Program Overview

Introduction to the Bachelor of Applied Science (Animal Behaviour and Welfare)

The Bachelor of Applied Science (Animal Behaviour and Welfare) degree programme is designed to address the demand for ethical professionals in the animal care and management industry. This programme provides students with the opportunity to work with animals and in labs from the outset, learning and applying skills that prepare them for a career in animal management and welfare.

Programme Overview

Animal behaviour and welfare is a rapidly growing field of study and work. This unique programme develops in-depth knowledge and understanding of animal behaviour modification, health and welfare, handling and husbandry, conservation, and human/animal interactions. The programme offers a holistic approach that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills to evaluate the welfare, behaviour, and training needs of wild, exotic, and companion animals.

Highlights

• A holistic approach that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills to evaluate the welfare, behaviour, and training needs of wild, exotic, and companion animals
• Practical experience in simulated and real-world situations
• Visits to various animal welfare organisations and voluntary groups
• The opportunity to complete a research project in an area of interest to develop skills for a career in the chosen field
• Relevant and current teaching with lecturers who keep up with industry trends through links with zoos, the Department of Conservation, MPI (Ministry of Primary Industries) Biosecurity, and the SPCA
• A teaching team of highly qualified and experienced animal behaviour experts, animal trainers, animal welfare scientists, and veterinarians

Double Major Option

Students have the option to study a double major, which allows them to get the best of both worlds with a selection of animal- and environment-related courses. Studying for a double major is highly recommended as it further grows knowledge and capabilities, making students more employable and competitive in the job market.

Career Options

Upon completing this programme, graduates can pursue careers as:

• Animal behaviour and/or welfare consultant
• Animal handler
• Animal welfare inspector
• Animal welfare scientific officer
• Welfare education officer

Further Study

Graduates can also go on to further study in the Master of Applied Science (Biodiversity Management).

Tuition Fees

• Domestic/NZ students: $8,500 (approximate fees only, includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy)
• International students: $26,415 (NZD) (approximate fees for 120 credits)

Admission Requirements

Domestic Students

To study this programme, domestic students must have completed at least one of the following:

• Successful completion of New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care Companion Animals
• A minimum of 42 credits at NCEA Level 3 or higher on the National Qualifications Framework, with specific requirements in subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Maths, and Statistics, as well as in Mathematics or Pangarau and English or Te Reo Mori
• At least 3 'C' passes in the New Zealand University Bursaries Examinations
• Meet one of the English entry requirements

International Students

International students must:

• Be at least 16 years of age when they begin their studies
• Meet country-specific admission requirements
• Meet English entry requirements, which include having an IELTS (Academic) band score of at least 6 with no band score lower than 5.5, or equivalent

Courses and Timetables

For more details on the courses, including timetables, students can refer to the specific course information.

Research Areas

The programme offers the opportunity to undertake behaviour-based research projects, such as food preference testing with a blue-tongue skink, utilizing facilities like the Applied Molecular Solutions Laboratory, which is fully equipped for DNA extraction and analysis.