific knowledge, fieldwork techniques and essential skills such as teamwork, communication and research. At Level 5, you’ll apply your learning to real-world challenges, developing the confidence to evaluate, problem-solve and lead within the sector. Graduates leave prepared for top-up degrees or direct entry into careers in wildlife conservation, animal welfare, habitat restoration and environmental consultancy. Our goal is to shape adaptable professionals who can respond to change and lead projects that improve the health of ecosystems worldwide.

Why choose UCP?

Dedicated teaching woodland for surveying, habitat management and fieldwork
On-site animal unit for applied animal behaviour and health studies
Partnerships with local conservation organisations, providing opportunities to work on live projects and gain industry experience

Gain the knowledge, skills and professional behaviours to turn your passion into a meaningful career protecting animals and the natural world.

HND in Animal Conservation and Countryside Management:

You must take modules worth 120 credits at each level of the course. Each module is worth a specified number of credits.

Year 1 Level 4:

Unit 1 Animal Health and Welfare

Unit 2 Business and the Business Environment

Unit 3 Managing a Successful Project (Pearson Set)

Unit 4 Managing Environmental Resources,

Unit 5 Principles of Ecology and their Applications

Unit 6 British Wildlife

Unit 7 Practical Conservation and Land Management

Year 2 Level 5:

Unit 8: Biological Principles (15)

Unit 9: Research Project (Pearson Set) (30)

Unit 10: Wildlife Conservation (15)

Unit 11: Work Experience in the Conservation and Countryside Sector (30)

Unit 12: Habitat Restoration, Repair and Education (30)

· A typical 15 credit module is 150 hours which includes 36 hours of tutor led delivery and 114 hours of recommended independent study.

· A typical 30 credit module is 300 hours which includes 72 hours of tutor led delivery and 228 hours of recommended independent study.

· A full-time student should expect to undertake 30 additional hours per week during term-time

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

64 UCAS points from an animal or science related subject, or T Level in Animal Care or Land Management.

If English is not your first language, you will require an IELTS score of 6.0 or above or an equivalent English Language qualification.

Mature students or students who do not have the above qualifications can contact our admissions team on 01733 214466 or admissions@ucp.ac.uk to discuss equivalent qualifications or relevant work experience.

An interview may be required before an offer can be made.

John Paul Oldham is the Course Leader for the HND in Animal Conservation and Countryside Management at University Centre Peterborough (Stamford Campus).

He has lectured on animal management programmes at Stamford College since 2008, where he has played a key role in curriculum design and programme development. Before joining Stamford, he taught undergraduate zoo biology and animal biology students as an Animal Science Lecturer at Nottingham Trent University.

John Paul has extensive industry experience, having worked as a Laboratory Manager and HACCP (Hygiene Analysis and Critical Control Points) Coordinator for a leading pet food manufacturer. In this role, he was responsible for analysing ingredients to meet quality standards for global brands including Nestlé, Hills and Mars Pet Care. His wider experience in the animal sector includes working in boarding kennels, pet shops, aquatics centres, livery yards, and volunteering as a Wildlife Watch Leader with Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust. He completed an MSc in Endangered Species Recovery and Conservation at Nottingham Trent University’s School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences in partnership with the Durrell Conservation Academy in Jersey. His research explored strategies to mitigate human–wildlife conflict in South Africa’s Limpopo Province, focusing on carnivore predation on livestock and coexistence approaches.

John Paul also holds a BSc (Hons) in Animal Science, for which his dissertation investigated the impact of perching enrichment on chickens to improve flock welfare and promote the adoption of perches in commercial farming. His academic journey began with a BTEC National Diploma in Animal Care at Brackenhurst College, and he also holds a PGCE in Post-Compulsory Education.

His research interests include conservation and species recovery, ecology, anthrozoology, animal behaviour and welfare.

Qualifications

MSc Endangered Species Recovery and Conservation
BSc (Hons) Animal Science
PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) – Post Compulsory Education
BTEC National Diploma in Animal Care

Course information

Start Date

September 2026

Fees

£8230 Full-time
£4115 Part-time

Duration

2 Years

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HND in Animal Conservation and Countryside Management (HTQ)

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