FdSc Animal Health and Welfare

01 Sep 2026 - 31 Aug 2028

Course Leader Bethan Lewis, Paul Jones
Course Team Rhian Kinsella, Cerys Rees, Bethan Lewis
Awarding Body University of South Wales
Teaching Institutions Coleg Gwent
Modes of Study Full Time

Document Version

Version 6
Valid From 01 Sep 2026
Valid To 31 Aug 2028

QAA Benchmarks

The FD Animal Health and Welfare will utilise the benchmark statement for Foundation degrees from the Quality Assurance Agency. Benchmarks are national standards used by all UK universities to ensure that a student's work is of a similar standard to that of other students on a similar programme no matter where they study. Students are actively encouraged to engage with the relevant professional bodies in order to develop the appropriate awareness of working within these environments.The high level of applied theoretical and vocational training, and links with employers, constitutes an important element of the programme, thus balancing the academic and vocational elements to maintain academic standards whilst enhancing employability. Professional practice placements are designed to suit the career aspirations of students as well as providing the knowledge and transferable skills needed for employment.The focus of landbased education in the recent past has been biased towards the supply side of landbased enterprises, with the emphasis in the main on production. Coleg Gwent wants to make a shift change in this mind set, whilst maintaining production standards. It is felt that landbased education needs to refocus to reflect current changes in the industry, with an emphasis on sound business practices, entrepreneurship and animal health and welfare.These new awards recognise the strategic priorities for the economic and social recovery of businesses and communities in the countryside, reflecting the need for contemporary agriculture to be managed as a market driven business, and allowing for diversification away from basic agricultural practices to alternative land management. The Animal Health and Welfare award reflects the current high standards that are required for landbased industries to adhere to in relation health and welfare of animals. The awards will allow for specialisms in given sectors of the landbased industries all of which have different but equal challenges when related to health and welfare.The award complements existing higher education provision at the college and provides a progression route for our land-based learners and other mainstream learners in the region.The award has received strong support for its syllabus content from current and past students that are/have studied at the college. The award has been received particularly well due to its progressive approach to the re-alignment and contemporary needs of the landbased business environment within the United Kingdom with a specific focus on Wales.LANTRA are UK’s Sector Skills Council for land-based and environmental industries. The award has been developed taking into account the LANTRA Skills Assessment 2010/11 report. LANTRA have been consulted on the structure and content of the programme and are supportive of it.

Educational Aim

To provide quality education that is current and industry relevant, underpinned by relevant research carried out by staff to learners of all ages that wish to pursue a career in the land-based industry.

To enable every learner to achieve the academic and employment related skills required to reach their full potential and gain employment within the landbased industry they choose , and to develop key employability skills such as communication, critical thinking, conflict management and problem solving.

To broaden the learner’s understanding of animal welfare issues to enable students to be open minded and aware of related factors that may cause influence, giving the students the skills to evaluate how they can be managed.

To develop an ethos for lifelong learning and for the improvement of professional competencies through the development of a range of transferable skills and through critical reflection.

Learning Outcomes

A1 Demonstrate a broad understanding of Animal Welfare and conservation issues.
A2 Investigate a range of breeding/reproduction methods used and demonstrate your understanding, ensuring you consider any welfare aspects.
A3 Demonstrate an understanding of basic pharmacology and pharmacokinetics.
A4 Apply the principles of genetics and inheritance to demonstrate understanding.
B1 Recognise and apply a range of theories and legislation related to Animal Welfare and Conservation.
B2 Demonstrate critical thinking skills, to identify an issue of interest, access a range of date, analyse information, apply knowledge, and evaluate data from all sides of an issue with a focus on informing your peers.
B3 Demonstrate critical thinking with regards to an environmental or welfare issue or topic related to this course.
B4 Critically consider their own learning and reflect on their personal development and skills acquisition.
C1 Present a range of skills, competencies and experience to demonstrate a clear understanding of animal welfare issues and management.
C2 Demonstrate attributes required for employment, including informed decision-making, team building, communicating, networking, coordination, collaboration, and collective leadership.
C3 Demonstrate technical and communication skills through a variety of media, to show capability of digital creation, digital innovation and digital collaboration.
C4 Demonstrate the attributes of a lifelong learner, to develop and nurture a frame of mind that values and utilises curiosity, reflection, and the development of new capabilities.

Course Structure

Level 4 Modules

Module Code Module Id Module Title Module Status Credit Value Module Type
BI1S12 MOD008912 Basics of Animal Behaviour Running 20 specified
BI1S13 MOD008913 Animal Nutrition Running 20 specified
BI1S14 MOD008914 Principles of Veterinary Science 1 Running 20 specified
BI1S71 MOD007871 Anatomy and Physiology Running 20 specified
BI1S96 MOD010389 Animal Husbandry Running 20 specified
BI1S97 MOD010390 Landbased Study Skills Running 20 specified

Level 5 Modules

Module Code Module Id Module Title Module Status Credit Value Module Type
BI2S28 MOD008916 Work Based Project Skills and Strategies Running 20 specified
BI2S29 MOD008917 Animal Welfare Running 20 specified
BI2S30 MOD008918 Breeding and Genetics Running 20 specified
BI2S31 MOD008919 Work Placement Portfolio Running 20 specified
BI2S32 MOD008920 Principles of Veterinary Science 2 Running 20 specified
BI2S98 MOD005036 Conservation Biology Running 20 specified

Teaching and Assessment

Learning and Teaching Methods

Year 1LecturesClassroom based but could be in an outside teaching environment if necessary for the module topic. Supported by Unilean and moodle resources. To include lecturers, guest lectures, films, discussion, quiz.TutorialsClassroom based with year tutor. Topics will be covered relevant to the student needs. One to one tutorials will also be encouragedPractical Classes and WorkshopsPractical activities related to the module. Mainly provided at Coleg Gwent, Usk and USW GlyntaffDirected Study (including Online Learning)Students will be given specific areas to research in a number of given areas, such as library books and journals and online research. Findings will be shared with the tutor and/or peersIndependent StudyStudents will gather information to support their assignments and dissertation. This will consist of a wide range of sources such as; books, journals, questionnaire, interviews, online research, government sites, experiments and gathering data.Formative assessment-scheduledStudents will be formatively assessed at a given time during their module to measure their competency. Verbal feedback will be given.Formative assessment-independentStudents will be formatively assessed by the tutor during their module to measure their competency. Verbal feedback will be given. Year 2 LecturesClassroom based but could be in an outside teaching environment if necessary for the module topic. Supported by Unilean and moodle resources. To include lecturers, guest lectures, films, discussion, quiz.TutorialsClassroom based with year tutor. Topics will be covered relevant to the student needs. One to one tutorials will also be encouraged.Work-basedWork based experience at an organisation.Project SupervisionStudents will work on their chosen project, and will have opportunity to discuss their progress, and any concerns with tutor either in a class discussion or one to one.Practical Classes and WorkshopsPractical activities related to the module. Mainly provided at Coleg Gwent, Usk and USW Glyntaff.FieldworkPractical experience in the area of study.External Visits (including fieldtrips)Visits of related organisations related to the module of study.Directed Study (including Online Learning)Students will be given specific areas to research in a number of given areas, such as library books and journals and online research. Findings will be shared with the tutor and/or peers.Independent StudyStudents will gather information to support their assignments and dissertation. This will consist of a wide range of sources such as; books, journals, questionnaire, interviews, online research, government sites, experiments and gathering data.Formative assessment-scheduledStudents will be formatively assessed at a given time during their module to measure their competency. Verbal feedback will be given.Formative assessment-independentStudents will be formatively assessed by the tutor during their module to measure their competency. Verbal feedback will be given. Employer ForumsTutors on the course are engaged in external activities which include RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons) conference and CPD events, NFU (National Farmer Union) Conference and CPD events and Principle and Leading Handbook working group.OtherVeterinary Health Professionals, Feed manufacturers, Naff feed advisor, Vets.

Employer Engagement

Visiting Speakers

Veterinary Health Professionals, Feed manufacturers, Naff feed advisor, Vets.

Volunteering

Recommended for all attending the course. Work related and themed towards the student’s own work based or research interest.

Fieldwork

Research project will direct field work opportunities.

Resources on campus include:

Animal Care Centre and wide range of species

Working dairy and sheep farm

Livery Yard, BHS Exam centre and riding school

Riding for the disabled

Blue Cross Cat Rescue

Veterinary Nursing centre

USW links for research projects

Fieldtrips

Will be arranged dependent on students interests and available resources, to include Vet practices, food manufacturers, animal collections, Ocean Zoo and marine rehabilitation.

Work Placements

200hrs minimum work placement is required. Students are supported to find their own placement (s).

Work-based Learning

Students will be encouraged to develop work based skills such as communication, public speaking, event organisation and IT to help them become employable professionals. Guest speakers will be engaged to clarify the work based skills necessary for the land-based industry.

 

Means of Assessment

The assessment process for the FD Animal Health & Welfare programme reflects both the aims and learning objectives
of the programme and establishes clear links with the underlying philosophy of the learning and teaching strategy. This course makes use of a wide range of assessment methods involving an appropriate balance between formative (not formally assessed) and summative (formally assessed) methods.

Learning Support

The course utilises a range of learning approaches to ensure an inclusive learning environment. Acknowledging the rich and diverse character and content of the body of knowledge that forms the BSc (Hons) top up degree course, studying will involve numerous and diverse multi-mode learning activities including the following:

Attending formal lectures.

Attending and actively contributing to seminars and tutorials.

Undertaking a range of research based studies and data collection.

Participating in group based activities.

One-to-one interactions with academic staff.

Self-directed study.

Use of the Virtual Learning Environment.

Fieldwork including community-based learning.

Possible use of field or work-placement.

 

The learning support available through the course:

Induction

Provided by USW and Coleg Gwent

During the induction sessions, a series of activities take place in which the students meet their Course Leader and members of the course team, learn about the content and operation of their course, receive their timetables, receive important information on Health and Safety, are trained in use of the Moodle and Unilearn Virtual Learning Environment, and learn about Coleg Gwent’s and USW’s online resources. Course handbooks are provided and used as part of this induction and orientation.

Personal tutor

Personal Tutors are provided for the students. Channels of communication also include discussion with the module teacher, Award Leader and Academic Tutor. Both the formal tutor system and ‘open-door’ policy are available for monitoring progress, feedback, and student support.

Office hours

Monday – Friday 8.30am-6pm

On an informal level, the academic staff are most approachable and module teachers and the Award Leaders are willing to discuss issues on an individual or group basis.

Tutorials

Tutorials are provided as part of the module teaching programme, as required, and on a regular basis as part of the research supervision,to ensure the projects are progressing satisfactorily. Weekly and one to one sessions will be available.

Seminars

RCVS, NFU and related seminars will be advertised and students encouraged to attend.

Formative Assessment

All assessments assessed throughout the delivery of the course are used as formative opportunities. There are no other formative assessments.

Progress meetings

One to one review meetings will take place to discuss progress.

Research Supervision

Provided by module leaders and learning centre.

Online Resources

Unilearn, All USW library and journal resources.

Moodle, all Coleg Gwent library and journal resources.

All online resources, announcements, teaching notes and exam past papers are available 24/7.

Advice Centres

Coleg Gwent student services and the course tutor will be the first point of contact for advice.

Course tutors and the Course Leader act as points of contact for academic guidance to students. The Student Advice Centre on the Glyntaff Campus is located in the Elaine Morgan Building. Other services include Careers, Disability and Dyslexia, Health, Student Development and Study Skills, Money and Advice, Wellbeing and Care Leaver Services.

DDS Service

The University’s Disability and Dyslexia Service provides a confidential and professional service where students can discuss individual requirements. The DDS supports students with physical, sensory, mental health or unseen disabilities. Students can access the support online or through an appointment using the Advice Centres.

IT/Library

USW and Coleg Gwent learning centres

The students have access to three main libraries, two on the Glyntaff and Treforest Campuses where there has been a significant investment of a £6 million remodelling and refurbishment project, which was completed in February 2014. Online resources are available through the Library channel: http://studentlibrary.southwales.ac.uk/ .

All Coleg Gwent Library facilities are also accessible across five campuses, Usk, Newport, Crosskeys, Pontypool and Ebbw Vale.

 

 

Course Exit Points

Award Criteria Final
Foundation Degree in Science 240 credits of which at least 100 must be at Level 5 or above, 100 at Level 4 or above and no more than 20 at Level 3. Of the 240 credits, at least 40 credits must be derived from Level 5 work based learning Final
Certificate of Higher Education 120 credits of which at least 100 must be at Level 4 or above and no more than 20 at Level 3 Intermediate

Progression Route

BSc (Hons) Animal Health & Welfare (subject to validation) 2018 (USW) BSc (Hons) Animal Management top up - Hartpury

Entry Requirements

Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:

5 GCSE’s and 160 UCAS points.

 

Inclusive Curriculum Statement

The University of South Wales operates a policy of inclusive learning, teaching and assessment to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Course teams will have considered ways of designing out any potentially disadvantageous element of courses during the course design process. However some specific needs may remain, details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3040-disability-and-dyslexia-service/

Addendum for Delivery at a Partner Institution

N/A

Methods Of Quality Standards

N/A

Quality Of Standards Indicators

N/A