Animal Behaviour BSc (Hons)

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:

You will learn the essential concepts and skills that form the backbone of a degree in biological sciences. Through theory and practical sessions, this module will guide you through every level of biological organisation, from the smallest cellular structures to studying an introduction to animal behaviour and ecology. Throughout this module, you will develop academic, practical, and analytical skills that will support you through your studies in animal behaviour.

• Exploring and Researching Life Sciences (40 Credits) Core:

You will explore the fundamentals of scientific research, including how to develop research questions, work with relevant literature, understand basic statistical concepts and communicate research findings. Key biological topics, such as advanced physiology and genetics, will be covered, emphasising connecting theory to practical, hands-on experience. You will then focus on topics specific to your course, such as animal behaviour, husbandry and training.

• Global Biodiversity (20 Credits) Core:

This module focuses on the diversity of life on Earth. You will examine the principles responsible for explaining biodiversity while exploring the taxonomy, systematics, evolution and ecology of the major taxa that comprise life on Earth. You will learn how biological diversity is measured, valued, and conserved, preparing you for more advanced studies in animal conservation-related topics.

• Project-Based Learning in Biosciences (20 Credits) Option:

You will have the opportunity to gain further practical skills and develop your projects. You will explore various field techniques relevant to animal behaviour, including observation, habitat and bird surveys, animal ID, camera trapping and pond dipping. Working in groups, you will apply these skills and your previous training in formulating research questions to conduct your study.

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:

Behavioural Ecology builds on the theory and practical skills introduced at Level 4. In this module, you will develop your understanding of how evolutionary theory enables us to explain and predict animal behaviour as a product of selective pressures in their natural environment. Practical sessions will enable you to practice behavioural observation and measurement skills. You will be supported to develop a full proposal for a behaviour study investigating an area of your choice throughout the module.

• Adaptations to the Environment (20 Credits) Core:

Adaptation to the Environment focuses on developing your appreciation for how animals adapt to the varied and unique environments in which they live. This includes how and why animals have evolved the way they did in terms of their morphology, physiology and behaviour while considering the ecology of each habitat type. While most of the module looks back at animal evolution, part of it looks forward by broaching the topics of anthropogenic environments and what animals need to do to continue surviving in the Anthropocene. In this module, part of the assessment will involve designing the “perfect” animal for an environment of your choice while considering human impacts on its survival.

• Behaviour and Welfare (20 Credits) Core:

This module provides an overview of key topics in animal behaviour and welfare, including methods of animal welfare assessment, arguments around sentience and consciousness and essential legislation and policy, relevant to a career working with animals. Biological factors that affect animal well-being, such as pain, disease, nutrition and breeding, will be discussed in the context of captive management. Emerging topics, such as wild animal welfare, will also be covered. The module addresses challenges in various settings, offering you opportunities to develop strategies for improving welfare in real-world scenarios. 

• Animal Minds, Physiology and Behaviour (20 Credits) Core:

From lizards basking to lions hunting, animal behaviour arises from complex interactions between physiology, cognition and environmental cues. This module explores how these processes shape behaviour, using a range of invertebrate and vertebrate examples. Through blended, active learning, you will gain skills in critical evaluation, study design, and scientific communication. Topics include sensory attraction, social learning, competition, mating, biological clocks, memory and animal cultures. You will also examine real-world applications, addressing animal welfare, human impact, climate change, and conservation efforts like species preservation and captive breeding programs.

• Professional Placement/Language Module/Term Abroad (40 Credits) Option:

Here you can put theory into practice and build essential skills for your future career by gaining invaluable real-world experience through either a work placement or school-level activity (e.g., an overseas field trip). You will develop practical, analytical and professional skills relevant to animal behaviour, while also enhancing transferable skills that are vital in any graduate-level role. This module will empower you to explore new environments, apply your knowledge, and discover how your academic training translates into real-world impact, boosting your confidence and work readiness.

Rather than a placement you may choose to do a university language option or term abroad.

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

You will cover a broad range of conservation theories and techniques and how they can be used and applied to the conservation management of wild animals. This module enables you to consider what your existing knowledge of genetics, ecology and animal behaviour can bring to animal conservation. The module will include key case studies along with a strong practical component giving you the chance to try out skills in genetic analysis to study the population structure of a species. You will also demonstrate learning of new perspectives in conservation genetics, wildlife forensics, animal behaviour and management and reflect on their applicability to conservation efforts.

• Biological Enterprise (20 Credits) Core

This module will build a wider awareness of the bigger picture of animal behaviour and biological sciences for success in your chosen career. Themes will include sustainability, business, finance, change management and communication skills to enhance your graduate employability. You will have to opportunity to gain an additional qualification in Carbon Literacy within this module.

• Advances in Wild Animal Behaviour (20 Credits) Core

This module investigates the latest advances in animal behaviour research in terms of technologies, methodologies, theory and discoveries. From using AI tracking software and gene expression technologies to discover previously unknown behaviour, you will explore how cutting-edge technologies and methodologies are leading to exciting discoveries. You will investigate how classical animal behaviour theories have been challenged and changed as science becomes more inclusive, opening up to broader societal spheres and bringing novel ideas from an increasingly diverse research community, and you will critically evaluate current theories. You will also explore new research which is revealing how behavioural plasticity and urban evolution are enabling animals to behaviourally adapt to an ever-changing world. 

• Behaviour Modification: Training the Trainer (20 Credits) Core

This module explores key aspects of animal behaviour modification across various settings, including homes, kennels, catteries, equestrian centres, rehoming facilities and zoos. It examines the influence of genetics, early life experiences, human-animal interactions and lifestyle on the development of behaviour problems. You will evaluate methods for assessing behavioural issues, along with their limitations, and explore a range of solutions, such as training and therapeutic interventions.

• Natural Sciences Dissertation (40 Credits) Core

You will engage in the research of a selected topic relevant to animal behaviour. You will have the opportunity to delve deeply into a subject of your choice. Throughout the process, you will develop your critical thinking and analytical skills, whilst conducting this independent research with the support of a lecturer. The dissertation represents a substantial piece of scholarly work that demonstrates your understanding and application of scientific concepts relevant to animal behaviour. Additionally, you will refine your skills in academic writing and effective communication of complex ideas. Overall, the dissertation represents the culmination of your education, preparing you for a career in animal behaviour.

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.

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.

Depending on the course you are studying, there may be additional course-specific costs that you will be required to meet, some of which will be mandatory, others as part of optional modules.

Mandatory costs:

• All students carrying out laboratory work will be required to purchase a lab induction pack with a lab coat and other required equipment. The current price is £30.00, but this may be subject to price increases depending on purchase costs. Second-hand packs at a slightly lower price are subject to availability.
• Please note that your course runs a compulsory residential field trip in the first year for which you are asked to contribute £100.

Optional costs:

• If you choose Optional modules that include travel overseas you will be responsible for the full cost of the trip. In the past, this has been between £2,000 and £3,000 for a two-week overseas trip, but future costs may vary due to global price fluctuations. The University will endeavour to revise the expected estimation of costs on an annual basis.
• You can can opt to take part in the Welcome Week trip which will involve a contribution of £10.
• You should also consider having waterproof clothing and sturdy walking boots. The quality and cost of these are at your discretion but must be suitable for fieldwork/trips in the UK in the winter months.

Other additional costs may include (but are not limited to):

• the purchase of books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and travel to placements.
• 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.
• You may also wish to consider the cost of graduation and the hire or purchase of your robes as well as travel and accommodation at the event.