Bachelor of Applied Science (Animal Management and Welfare)

Bachelor

This degree programme addresses the demand for ethical professionals in the animal care and management industry. From day one, you'll work with animals and also in labs, learning and applying skills as you go, meaning you'll be work-ready for a career in animal management and welfare.

Key details

Degree Type

Bachelor

Intake Months

Feb, Jul

Domestic Fees

$7,500 per year

International Fees

$25,377 per year

About this course

Animal management and welfare is a rapidly growing field of study and work. If you're keen to get stuck right away, this unique programme could be the next step you need to take in your career.

In it, you'll develop in-depth knowledge and understanding of animal behaviour modification, health and welfare, handling and husbandry, conservation, and human/animal interactions.

Highlights

A holistic approach that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills to evaluate the welfare, management, and training needs of wild, exotic, and companion animals
Practical experience in simulated and real-world situations
Visits to various animal welfare organisations and voluntary groups; you may even be able to undertake part of your studies at one of their sites
A chance to complete a research project in an area of your interest to develop the skills you'll need for a career in your chosen field
Relevant and current teaching: our lecturers keep up with industry trends through links with zoos in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, and Christchurch, the Department of Conservation, MPI (Ministry of Primary Industries) Biosecurity, and the SPCA
A teaching team of highly qualified and experienced animal behaviour experts, animal trainers, animal welfare scientists, and veterinarians

Double major

Can't decide between animals or the environment? Study a double major, and you'll get the best of both worlds with a selection of animal- and environment-related courses.

Studying for a double major is highly recommended. Double majors further grow your knowledge and capabilities, making you more employable and competitive in the job market.

Where from here
Upon completing this programme, you can go on to further study in Master of Applied Science (Biodiversity Management)

Entry requirements

What you will need to study this programme.

Domestic students

Academic requirements

You must have completed at least one of the following:

Successful completion of New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care - Companion Animals
A minimum of 42 credits at NCEA Level 3 or higher on the National Qualifications Framework, with:
- 14 credits at Level 3 or higher in each of two subjects, with;
- a further 14 credits at Level 3 or higher taken from no more than two additional domains on the National Qualifications Framework or plus;
- a minimum of 14 credits at Level 1 or higher in Mathematics or Pangarau on the National Qualifications Framework, plus
- 8 credits at Level 2 or higher in English or Te Reo Maori (a minimum of 4 credits must be in Reading, and a minimum of 4 credits must be in Writing)
At least 3 'C' passes in the New Zealand University Bursaries Examinations;

And meet one of the English entry requirements;

University Entrance Literacy: 8 credits at Level 2 or above in English or Maori (4 in Reading, 4 in Writing); or
Provide evidence that they have the English language proficiency required for the Programme as demonstrated through evidence of one of the kinds described in NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students Web-page.

Don't meet these Academic requirements?

If you don't meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes can help you qualify. Simply apply online, and we'll discuss your next steps.
If you don't meet the above criteria, special or discretionary admission may apply; your eligibility will be determined at the interview.

For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 595 KB)

International students Academic requirements

As a part of this requirement, you must be at least 16 years of age and meet one of the below;

All applicants must be at least 16 years of age when they begin their studies, and they should meet the country-specific admission requirement;

And English entry requirements;

If English is not your first language, you will also need at least one of the following qualifications:

Evidence of an IELTS (Academic) band score of at least 6 with no band score lower than 5.5
University Entrance Literacy: 8 credits at Level 2 or above in English or Maori (4 in Reading, 4 in Writing); or
Evidence of English language proficiency as outlined in the NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students Web-page.

Don't meet these Academic requirements?

If you don't meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes can help you qualify. Apply online, and we'll discuss your next steps.
If you don't meet the above criteria, special or discretionary admission may apply; your eligibility will be determined at the interview.

For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 595 KB)

Study locations

Mt Albert

Career pathways

- Animal welfare scientific officer - Animal behaviour and/or welfare consultant - Welfare education officer - Animal welfare inspector - Animal handler

Unitec Institute of Technology