Animal Welfare Science BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

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Animal Welfare Science BSc (Hons)

Overview

This course offers a multidisciplinary approach to the study of the theory and practice of animal welfare science, providing key employability skills essential for a future career as an animal welfare scientist.

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

• D390 (3-year course)
• D391 (4-year course with Foundation Year)

UCAS Points

• 112 points (3-year course)
• 72 points (4-year course with Foundation Year)

Start Date

• October 2025
• October 2026

Duration

• 3 years full-time
• Up to 7 years part-time

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. Kelly Gouveia

Course Description

This course combines academic skills development and the enhancement of wider graduate employability skills, drawing on staff expertise in teaching, research, and industry. Students will study at the University of Chester's Exton Park learning site for the full duration of the course.

Why You'll Love It

• Multidisciplinary and holistic approach to animal welfare science
• Strong focus on captive animal welfare
• Real-life experiences through field trips and training opportunities

What You'll Study

Foundation Year

• Introduction to Scientific Principles
• Animal Biology
• Animals in the Anthropocene

Year 1

• Science of Life (40 credits)
• Exploring and Researching Life Sciences (40 credits)
• Animal Husbandry and Welfare (20 credits)
• Project-Based Learning in Biosciences (20 credits)

Year 2

• Concepts and Methods in Welfare Assessment (40 credits)
• Animal Health and Welfare (20 credits)
• Animal Minds, Physiology, and Behaviour (20 credits)
• Professional Placement/Language Module/Term Abroad (40 credits)

Year 3

• Human Animal Interactions & Human Behavioural Change (20 credits)
• Animal Ethics and Welfare Law (20 credits)
• Applied Conservation (20 credits)
• Biological Enterprise (20 credits)
• Natural Sciences Dissertation (40 credits)

How You'll Learn

• In-person study with scheduled contact hours
• Online learning activities
• Curriculum developed to match workforce priorities

Entry Requirements

Home Students

• UCAS Points: 112 points
• 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
• T Level: T Level Science/Animal Management and Science – Merit
• OCR Cambridge Technicals: OCR Extended Diploma (Applied Science): DMM

International Students

• UCAS Points: 72 points
• GCE A Level: 72 points from GCE A Levels, including 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 Diploma (Science): Pass overall
• 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

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

• Lab induction pack: £30.00
• Optional field trips: £2,000-£3,000
• Welcome Week trip: £10
• Waterproof clothing and sturdy walking boots: at student's discretion

Who You'll Learn From

• Dr. Kelly Gouveia
• Dr. Emmeline Howarth
• Dr. Sonya Hill
• Professor Tessa Smith
• Dr. Lottie Hosie

Where You'll Study

• Exton Park, Chester

Your Future Career

• Job prospects: zookeepers, animal welfare officers, education officers, research assistants, or working with animal or conservation charities
• Careers Service: award-winning service providing employability-enhancing experiences, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice, and guidance

Related Courses

• Animal Behaviour BSc (Hons)
• Biology BSc (Hons)
• Bioveterinary Science BSc (Hons)
• Marine Biology BSc (Hons)
• Zoology BSc (Hons)