EDUCATION
Meet The Expert Shire talks to Angela Winstanley about the animal courses at Wrexham Glyndwr University
QWhat do you specialise in?
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I’m senior lecturer and programme leader on Glyndwr University’s BSc (Hons) animal science and animal studies programmes, and lecture on the Angela Winstanley aims to promote positive human-animal interaction equine science and welfare management degree. My area of special interest is human-animal interaction, which is What does the students’ practical work involve? a rapidly expanding academic field. I’m a strong advocate for the Students learn to handle domestic and exotic animals safely, promotion of positive human-animal from horses and rabbits to tenrecs and reptiles. We also train Animals show subtle signs interaction, as this provides benefits for animals using positive reinforcement methods such as clicker training. the health and wellbeing of both parties. Companion animals enrich We also provide opportunities through work placements and our lives and we need to inform people to understand volunteering. Our students are doing fantastic things, animal behaviour. Owners often miss subtle signs that such as improving the breeding populations of seals off their animal is giving them – we put human emotions the north Wales coast and discovering hidden gems in ‘A lot of animal behavioural on to animals and think they’re being guilty or naughty the insect collections in Liverpool’s museums. We also problems are when what they’re actually showing is often fear. have students working with animal rescues in north down to fear A lot of animal behavioural problems are down to Wales – I’ve developed a short course with North and frustration’ fear, stress and frustration. Animals trained with positive Clwyd Animal Rescue Centre so students have the reinforcement are less likely to have behavioural problems, opportunity to help rescue dogs find new homes. which also reduces the risk of people getting hurt.
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How did you get into this career?
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I’ve been interested in animals from an early age and always wanted to care for and protect them. I worked with animals to gain practical experience, then studied at university to postgraduate level and completed teaching qualifications. My current job is varied and interesting – I can be handling tarantulas, training marmosets to stand on scales, riding horses, teaching scientific theory in the lecture theatre, or even learning how to clicker-train a giraffe at a conference!
QWhat’s required to get on the course?
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Obviously, our students are keen and interested in animals! They should also have some practical knowledge, with their own animals, through education or industry experience. Students also need biology, English and mathematics for the technical aspects, but we offer a foundation year that prepares student for the full degree .
QWhat does the course entail?
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Our core themes are welfare, conservation and behaviour, but what’s most important is making sure students are prepared to work in industry. That means a lot of visits to zoos, conservation sites and rescue centres, alongside work experience and industry contact. We bring in a lot of specialists, and have strong links with a variety of organisations including The Owls Trust, Hedgehog Rescue, the PDSA and the RSPCA. Students also get the chance to build links with external organisations themselves.
QWhat career opportunities can the course lead to?
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All kinds of things! We have students working in zoos in north Wales, Cheshire and the West Midlands – we even have a student working at a Big Cat Rescue in Florida. Our students go on to be lecturers, teachers, technicians, biodiversity officers, dog trainers and veterinary nurses– there’s such a wide range of careers the course can open the doors to.
QWhy choose Wrexham Glyndwr University?
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There’s a real sense of community here – you’ll work with like-minded people who have the same interests and the same drive. Our dedicated team of experts also guide and support students, which is reflected in our satisfaction scores – we’ve been judged the top university in Wales for academic support and our learning community in animal science, and are in the top five UK universities for the subject.* The most rewarding part of my job is seeing students graduate and go on to secure the job of their dreams, particularly when the roles help educate others about good animal husbandry and welfare. The key to improving animal welfare is without doubt education. Animal experience is key
*WGU analysis of unpublished NSS data
May/June 2019 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 139
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