BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare (with Foundation Year)

Course overview

Develop your expertise in animal behaviour and welfare and turn your passion into your career. Study the fascinating biology behind behaviour and consider ethical issues. 

This foundation year pathway provides an alternative route into degree-level study. Its ideal for those who need to gain subject-specific knowledge and skills in order to progress onto the full BSc qualification.

Youll be exposed to the latest research in the field of animal behaviour and welfare, and develop industry-standard practical skills to assess welfare, measure behaviour, train animals and manage domestic, exotic and wild species.

Gain first-hand experience of fieldwork and research through trips and interactions with industry professionals. Whether you want to become a welfare officer, trainer or researcher, youll be prepared for a range of careers in the animal sector.

If youre considering going into international conservation, an optional field trip to Mankwe Wildlife Reserve, South Africa, allows you to experience wildlife and conservation in action, for a valuable insight into this rewarding career.

Benefit from a 360-hectare campus thats home to a diverse range of animals. Our 70-species Animal Collection provides opportunities to assess domestic and non-domestic animals in different contexts. Youll also have access to our commercial farm and equine yard.

What you'll study

Youll gain an in depth understanding of key topics in the field of animal behaviour and welfare, with core subjects ranging from behaviour, biology, and genetics, to biodiversity, welfare and ethics.

This course is comprised of both compulsory and optional modules, which you'll be able to choose from to suit your interests and career goals.

Optional modules change each year in line with student, industry and research demands - you'll find recent topics studied below. You can attend introductory sessions for optional modules before deciding which ones to study.

Level three foundation year (year one)

Develop the knowledge and skills to succeed in the remaining three years of the degree. Focus on the key subjects including animal biology, gain academic skills, and work with animal students from across the department.

You'll need to apply for full-time degrees (including foundation years and foundation degrees) through UCAS. When they receive your application, UCAS will send you a welcome email and forward your application to us. We'll then review your application and contact you if we need any more details.