Animal Behaviour BSc (Hons)

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Available with:

  • Foundation Year

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Course Summary

Our Animal Behaviour degree takes you on an exciting journey into the biology, care, conservation and welfare of animals. You’ll explore why animals behave the way they do in both wild and captive settings, combining a strong foundation in biological sciences with a scientific approach to studying animal thoughts and actions.

Throughout the course, you’ll gain practical field and laboratory skills, preparing you to turn your passion for animals into a fulfilling career. Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB), this degree has been independently assessed to ensure it provides a deep understanding of the subject and the practical experience necessary for employment in the biosciences.

Why Study Animal Behaviour?
Animal behaviour is crucial to understanding ecosystems, evolutionary biology, conservation and improving animal welfare. Our degree offers exposure to a wide range of species, including mammals, birds, amphibians and invertebrates. (Did you know cockroaches have personalities?!) This diverse approach will give you the chance to focus on the animals and topics that fascinate you most.

With the guidance of our passionate staff and their extensive research expertise, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge you need to make a real difference in the field of animal behaviour.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our Programme Leader, Dr Emmeline Howarth, at e.howarth@chester.ac.uk

Why You'll Love It

Strong biological science focus so you understand why behaviour happens

A biological science focus is crucial for understanding animal behaviour; it provides the foundational knowledge needed to interpret the mechanisms driving behaviour, such as hormonal changes, neural pathways and genetic influences. A biological framework allows you to compare species and is vital for conservation efforts and improving animal welfare.

Opportunities for practical laboratory, field and work experience

Careers within animal behaviour are diverse. To assist you in achieving a graduate level career, you will have the opportunity to learn key laboratory and field skills, e.g., microscopy, dissections and behaviour sampling in the lab and biodiversity surveys, species ID and behavioural observations in the field. The course also includes time for a work placement to put into practice the theory and skills that you have learned.

Enthusiastic, research active staff

Why do you want to study animal behaviour? Do you have a favourite animal you want to know more about or a specific career goal you are working towards? Our staff have varied backgrounds and expertise in different areas of animal behaviour, so that we can help you develop your interests and encourage your curiosity and academic progress. We will support you to achieve your best, helping you to develop critical thinking and analytical skills along the way.

Orangutan staying in the cage
Animal Behaviour Programme Leader in lab with text overlaid

BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour

What Our Students Think

1st for learning and teaching quality in the North West WUSCAS 2024
3rd in the UK for course quality 2024 unicompare

What You'll Study

The Physical and Natural Sciences Foundation Year route is an ideal place to begin your journey in academic sciences. 

The Foundation Year is designed to give you a strong knowledge and skills base aligned with your chosen four-year degree. Following a solid grounding in scientific principles or behavioural sciences in your first block of teaching, you will study bespoke modules aligned with your discipline. This could involve studying the human body in health and disease and how to encourage healthy and sustainable behaviours, or the biology of terrestrial and marine animals and the impacts of their interactions with humans, or you might focus on the physical sciences and how they can help change the world for the better. Whatever you aspire to, we can offer you a supportive and incremental introduction to your science degree.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

In Year 1 (Level 4), you’ll benefit from a shared curriculum with our Zoology degree, giving you a broad introduction to key scientific principles, such as ecology, biodiversity, genetic analysis, anatomy, research methods and, of course, animal behaviour. This common foundation equips you with a well-rounded understanding of the biological sciences.

Modules

  • Science of Life (40 Credits) Core
  • Exploring and Researching Life Sciences (40 Credits) Core
  • Global Biodiversity (20 Credits) Core
  • Project-Based Learning in Biosciences (20 Credits) Option
  • Language Module (20 Credits) Option

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

As you move into Year 2 (Level 5), you'll build on this knowledge through specialist modules that delve deeper into the factors shaping animal behaviour. Topics such as stress, sensory perception and seasonality will be explored, alongside practical issues in captive animal management, including enrichment, nutrition and welfare concerns like pain and disease.

Modules

  • Behavioural Ecology (20 Credits) Core
  • Adaptations to the Environment (20 Credits) Core
  • Behaviour and Welfare (20 Credits) Core
  • Animal Minds, Physiology and Behaviour (20 Credits) Core
  • Professional Placement/ Language Module/ Term Abroad (40 Credits) Option

 

  • Optional Placement Year (120 Credits) Option 

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

In Year 3 (Level 6), you’ll apply your expertise to real-world conservation and management challenges, with a focus on both wild and domestic animals. You’ll also have the opportunity to conduct an in-depth research project for your dissertation, allowing you to explore a topic of personal interest while refining essential skills like critical analysis, time management and communication. By the end of the course, you’ll be well-equipped for a range of careers in the field of animal behaviour and ready to make your mark after graduation.

Modules

  • Applied Conservation (20 Credits) Core
  • Biological Enterprise (20 Credits) Core
  • Advances in Wild Animal Behaviour (20 Credits) Core
  • Behaviour Modification: Training the Trainer (20 Credits) Core
  • Natural Sciences Dissertation (40 Credits) Core

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

How You'll Learn

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Mix of tutor-led lectures, seminars, practicals and fieldwork

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You will be assessed in a variety of ways

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Collaborate with students from related courses on a common first year

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This course is designed around in-person study

This course is delivered in three terms of ten weeks each. In each term, you can expect to study 40 credits comprised of either one or two modules. Average scheduled contact hours range between approximately six and ten hours per week, depending upon the level of study, the complexity of the material being taught, and requirement for laboratory practicals or field trips. This course is delivered through a mix of in-person and online learning. You can expect to take part in lectures, workshops and peer-led seminars. 

You should expect to spend an average of 30-34 hours per week on independent study, which might include following asynchronous learning material on the University’s VLE, tutorial time with staff, using the University’s library, working with peers and preparing work for assessment. 

There will be a broad range of assessment methods so that you are exposed to the different types of task you might encounter in the workplace. These will include coursework in the form of field journal, case studies, written pieces (both long and short form) and presentations. In some modules, you will encounter class tests, practical assessments and end-of-module assessments. We continuously review the assessment methods used so that they adequately prepare you for graduate level employment. 

All teaching is delivered by experienced academics and practitioners, with the fundamental principles of the Chester Future Skills Curriculum at its core - building your subject competence, confidence and key transferable skills to shape you into a world-ready Chester graduate.

Study a Common First Year

This course shares a common first year with Zoology BSc Hons.

This means that you’ll learn alongside students studying a similar discipline, helping to broaden your knowledge and exposure to other concepts, perspectives and professions in the first year of your degree.

As you learn and collaborate with students from other courses, you'll not only widen your social and professional network but also learn new skills that will set you up for success in your industry.

In your second and third years, you will progress to studying more specialist modules within conservation, animal behaviour and welfare science, developing your skills to become a world-ready graduate.

Entry Requirements

112UCAS points

UCAS Tariff

112 points

GCE A Level

Typical offer – BCC-BBC ; either Biology or Psychology is essential

BTEC

BTEC Extended Diploma: (Animal Care/Management or Applied Science): Typical offer - DMM

International Baccalaureate

28 points including 5 in HL Biology or Psychology

Irish / Scottish Highers

Irish Highers: H3 H3 H3 H3 H4 including H3 in Biology

Scottish Highers: BBBB including Biology or Psychology

Access requirements

Access to HE (Science) Diploma, to include 45 credits at level 3, 30 of which must be at Merit. We will also consider an Access to HE Diploma with sufficient Psychology credits.

T Level

T Level Science - Merit

OCR Cambridge Technicals

OCR Extended Diploma (Applied Science): DMM

Extra Information

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer.  We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs. 

Students from countries outside the UK are expected to have entry qualifications roughly equivalent to UK A Level for undergraduate study and British Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) for postgraduate study. To help you to interpret these equivalents, please click on your country of residence to see the corresponding entry qualifications, along with information about your local representatives, events, information and contacts.

We accept a wide range of qualifications and consider all applications individually on merit. We may also consider appropriate work experience.

English Language Requirements

  • IELTS Academic: Undergraduate: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each band)
  • Postgraduate: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each band)

For more information on our entry requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

72UCAS points

UCAS Tariff

72 points

GCE A Level

72 UCAS points from GCE A Levels to include grade D in Biology or Psychology

BTEC

BTEC Extended Diploma: (Animal Care/Management or Applied Science): Typical offer - MMP

International Baccalaureate

24 points including 4 in HL Biology or Psychology

Irish / Scottish Highers

Irish Highers: H4 H4 H4 H4 H4 including Biology

Scottish Highers: CCDD including Biology or Psychology

Access requirements

Access to HE (Science) Diploma - Pass overall. We will also consider an Access to HE Diploma with sufficient Psychology credits.

T Level

T Level Science - Pass (D or E on the core)           

OCR Cambridge Technicals

OCR Extended Diploma (Applied Science): MMP

Extra Information

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs.

If you are a mature student (21 or over) and have been out of education for a while or do not have experience or qualifications at Level 3 (equivalent to A Levels), then our Foundation Year courses will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you will need to succeed in your chosen degree. 

Fees and Funding

£9,535per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2025/26 are £9,535 a year, or £1,590 per 20-credit module for part-time study.

You can find more information about undergraduate fees on our Fees and Finance pages.

Students from the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes.

Students from countries in the European Economic Area and the EU will pay International Tuition Fees.

Students who have been granted Settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans.

Students who have been granted Pre-settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans.

£14,450*per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

The tuition fees for international students studying Undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 are £14,450 per year for a full-time course. This fee is set for each year of study.

The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter.

For courses with a Foundation Year, the tuition fees for Year 1 are £10,750 and £14,200 for Years 2-4 in 2025/26.

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes. 

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials.

Students often elect to purchase a laptop, where students choose to do so, the cost it likely to be around £800-£1,000.

Depending on student demand, in this course there is an optional overseas field trip in Year 2 (Level 5). Previous visits have included the Philippines and South Africa. The cost of this field trip varies by location and external factors, but is likely to be approximately £2,000. The field trip is optional, and students are not required to participate in order to successfully complete the course. Any non-optional field trips linked to assessments will be included in the tuition fees.  

Strong boots and a waterproof coat will also be required. The quality and cost of these are at the student’s discretion but must be suitable for fieldwork in the UK in the winter months.  

Students are currently required to purchase a lab induction pack with a lab coat and other required equipment. The current price is £30.00, but may be subject to price increases depending on purchase costs. 

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills. 

Who You'll Learn From

Dr Emmeline Howarth

Programme Leader for Animal Behaviour
Dr Emmeline Howarth

Dr Jodie Gruber

Lecturer
profile picture of Dr Jodie Gruber

Dr Christina Stanley

Deputy Head of School of Natural Sciences, Associate Professor in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Programme Leader for MSc Animal Behaviour.
Dr Christina Stanley

Dr Sonya Hill

Deputy Head, Natural Sciences
Dr Sonya Hill

Dr Krista McLennan

Head of the School
Dr Krista McLennan

Helen Taylor-Boyd

Lecturer
Helen Taylor-Boyd

Prof Tessa Smith

Professor of Biological Sciences
Prof Tessa Smith

Dr Lottie Hosie

Senior Lecturer
Dr Lottie Hosie

Where You'll Study Exton Park, Chester

The location

Exton Park is close to the city centre of Chester, a city like no other and an amazing place to live as a student. While it is undoubtedly beautiful and packed with history, Chester is also a bustling 21st-century city balancing big-name shopping, eating and living with a thriving independent scene.

Modern learning resources and library

We have dedicated resources and IT services across campus, as well as our Seaborne Library; home to an extensive selection of books, e-books and e-journals, as well as bookable multimedia rooms, video conferencing space, 24-hour access computer labs, and The Hub; a comfortable two-floor study zone, suitable for independent and group study.

Seaborne library, seating and reception area.

Student Services

Exton Park is home to a number of our central support services, including Disability and Inclusion, Careers and Employability, and Student Support.

Fitness facilities

Exton Park boasts an impressive choice of indoor and outdoor sports and leisure facilities, which are used for both competitive and recreational sports. Our facilities include a swimming pool, gym, squash, and tennis courts, running track and two floodlit pitches.

A male student wearing goggles is swimming in the training pool between the red rope lane marker lines.

Chapel, chaplaincy and multi-faith spaces

Built in 1847 by former students, the University Chapel offers regular services and a venue to services. The University of Chester also has multi-faith spaces across the campus for prayer or quiet reflection.

Accommodation

Most of our student accommodation is located either on or near Exton Park.

Catering

We have several catering outlets available onsite, offering a wide selection of hot and cold food to students and visitors. Term-time Meal Schemes are also available for those students interested in non-residential catering schemes.

Your Future Career

Job Prospects

Many of our graduates go on to postgraduate studies, including progressing to our Animal Behaviour MSc, Wildlife Conservation MSc, or Biological Sciences MRes. 

Opportunities to gain graduate employment with a degree in Animal Behaviour include roles in:

  • Animal management and welfare assessment
  • Wildlife management and ecology 
  • Zoo-based science, research and outreach 
  • Charity management, research policy and education 
  • Government and local council careers 
  • Self-employed careers including starting your own business. 

Due to the sought-after transferable skills, such as communication, team working, analysis, and creative and critical thinking, graduates have also pursued careers in science journalism, teaching, marketing and project management. 

Careers Service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.

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