Animal Behaviour and Welfare (Clinical) (with Placement) BSc (Hons)

This degree enables those interested in the behaviour and welfare of companion and farm animals to study at degree level without covering the broader animal health sciences in detail. You will examine animal biology as it relates to the behaviour and welfare of animals, and have the opportunity to study ecology in relation to animal habitats. All main groups of farm animals are represented on our farm and the Companion Animal House has a range of exotic and companion animals. Students carry out an animal-based investigational project in their final year, looking at an aspect of animal behaviour or welfare.

Work placement

Students undertake a placement during their third year in an animal-related organisation of their choice. You may want to gain experience working at animal hospitals and shelters, research facilities, zoos and wildlife parks, veterinary practices, livestock farms, stables, catteries and kennels or other animal-based organisations.

Accreditation

Accredited by: Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB)

This course has been awarded full accreditation from the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB) and is now “formally validated by the ASAB Accreditation Committee as delivering the academic elements necessary for an individual to achieve ASAB certification as a clinical animal behaviourist”.

Teaching and learning

Lectures are complemented by tutorials, visits and practical classes. Depending on the module, practicals may take the form of laboratory work, behaviour/welfare assessments or animal handling in the Companion Animal House or on the farm.

Assessment methods

A wide range of assessment methods are used. Depending on the module these include examination, assignments, practical spot-tests and presentations.

Careers

This course prepares graduates for careers involving animal behaviour and also in animal welfare and management. Increased awareness of animal welfare and behaviour issues has opened up more employment opportunities in the animal sector.

Organisations that house animals are becoming more aware of the need for employees to understand animal welfare and behaviour.

Welfare organisations are expanding, and nutrition and pharmaceutical companies have careers suitable for graduates with a sound welfare education. Many graduates move into higher education as lecturers or researchers and others choose further postgraduate study.