BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour

About your course

Studying BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour at Liverpool John Moores University will give you an opportunity to learn from experts in animal behaviour and complete work-related learning with a variety of animal-related organisations, such as zoos, wildlife parks, conservation NGOs and rescue centres. The degree develops your understanding of the science of animal behaviour in relation to evolution, ecology, physiology, neurobiology and genetics, preparing students for a career in science, animal welfare, animal behaviour research, the emergency services or conservation.

This course gives you the understanding to answer questions such as 'how and why does behaviour vary between individuals, groups and species' and 'how is behaviour shaped by the past (evolutionary history) and the present (the environment), and regulated by genes, physiology and neurobiology?'

Modules cover animal behaviour in a range of environments from natural behaviour in the tropics and temperate habitats; terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems; through to the behaviour and welfare of domestic and captive animals.

Regular field work underpins the development of theoretical knowledge, giving students the practical skills to engage in the study of animal behaviour. An important part of the programme is the training in scientific observational methods. Students will have opportunities to try out their techniques on wild animals in the UK, including in our on-campus wildlife gardens, and abroad, as well as on captive animals in the world famous Chester Zoo, Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Blue Planet Aquarium and Knowsley Safari Park, which are all close by, along with a range of natural habitats and protected areas.

There is a core residential field trip in Level 4 and an optional residential field trip during Level 5. Students can also take part in an advanced field skills expedition during Level 6 the possible destination is the superb Coto Doñana area in southern Spain to observe first-hand how animals behave in their natural habitats. You can also choose to study at a different university for one semester in our Study Abroad Programme.

On top of your academic studies, you will have the opportunity to undertake a short (4-6 week) work-based placement and/or a year's sandwich placement in the UK or abroad. Placements give you a chance to put your skills and knowledge into practice, as well as developing personal and subject-related skills and acquiring new skills to enhance your CV. They could even lead to employment with the same organisation or through the contacts you make. The first year of the course is very similar to LJMU's Zoology programme and as these are sister degrees you can transfer between programmes if you complete Level 4 successfully.

Prior to starting the programme applicants must have obtained Grade C or Grade 4 or above in English Language and Mathematics GCSE or an approved alternative qualification below:

• Key Skills Level 2 in English/ Maths
• NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
• Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
• Higher Diploma in Maths/ English
• Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths/ English
• Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
• Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number

• Minimum number of A Levels required: 2
• Subject specific requirements: Biology or other relevant science Grade C or above
• Is general studies acceptable? Not acceptable
• Average A Level offer: BCC
• Are AS level awards acceptable? Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
• Maximum AS Level points accepted: 20

• National Certificate (RQF): Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
• National Extended Certificate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
• National Diploma (RQF): Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
• National Diploma subjects / grades required: D*D if studied on its own or to the total of 104 UCAS points if combined with other qualifications
• National Extended Diploma (RQF): Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
• National Extended Diploma subjects / grades required: DMM in a relevant scientific area.

• Access to Higher Education Diploma acceptability: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
• Further information: Access programme must have been taken in a relevant subject area, minimum overall Merit.

• International Baccalaureate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
• Additional information: 26 Points. A specific grade may be required in Science.

• Irish Leaving Certificate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
• Grades / subjects required: 104 UCAS points from a minimum of 5 subjects

• Welsh Baccalaureate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications

• T Level requirements: 104 UCAS points in a related subject area. Contact Faculty Admissions for details.

• Are Level 3 NVQs acceptable? Acceptable when combined with other qualifications

​Please contact the University if you have any questions regarding the relevance of your qualifications.

Employability

You will enjoy varied career opportunities both in the UK and overseas

You might, on the other hand, prefer to practise as a professional animal behaviourist after some further postgraduate study and clinical training.

Recent LJMU graduates have secured full-time employment in roles such as Research Officers, Animal Colony Managers and Animal Welfare Coordinators. Organisations that have hired our graduates include: Combe Martin Wildlife Park, Chester Zoo, Dolphin Quest, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Genus, Newquay Zoo, North Clwyd Animal Rescue, RSPCA and Reaseheath College.

Other graduates have opted for postgraduate study (teacher training, MSc, MPhil or PhD), pursuing a career in science and academia or other competitive undergraduate courses (such as medicine, veterinary science or midwifery). Some have also set up their own businesses (including a pet behaviour consultancy) or have taken non-animal related graduate employment.

Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service

A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course, to ensure our students experience a transformation in their career trajectory. Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose.

Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU's suite of online Apps, resources and jobs board via the LJMU Student Futures website. There are opportunities for flexible, paid and part-time work through Unitemps, LJMU's in-house recruitment service, and we also offer fully funded Discovery Internships.

One-to-one careers and employability advice is available via our campus-based Careers Zones and we offer a year-round programme of events, including themed careers and employability workshops, employer events and recruitment fairs. Our Start-Up Hub can help you to grow your enterprise skills and to research, plan and start your own business or become a freelancer.

A suite of learning experiences, services and opportunities is available to final year students to help ensure you leave with a great onward plan. You can access LJMU's Careers, Employability and Start-up Services after you graduate and return for one-to-one support for life.