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BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour & Welfare (BSc)

  • Pibwrlwyd Campus
Varies per level

The BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare degree is a very exciting and extremely interesting course aimed at those with an interest in animals and their welfare and behaviour.

It is offered full-time or part-time and has a range of students varying from those who have worked in the industry and want to progress, to those returning to education wanting to follow their passion or change their careers.

The course also offers a level six top up for graduates who hold a foundation degree or HNC/HND in animal related subjects.

Study modules include animal behaviour, physiology and welfare and how evolutionary adaptations and environmental stimuli impact survival, behaviour and health.

Classes are usually small, offering the benefits of more one-to-one contact with lecturers.

The study of animal behaviour is applied to improving training, care and welfare management of animals, and is used in conservation of indigenous and worldwide-endangered species.

The BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare allows undergraduates the opportunity to broaden their knowledge in the underlying scientific principles of animal ethology, behaviour and physiology, and the application of this knowledge to welfare and conservation.

Course details

Study modes:
  • Full time
  • Part time
Institution code:
C22
UCAS code:
Full Time: 02XD / Level 6 Top Up Full Time: 02XX
Course length:
Varies per level

What you will learn

  • Course delivery allows a route to an honours degree with the flexibility of full-time or part-time delivery.
  • Students attending college have access to extensive onsite facilities including an animal centre, housing a wide range of animal species, in addition to on-line learning and research materials. Students also have the opportunity of independent study outside of college and of submitting work digitally online.
  • Students will study compulsory core modules relating to independent research in a subject area of specific interest to themselves, in addition to modules relating to in-depth study of animal behaviour, ethology, physiology, health and welfare.

Assessment is varied and suited to individual module requirements and includes:

  • Essays; 
  • Presentations; 
  • Written Reports; 
  • Case Study Reports; 
  • Independent Practical research/observations; 
  • Research Portfolios; 
  • Seminar Presentations.

Entry will be granted to applicants who demonstrate the academic ability and potential to benefit from the programme, students will be expected to have four GCSEs at C and above and 16 UCAS points.

Students entering study at level four, will require a level three qualification with a pass grade or above and preferably have undertaken some work experience with animals.

For those students wishing to enrol directly at level six for the ‘top up’ option, entry requirements are a foundation degree in animal science or a HND in animal studies having achieved suitable modules for application for accreditation of prior certification.

Mature students will be considered on an individual basis as industrially relevant qualifications and experience can be taken into consideration.

Applicants that have not achieved a HND or foundation degree on application will be required to undertake study at Level four and five before progressing onto the BSc level six modules.

There is no additional fee, however, it is likely that you will incur additional costs for personal equipment and for course related excursions.

This Framework aims to develop your professional skills and competence alongside your academic subject knowledge. You’ll study up to 40 credits per level throughout your programme from the Graduate Attributes Framework.  The Graduate Attribute modules are designed to enable you to develop, and evidence, a range of career-focused skills related to your subject area. These skills include digital competency, research and project management, as well as such personal competencies as communication, creativity, self-reflection, resilience and problem-solving.

Find out more about the Graduate Attributes Framework