Animal Behaviour MSc (with optional Placement/Project year)

Program Overview

Animal Behaviour (with optional Placement/Project year) MSc

Overview

This course is available in Clearing for 2025 entry.

Level

• Postgraduate

Start date

• Oct 2025, Oct 2026

Duration

• 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

Location

• Exton Park, Chester

UK fees

• £9,630 for the full course (2025/26)
• £12,380 for the full course (2025/26) (with Placement/Project year)

International fees

• £15,000 for the full course (2025/26)
• £17,750 for the full course (2025/26) (with Placement/Project year)

Course Summary

This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of animal behaviour, from the underlying mechanisms to the application of knowledge in real-world problems. You will explore the latest research in the field, develop your research skills, and have the opportunity to work on a personal dissertation project.

What You'll Study

• Modules:
  • Conservation Genetics
  • Research Dissertation
  • Biodiversity Informatics
  • Human-Animal Interactions and Animal Welfare
  • Contemporary Issues in Animal Behaviour
  • Behavioural Ecology in a Changing World
  • Animal Welfare & Ethics
  • Conservation Physiology

Who You'll Learn From

• Dr Christina Stanley, Deputy Head
• Dr Kelly Gouveia, Senior Lecturer
• Dr Lottie Hosie, Senior Lecturer
• Dr Krista McLennan, Head of School
• Professor Tessa Smith, Professor
• Dr Emmeline Howarth, Lecturer
• Dr Matt Geary, Associate Professor
• Dr Nicola Beesley, Deputy Head of School
• Dr Sonya Hill, Deputy Head
• Helen Taylor-boyd, Lecturer
• Dr Jodie Gruber, Lecturer
• Dr Candice Owen, Senior Lecturer

How You'll Learn

• Teaching is via seminars, workshops, practicals, and discussion groups
• Assessment is via coursework (no exams)
• This course is designed around in-person study
• There may be some online learning activities

Entry Requirements

• Home Students:
  • Honours degree (minimum 2:2) in a biological/behavioural/ecological science
  • Relevant animal-related experience
• International Students:
  • Honours degree (minimum 2:2) in a biological/behavioural/ecological science
  • Relevant animal-related experience
• English Language Requirements:
  • For more information, please visit International Entry Requirements

Fees and Funding

• Home Students: £9,630 for the full course (2025/26)
• International Students: £15,000 for the full course (2025/26)
• Additional Costs: Books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery, and related materials
• Bursaries: The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships

Where You'll Study

• Exton Park, Chester
• Modern learning resources and library
• Fitness facilities
• Student Services
• Chapel, chaplaincy, and multi-faith spaces
• Accommodation
• Catering

Your Future Career

• Job Prospects: Our course is specifically targeted at giving you the skills you need to pursue a successful career in a behaviour-related field or a broader career
• Careers service: The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences

Related Courses

• Wildlife Conservation MSc