Animal Behaviour BSc Hons

Program Overview

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Animal Behaviour BSc (Hons)

Overview

This course is available in Clearing for 2025 entry.

Study Options

• Full-Time, Part-Time (BSc) at Exton Park, Chester
• Full-Time with Foundation Year (BSc) at Exton Park, Chester

Level

• Undergraduate

UCAS Code

• D326

UCAS Points

• 112

Start Date

• Oct 2025, Oct 2026

Duration

• 3-6 years

Location

• Exton Park, Chester

UK Fees

• £9,535 per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

International Fees

• £14,450 per year for a full-time course* (2025/26)

Course Leader

• Dr Emmeline Howarth

Available with:

• Foundation Year

Accreditations

• Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB)

Course Description

Animal behaviour is crucial to understanding ecosystems, evolutionary biology, conservation, and improving animal welfare. Our degree offers exposure to a wide range of species, including mammals, birds, amphibians, and invertebrates. This diverse approach will give you the chance to focus on the animals and topics that fascinate you most.

Our Animal Behaviour degree takes you on an exciting journey into the biology, care, conservation, and welfare of animals. You’ll explore why animals behave the way they do in both wild and captive settings, combining a strong foundation in biological sciences with a scientific approach to studying animal thoughts and actions.

Throughout the course, you’ll gain practical field and laboratory skills, preparing you to turn your passion for animals into a fulfilling career. Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB), this degree has been independently assessed to ensure it provides a deep understanding of the subject and the practical experience necessary for employment in the biosciences.

Why You'll Love It

• Strong biological science focus so you understand why behaviour happens
• Opportunities for practical laboratory, field, and work experience
• Enthusiastic, research-active staff

What You'll Study

Foundation Year

• Term 1: Introduction to Scientific Principles
• Term 2: Animal Biology
• Term 3: Animals in the Anthropocene

Year 1 (Level 4)

• Science of Life (40 Credits) Core
• Exploring and Researching Life Sciences (40 Credits) Core
• Global Biodiversity (20 Credits) Core
• Project Based Learning in Biosciences (20 Credits) Optional
• Language Module Options

Year 2 (Level 5)

• Adaptations to the Environment (20 Credits) Core
• Behavioural Ecology (20 Credits) Core
• Behaviour and Welfare (20 Credits) Core
• Animal Minds, Physiology and Behaviour (20 Credits) Core
• Experiential Learning - Natural Sciences (40 Credits) Optional
• Work Placement - Natural Sciences (40 Credits) Optional
• Professional work placement/Language module/Term abroad

Year 3 (Level 6)

• Biological Enterprise (20 Credits) Core
• Applied Conservation (20 Credits) Core
• Behaviour Modification: Training the Trainer (20 Credits) Core
• Advances in Wild Animal Behaviour (20 Credits) Core
• Natural Sciences Dissertation (40 Credits) Core

How You'll Learn

• Mix of tutor-led lectures, seminars, practicals, and fieldwork
• You will be assessed in a variety of ways
• Collaborate with students from related courses on a common first year
• This course is designed around in-person study

Entry Requirements

Home Students

• UCAS points: 112
• GCE A Level: Typical offer – BCC-BBC; either Biology or Psychology is essential
• BTEC: BTEC Extended Diploma: (Animal Care/Management or Applied Science): Typical offer - DMM
• International Baccalaureate: 28 points including 5 in HL Biology or Psychology
• Irish / Scottish Highers: Irish Highers: H3 H3 H3 H3 H4 including H3 in Biology Scottish Highers: BBBB including Biology or Psychology
• Access requirements: Access to HE (Science) Diploma, to include 45 credits at level 3, 30 of which must be at Merit. We will also consider an Access to HE Diploma with sufficient Psychology credits.
• T Level: T Level Science / Animal Management and Science - Merit
• OCR Cambridge Technicals: OCR Extended Diploma (Applied Science): DMM
• Extra Information: Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs.

International Students

• UCAS points: 72
• GCE A Level: 72 UCAS points from GCE A Levels to include grade D in Biology or Psychology
• BTEC: BTEC Extended Diploma: (Animal Care/Management or Applied Science): Typical offer - MMP
• International Baccalaureate: 24 points including 4 in HL Biology or Psychology
• Irish / Scottish Highers: Irish Highers: H4 H4 H4 H4 H4 including Biology Scottish Highers: CCDD including Biology or Psychology
• Access requirements: Access to HE (Science) Diploma - Pass overall. We will also consider an Access to HE Diploma with sufficient Psychology credits.
• T Level: T Level Science / Animal Management and Science - Pass (D or E on the core)
• OCR Cambridge Technicals: OCR Extended Diploma (Applied Science): MMP
• Extra Information: Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs. If you are a mature student (21 or over) and have been out of education for a while or do not have experience or qualifications at Level 3 (equivalent to A Levels), then our Foundation Year courses will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you will need to succeed in your chosen degree.

Fees and Funding

Home Students

• £9,535 per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

International Students

• £14,450 per year for a full-time course* (2025/26)

Additional Costs

• Mandatory costs:
  • All students carrying out laboratory work will be required to purchase a lab induction pack with a lab coat and other required equipment. The current price is £30.00, but this may be subject to price increases depending on purchase costs. Second-hand packs at a slightly lower price are subject to availability.
  • Please note that your course runs a compulsory residential field trip in the first year for which you are asked to contribute £100.
• Optional costs:
  • If you choose Optional modules that include travel overseas you will be responsible for the full cost of the trip. In the past, this has been between £2,000 and £3,000 for a two-week overseas trip, but future costs may vary due to global price fluctuations. The University will endeavour to revise the expected estimation of costs on an annual basis.
  • You can can opt to take part in the Welcome Week trip which will involve a contribution of £10.
  • You should also consider having waterproof clothing and sturdy walking boots. The quality and cost of these are at your discretion but must be suitable for fieldwork/trips in the UK in the winter months.

Who You'll Learn From

• Dr Emmeline Howarth
• Dr Jodie Gruber
• Dr Christina Stanley
• Dr Sonya Hill
• Dr Krista McLennan
• Helen Taylor-boyd
• Professor Tessa Smith
• Dr Lottie Hosie

Where You'll Study

• Exton Park, Chester

Your Future Career

• Many of our graduates go on to postgraduate studies, including progressing to our Animal Behaviour MSc, Wildlife Conservation MSc, or Biological Sciences MRes.
• Opportunities to gain graduate employment with a degree in Animal Behaviour include roles in:
  • Animal management and welfare assessment
  • Wildlife management and ecology
  • Zoo-based science, research, and outreach
  • Charity management, research policy, and education
  • Government and local council careers
  • Self-employed careers including starting your own business.
• Due to the sought-after transferable skills, such as communication, team working, analysis, and creative and critical thinking, graduates have also pursued careers in science journalism, teaching, marketing, and project management.

Careers Service

• The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice, and guidance.
• Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed, and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.
• We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University, and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops, and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications, and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.