Applied Animal Behavioural Science and Welfare, BSc Hons

This degree programme focuses on preparing students for career opportunities in the ever popular fields of animal welfare and related behavioural sciences. The programme enhance students' knowledge and understanding of a range of issues, theories and practices associated with the industry, and enables students to apply these principles in the field of companion animals, farm animals and wild animals in captivity.

This programme helps students develop skills in the understanding of behavioural principles and the biological and physiological systems that underpin them. Students explore the multi-faceted world of animal behaviour, with emphasis on the identification and management of problem behaviours in both wild and domestic animal containment systems. A range of options for study tours and field trips are incorporated into each year of the programme.

Aims of the programme

• To provide a comprehensive grounding in animal behavioural science and welfare.
• To develop students' understanding and skills in subjects such as anthrozoology, ethics and welfare, and behavioural ecology to enable employment in a wide range of disciplines.

UCAS code

D302 H BSc/AABSW1

Location

Hadlow College

Attendance

3 years full-time (2 days a week)
4 years part-time (0.5 days a week)

Entry requirements

Applicants should have:

240 UCAS points

FROM A-levels, preferably one in a science based subject

OR Level 3 vocational qualification

PLUS all applicants should also have a GCSE grade C or above in English, mathematics and science.

– Life experiences are taken into account when considering applications.

– Applications from mature students are welcome.

Specialist equipment/facilities

Students have access to over 120 species, paddocks with grazing animals and specialist rooms for aquatics, reptiles, invertebrates and small mammals. In addition, we have exotic bird aviaries, a veterinary examination room and a new short-clawed Asian otter enclosure.

Assessment

Students are assessed through assignments, projects, presentations and exams.

Career options

Graduates can progress to related MSc or PhD programmes or to management and research posts within the animal industry.

Year 1

• Principals of Animal Science (30 credits)
• Principles of Animal Behaviour (30 credits)
• Concepts in Animal Welfare (15 credits)
• Principles of Animal Husbandry (30 credits)
• One option from: Concepts in Conservation OR Principles of Management (Land-Based) (15 credits)

Year 2

• Breeding Management and Genetics (15 credits)
• Problem Behaviour Management (15 credits)
• Comparative Anatomy, Adaptation and Evolution (15 credits)
• Applied Animal Welfare (15 credits)
• Animal Cognition and Learning (15 credits)
• Research Skills (15 credits)
• Industrial Experience (15 credits)
• One option from: Exotic Collection Management OR Project Management (15 credits)

Year 3

• Advanced Animal Welfare and Organisations (15 credits)
• Current Issues for the Animal Sciences (15 credits)
• Advanced Animal Cognition and Behavioural Therapies (15 credits)
• Honours Project for the Animal Sciences (30 credits)
• Three 15-credit options from: Anthrozoology and Personal Psychology; Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience; Behavioural Ecology and Applied Animal Nutrition (45 credits)

Your time at university should be enjoyable and rewarding, and it is important that it is not spoilt by unnecessary financial worries. We recommend that you spend time planning your finances, both before coming to university and while you are here. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.

Find out more about our fees and the support available to you at our:

• Undergraduate finance pages
• International students’ finance pages