Program Overview

Course overview

This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology following an independent and rigorous assessment. Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers. The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills. Please note that the accreditation applies to Levels 4, 5 and 6 of the Single Honours programme only.

On the Animal Behaviour and Welfare degree you will explore the ways in which the biological sciences are applied to animal behaviour and welfare, in what is an exciting and rapidly-changing field. An animal’s welfare can range from very poor to excellent at any point in its life, and it is important that we understand the biological needs of different types of animals.

Why study this course with us?

Our Animal Behaviour and Welfare degree offers an integrated, scientific approach to the study of the theory and practice of animal behaviour and welfare, and the wider role of this discipline within the biological sciences. You will be taught at University Centre Reaseheath in the Foundation Year (if applicable) as well as in Year 1 (Level 4), and at the University of Chester’s Exton Park (Parkgate Road) site in Year 2 (Level 5) and Year 3 (Level 6). University Centre Reaseheath is a full member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), and houses a large range of animals.

The course includes a combination of some practical experience (mostly in Year 1), academic skills development, and the enhancement of wider graduate employability skills, drawing on staff expertise in teaching, research and industry. The course is taught by a range of tutors from the Department of Biological Sciences, who are nationally and internationally recognised as subject specialists. Depending on module choices, there are a range of UK and overseas field trips that you can participate in. There is also the option of applying to study at an approved university overseas for a year, in between Years 2 and 3.

We regularly host seminars from a range of guest speakers and offer a wealth of volunteering opportunities such as the hedgehogfriendly campus campaign and ‘Welly Wednesdays’ local conservation work.