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BSc Animals and Horticulture asTherapy (Top Up)

About the course

The course is delivered at University Centre Myerscough and awarded by the University of Central Lancashire. The course is designed for students who wish to develop their knowledge when working with animals, plant materials and people within a therapy setting. The focus on enterprise and research encourages independent learning, allowing the investigation of innovative approaches to animal and horticultural therapy.

An integral and exciting part of this course is the opportunity for students to conduct their own piece of original research in an area that interests them. This not only allows a real area of expertise to be developed but gives Myerscough students further recognition as they progress to employment.

Applicants wishing to top-up from a Foundation Degree or HND into the final year of the BSc (Honours) course will need to demonstrate skills in research methods and plant or animal science at Level 5 to enable them to progress onto the programme. Those applicants whose previous programme of study has not covered research skills at the appropriate level may be asked to complete a bridging module, Research Methods. Those applicants whose previous programme of study has not covered therapeutic strategies within animal and horticulture modules at the appropriate level may be asked to complete bridging modules in these areas, these bridging modules may be taken prior to entry onto the course.

Course modules

Year 1

Research Project (double module)

This double module will provide an opportunity to carry out a piece of independent research into a topic that interests you. You will start by clearly defining a problem to be solved, and then design and undertake an original investigation, developing your skills in project management. The reporting of the study will develop your skills in critical analysis and in communicating in a coherent and critical style.

Planning Therapeutic Interventions

Identifying issues and applying for funding are significant elements of the role for those managing programmes within therapeutic settings. This module aims to give learners the opportunity to identify the strengths and weaknesses in a setting, redesign the setting and source funding for the redevelopment. Learners will then devise programmes for a group utilising the teaching and therapeutic techniques they have been taught throughout the course.

Advances in Anthrozoology

This module aims to examine current advancements in anthrozoology research and the links in the development of practical management strategies within healthcare and educational settings. The module also aims to further develop analytical skills and the ability to critique current anthrozoological research methods, its development and future and how it may be applied to sector settings. The successful communication of research to a wider audience and the acquisition of skills necessary to carry out investigations in order to contribute to future discoveries is also part of this aim.

Horticultural Enterprise Management

You will be asked to identify horticultural business opportunities, develop a business plan for a horticultural enterprise which may include production systems, logistics, stock control or the management of volunteers, visitor attractions/facilities. You will include associated technologies to explain how your business plans fit into a business operation.

Applied Case Studies

This module aims to give learners insight into a range of different therapeutic settings. They will analyse and appraise the settings and discuss the issues that arise in each one through a series of case studies.

Entry requirements & additional information

Entry requirements

Foundation Degree in Animals and Horticulture as Therapy, Foundation Degree / HND in a related subject of 2 years (one at Level 4 and the other at Level 5) of Honours Degree work in a related discipline achieved at 'pass' standard or above. Applicants with alternative equivalent qualifications will also be considered positively. Applicants must also produce evidence of successfully completing a research based module at level 5.

Applicants for whom English is a second language must be able to demonstrate proof of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at level 6.0 (with no component score lower than 5.5) or equivalent.

All offers may be subject to interview.

Learning and assessment

Progression

Careers

Professional accreditations

Special requirements