Program Overview

The scientific study of animal behaviour and welfare furthers our understanding of why animals behave in the way that they do, and helps us learn how best to respond to the challenges that animals face when living in captive and wild environments.

This degree employs a multi-disciplinary, research-driven approach to the study of animal behaviour and welfare. The course aims to help students develop the knowledge and skills needed to understand animal behaviour and welfare, working, for example, with insects, reptiles, birds and mammals.

This MBio programme includes an additional research-intensive final year, which can lead to further research and employment opportunities. It is informed by academics who are considered to be at the forefront of their respective fields in welfare assessment, animal management, evolutionary biology, and animal cognition. This includes leading experts Professor Daniel Mills, who specialises in clinical animal behaviour; Professor Anna Wilkinson, who specialises in animal cognition; and Professor Oliver Burman, who specialises in assessment of animal welfare.

Students can participate in a residential field trip in the UK, enabling them to study animals in their natural habitats and develop their academic and professional skills in the field. For UK based field trips, the University will cover costs of transport, accommodation, and meals at the field site.

There is also an overseas field trip available in the third year as part of the optional 'Overseas Field Course' module.