Animal Behaviour

Program Overview

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Animal Behaviour

Learn why animals behave in the ways that they do and how it influences the management of companion, domestic, captive and wild creatures.

What is Animal Behaviour?

We know more than ever before about the behaviour of animals. But with so much still left to learn, you could even have the chance to discover a scientific breakthrough as you develop the skills to investigate animals that will allow you to contribute to important discoveries in the future.

Why study Animal Behaviour?

Animal Behaviour is a practical subject with plenty of opportunities to hone your skills, both in the lab and out in the field.

As a student at ARU, you’ll learn from staff who are involved in field and captive studies internationally and in the UK, and have research links with a range of organisations including some of Britain's most respected zoos.

Study with us in Cambridge and you’ll learn why animals behave in the ways that they do, and how this can impact on the management of animals both in the wild and in captivity.

Where will you study?

As part of your Animal Behaviour degree, you'll visit a number of locations and organisations to observe and undertake animal handling and training and to learn about and practise advanced behavioural data collection in the field and within captive environments.

Our students have undertaken final year projects, placements and summer internships with a range of organisations including (but certainly not limited to) Natural England, Shepreth Wildlife Park, Woburn Safari Park, Wildwood Trust and the Cambridge Museum of Zoology. We also engage in Live Briefs with BCN Wildlife Trust.

There are opportunities to attend residential field trips to North Devon, where you can learn a range of practical skills. There are also day trips to carry out animal behaviour observations at locations including the Norfolk coast, Wimpole Home Farm and Banham Zoo.

Field trips that are a compulsory part of your course are covered by your fees. Some are optional field trips (either extra-curricular or an integral part of an optional module you select to take) that you would have to pay for.

Similar courses you might study at our Cambridge campus are BSc (Hons) Ecology and Conservation and BSc (Hons) Zoology.

Get an international experience

Going to university can offer you a series of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. As part of your course, you could study abroad with one of our short-term Global Experience programmes. Opportunities include summer schools and placements, lasting from one to four weeks and funded by ARU’s UK Turing Scheme grants.

Course options

• 3 years full-time
• 4 years with foundation year
• 4 years with placement

When do you want your degree to start?

• January
• September

Where do you want to study?

• Cambridge

Key facts

• STUDY OPTIONS: 3 years
• START DATES: January
• LOCATION: Cambridge
• ENTRY: UCAS code: C120
• FEES:
  • £9,535 UK students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
  • £17,500 International students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)

Teaching and assessment

Year 1

In the first year of your Animal Behaviour degree, you’ll be introduced to the study of animal behaviour as well as its relation to ecology and conservation efforts. You’ll take a deeper look at the form and function of animals alongside evolution and biodiversity to understand and explore the origins of life and the adaptations animals have made to suit their world.

As part of your first year, you’ll also equip yourself with an understanding of how to interpret and present biological information through the use of statistics and computing software in our state-of-the-art SuperLabs.

Your studies won’t just be focused on mammals; we’ll also look at birds, amphibians and reptiles, with some focus on species found in Britain. We’ll consider how animals live, and challenges such as invasive species, climate change and habitat loss. And you can take part in local field trips, such as visiting nature reserves and a grey seal colony.

Modules are subject to change and availability.

We’ll assess you in a number of ways, with most modules including a combination of written assignments and exams. For some modules, you may be asked to present or produce a poster, portfolio or workbook.

Core modules

• Animal Physiology and Behaviour (30 credits)
• Introduction to Ecology and Conservation (30 credits)
• Principles of Biology (30 credits)
• Quantitative Techniques and Tools for Biologists (30 credits)
• Professional and Personal Development - Level 4
• Into ARU

Year 2

In Year 2, you’ll continue to explore animal behaviour and the evolution of these behaviours. Alongside exploring behaviour in relation to biology, you’ll also develop practical research skills including recording methods, testing techniques and more.

You’ll take time to understand how animals learn and can be trained, exploring a range of behavioural modification techniques, and building your understanding of appropriate techniques to address common problems across a range of species.

There’s also the opportunity to choose between a number of optional modules and hone your knowledge even further, including a more focused look at animal health, the biology and behaviour of mammals, and species distribution – with a focus on the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software.

Modules are subject to change and availability.

We’ll assess you in a number of ways, with most modules including a combination of written assignments and exams. For some modules, you may be asked to present or produce a poster, portfolio or workbook.

Core modules

• Animal Learning and Training (15 credits)
• Biological Bases of Behaviour (15 credits)
• Vertebrate Biology (15 credits)
• Ruskin Module (15 credits)
• Evolutionary Bases of Behaviour (15 credits)
• Biological Research Skills (15 credits)
• Field Skills in Biology (15 credits)
• Professional and Personal Development - Level 5

Optional modules

• GIS and Spatial Ecology (15 credits)
• Animal Health and Disease (15 credits)

Year 3

The third year of your Animal Behaviour degree will see you undertaking a Major Project: a substantial piece of research work focused on a topic of your choice. You’ll identify problems and issues, evaluate information, and present your findings using a variety of media.

Alongside this project, you’ll also explore behavioural ecology with the underlying premise being that certain behaviours depend on certain circumstances, both physical and biological. You’ll explore this across four major themes: communication, finding resources and avoiding being predated, living with others of the same species, and producing the next generation.

You can also take optional modules to focus on areas of particular interest to you. These include population ecology, wildlife conservation and tropical ecology. Meanwhile, our zoo management module includes the chance to take part in a European field trip.

Modules are subject to change and availability.

We’ll assess you in a number of ways, with most modules including a combination of written assignments and exams. For some modules, you may be asked to present or produce a poster, portfolio or workbook.

Core modules

• Behavioural Ecology (15 credits)
• Cognition, Evolution and Behaviour (15 credits)
• Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare (15 credits)
• Human-Animal Interactions (15 credits)
• Wildlife Conservation (15 credits)
• Undergraduate Major Project (30 credits)

Optional modules

• Population Ecology and Wildlife Management (15 credits)
• Tropical Ecology and Management (15 credits)
• Zoos and Zoo Animal Management (15 credits)

Student experience

• Animal habitats - Explore a variety of world-class zoo enclosures in the Netherlands.
• Design for life - see how the needs of animals, keepers and the public are considered in zoo design.
• Study and protect - learn about the education, conservation and research work carried out by zoos.
• Measuring behaviour - learn how to survey animal behaviours in the wild and in captivity.
• Life in the wild - spend a week in Devon learning key practical skills to study animal behaviour.

Facilities

As a student at ARU, you’ll be able to take advantage of state-of-the-art facilities including a 200-station biosciences laboratory in our Science Centre in Cambridge, an award-winning library and IT resources.

Careers

Studying animal behaviour could give you the opportunity to help future generations to see species live and in the flesh, and not just read about them in a history book.

ARU ranked in the top 10% in the country for graduates in employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024), and 5th in the country for the proportion of UK undergraduates who are employed as managers, directors, or senior officials 15 months after graduating. We're also in the top 10% in the country for the number of graduates in employment and further study who agreed they are using what they learnt during their studies.

What can you do with an animal behaviour degree?

What you’ll learn studying animal behaviour could see you helping to manage and enhance the habitats of animals in captivity or educating the public about the importance of animal welfare and conservation.

With the breadth of skills you’ll acquire, you could find yourself working in animal training and behavioural rehabilitation, teaching in a zoo, or even working in a laboratory. Some of the jobs our graduates have gone on to have are:

• Animal Care Technician
• Veterinary Assistant
• Animal Keeper
• Ecological Consultant
• Invasive Species Surveyor
• Conservation Research Consultant
• Postgraduate Researcher
• Teacher

We have had graduates go on to work at:

• RSPB
• RSPCA
• Colchester Zoo
• National Animal Welfare Trust
• JNCC
• Shepreth Wildlife Park
• Flora and Fauna International
• Birdlife International
• University of Cambridge
• Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust

Our Animal Behaviour degree also acts as a foundation for you to become a Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB). You’ll need to undertake practical training under the supervision of practising CCABs before presenting case studies and a further clinical examination prior to certification.

Entry requirements

Standard entry requirements

• 112 UCAS Tariff points. We accept A Levels, T Levels, BTECs, OCR, Access to HE and most other qualifications within the UCAS Tariff. Must include a pass in Biology or Psychology at A level or equivalent level.
• 3 GCSEs at grade C, or grade 4, or above, including English and Maths.
• If English is not your first language you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.0 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University.

Alternatives

• UCAS Tariff Points from Access to HE Diplomas in one of the following subjects are accepted: Animal Management, Biological Science, Biological and Environmental Science, Combined Science, Environmental Science, Applied Science, Science for Health Practitioners, Land-Based Studies. Harlow College Access to HE Diploma: Life Science is also accepted.
• City and Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Animal Management with a final grade of Distinction. Applicants must have also successfully completed specific modules, please contact the Admissions office at for further information.

Important additional notes

Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.

Other equivalent qualifications may be accepted for entry to this course; please email for further information. Applicants to undergraduate courses can also check our information about undergraduate entry qualifications.

You'll need a computer and reliable internet access to successfully engage with your course.

We don't accept AS level qualifications on their own for entry to our undergraduate degree courses. However for some degree courses a small number of tariff points from AS levels are accepted as long as they're combined with tariff points from A levels or other equivalent level 3 qualifications in other subjects.

Fees and paying for university

Tuition fees and student loans for UK students (2025/26)

• £9,535 UK students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)

Tuition fees for international students (2025/26)

• £17,500 International students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)

Additional course and living costs

• Additional costs:
  • Walking boots - £60
  • Waterproof coat - £50
  • Wellingtons - £25
  • Waterproof trousers - £20
  • Poster printing - £20
  • Cost of printing dissertation/individual project
• Additional field trip costs:
  • Isle of Rum field trip - £350
  • International diving trip - £1,200
  • Netherlands zoo trip (Zoos and Zoo Animal Management module) - £350
  • Uganda field trip (two weeks) (Tropical Ecology and Management module) - £2,100

Living at university

We understand that affordability is an important issue when you’re thinking about studying at university.

The overall cost of university can vary depending on where you’re studying and which course you’re taking. However, some of the main costs you’ll want to think about include:

• accommodation
• bills
• internet, mobile phone and calls
• travel
• food and drink
• socialising and going out
• study materials.

As a very general guide, living costs at university can range from around £7,000–£9,000 per year. They may be lower if you're living at home. Our Money Advice Service is on hand if you’d like to chat about living costs, budgets and managing your money.

Most full-time UK students can apply for a Maintenance Loan to help cover living costs.

More about maintenance loans

Apply for Animal Behaviour

• UK students: Visit UCAS to apply
• International students: Apply direct

Want to talk to someone?

Contact our Admissions team Talk to a student

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Program Outline

Careers:

Studying animal behaviour could give you the opportunity to help future generations to see species live and in the flesh, and not just read about them in a history book. ARU ranked in the top 15% in the country for graduates in employment and/or further study (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023), and ranked third in the country for graduates who are employed as managers, directors, or senior officials 15 months after graduating. We are also in the top 15% in the country for graduates that agreed they are using what they learnt during their studies. What can you do with an animal behaviour degree? What you’ll learn studying animal behaviour could see you helping to manage and enhance the habitats of animals in captivity or educating the public about the importance of animal welfare and conservation. With the breadth of skills you’ll acquire, you could find yourself working in animal training and behavioural rehabilitation, teaching in a zoo, or even working in a laboratory. Some of the jobs our graduates have gone on to have are: Animal Care Technician Veterinary Assistant Animal Keeper Ecological Consultant Invasive Species Surveyor Conservation Research Consultant Postgraduate Researcher Teacher Animal Care Technician Veterinary Assistant Animal Keeper Ecological Consultant Invasive Species Surveyor Conservation Research Consultant Postgraduate Researcher Teacher We have had graduates go on to work at: RSPB RSPCA Colchester Zoo National Animal Welfare Trust JNCC Shepreth Wildlife Park Flora and Fauna International Birdlife International University of Cambridge Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Our Animal Behaviour degree also acts as a foundation for you to become a Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB). You’ll need to undertake practical training under the supervision of practising CCABs before presenting case studies and a further clinical examination prior to certification. For more information see www.asab.org/ccab, www.abtcouncil.org.uk and www.apbc.org.uk. Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us, of course. You might decide to stay at ARU and study for a Masters, such as our renowned MSc Applied Wildlife Conservation or our MSc Animal Behaviour: Applications for Conservation. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees. Employability and personal career development Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules. To amplify your career ambition, you will need to actively dedicate time outside of your studies, whether you choose to explore placements, internships or volunteering. Or you could make a social impact by collaborating with our partner organisations through our volunteer scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). These all give you an edge, providing you with experience that you will be able to evidence on your CV and talk about in interviews. Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

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UK students starting 2023/24 (full-time, per year)

£9,250

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International students starting 2023/24 (full-time, per year)

£15,000

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UK students starting 2024/25 (full-time, per year)

£9,250

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International students starting 2024/25 (full-time, per year)

£16,700 You can pay your fees upfront, in full or in two instalments. We will ask for a deposit of £4,000 or a sponsorship letter Find out about paying your fees. For postgraduate courses, international ARU graduates are automatically considered for an International Alumni Scholarship, worth £3,000 off first-year fees.