Animal Behaviour MSc

Program Overview

MSc Animal Behaviour

Overview

MSc Animal Behaviour at Exeter is uniquely situated within the Psychology department, allowing for a specialised focus on animal decision-making processes and welfare, informed by the depth of research on humans. Delve into the mechanisms underlying animal behaviour while gaining extensive training in sought-after disciplines like neuroscience, statistics and data science, equipping you with valuable skills and insights highly relevant to today's job market. Contribute to cutting-edge behavioural research by undertaking a substantial research project. Gain skills in formulating research questions, experimental design, data analysis, and research communication. Acquire the expertise needed to accelerate your career in diverse fields such as research, education, science communication, animal management, and conservation.

Entry Requirements

• Normally a 2:1 BSc Honours degree or equivalent in Psychology, Biology or Zoology or a closely related discipline.
• Due to the nature of the programme we require applicants to have studied and achieved a 2:1 or equivalent in at least two modules on quantitative approaches or research methods, such as statistics, programming, mathematics, or experimental design.
• A degree in another discipline - such as Ecology, Veterinary Science, Human Biology, Physical Anthropology, Biological Anthropology, or BA Psychology - may be accepted if it includes substantial content in research methodology and statistics.

Course Content

• The course will give you insights into the varied means of performing animal behaviour research in a wide array of locations with wild and (semi-)captive animals – in field, laboratory, zoo or other human-managed settings.
• As part of the taught component you will be exposed to lectures and research talks followed by discussions with speakers.
• You will boost your knowledge of statistical data analysis and engage in research skill training sessions, helping you to develop skills that are highly sought after in today’s competitive job market.
• Effective communication of research findings is paramount, and you'll gain hands-on practice of writing for the public through magazine articles and press releases.

Modules

• 180 credits of compulsory modules
• Compulsory modules:
  • PSYM201: Advanced Statistics (30 credits)
  • PSYM205: Advances and Methods in Animal Behaviour (30 credits)
  • PSYM208: Animal Behaviour Research Skills (15 credits)
  • PSYM210: Research Apprenticeship (90 credits)
  • PSYM213: Current Research Issues in Animal Behaviour (15 credits)

Research Apprenticeship

• A distinctive feature of all our taught Masters programmes is the Research Apprenticeship.
• About half of the MSc is spent on the apprenticeship, during which you will develop your research skills by working alongside experienced researchers or practitioners and writing up your research in the form of a dissertation.
• Many students undertake their apprenticeship with researchers in the Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour, both in the laboratories and outdoors around the campus, Devon and abroad.

Fees

• 2025/26 entry:
  • UK fees per year: £13,200 full-time; £6,600 part-time
  • International fees per year: £28,600 full-time; £14,300 part-time

Scholarships

• The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships.

Careers

• The MSc Animal Behaviour course has been designed to help you cultivate a spectrum of skills highly valued by employers.
• Through training in statistical data analysis, you will develop the ability to extract meaningful insights from complex datasets, a skill in high demand in today's data-driven world.
• Our emphasis on developing your research skills will allow you to better plan and conduct research, gain experience with a range of research methods and technical equipment, and learn how to best communicate your research.

Recent Graduates

• Canine Training and Behaviour Assistant
• Lemur Trust Wildlife and Technology Trainee
• Rehoming and Welfare Assistant
• Research Assistant
• Trainee Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner

Further Study

• PhD Psychology
• Master of Applied Psychology
• MPH Psychology
• PhD Medical Studies
• PhD in Psychology