Program Overview

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BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour with Foundation Year

Why study this course with LJMU?

Study the behaviour of wild and captive animals, with opportunities for overseas fieldwork Regular field trips and visits to observe the behaviour of animals, including residential fieldwork at Level 4 to Millport, Isle of Cumbrae in Scotland Optional residential fieldwork (partially self-funded) at level 5 (possible destination Cairngorms National Park, Scotland) and level 6 (possible destination Coto Doñana, Spain) Taught by animal behaviour experts at the forefront of modern research Opportunities for work-related learning, study abroad and/or a year-long sandwich placement Specialist lectures from visiting animal behaviour experts 100% of students surveyed said teaching staff on this course were good at explaining things (NSS 2024) International Foundation Year course available offering direct progression onto this degree programme

About your course

Studying BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour at Liverpool John Moores University will give you an opportunity to learn from experts in animal behaviour and complete work-related learning with a variety of animal-related organisations, such as zoos, wildlife parks, conservation NGOs and rescue centres. The degree develops your understanding of the science of animal behaviour in relation to evolution, ecology, physiology, neurobiology and genetics, preparing students for a career in science, animal welfare, animal behaviour research or conservation.

Foundation Year

The Foundation Year is ideal if you have the interest and ability to study for a degree, but do not have the qualifications to enter directly onto the Animal Behaviour honours degree programme yet.

Once you pass the Foundation Year you will progress directly onto the first year of the honours degree. If you are a full-time UK student, you will qualify for student financial support for the full duration of your course (subject to eligibility criteria).

About BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour

Modules cover animal behaviour in a range of environments from natural behaviour in the tropics and temperate habitats; terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems; through to the behaviour and welfare of domestic and captive animals.

Regular field work underpins the development of theoretical knowledge, giving students the practical skills to engage in the study of animal behaviour. An important part of the programme is the training in scientific observational methods. Students will have opportunities to try out their techniques on wild animals in the UK, including in our on-campus wildlife gardens, and abroad, as well as on captive animals in the world famous Chester Zoo, Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Blue Planet Aquarium and Knowsley Safari Park, which are all close by, along with a range of natural habitats and protected areas.

There is a core residential field trip in Level 4 and an optional residential field trip during Level 5. Students can also take part in an advanced field skills expedition during Level 6 the possible destination is the superb Doñana area in southern Spain to observe first-hand how animals behave in their natural habitats. You can also choose to study at a different university for one semester in our Study Abroad Programme.

On top of your academic studies, you will have the opportunity to undertake a short (4-6 week) work-based placement and/or a year's sandwich placement in the UK or abroad. Placements give you a chance to put your skills and knowledge into practice, as well as developing personal and subject-related skills and acquiring new skills to enhance your CV. They could even lead to employment with the same organisation or through the contacts you make.

The first year of the course is very similar to LJMU's Zoology programme and as these are sister degrees you can transfer between programmes if you complete Level 4 successfully.

Course modules

What you will study on this degree

Foundation Year

• Skills and Perspectives in Science 1 (20 credits)
• Wildlife Studies (20 credits)
• Skills and Perspectives in Science 2 (20 credits)
• Anatomy and Physiology (20 credits)
• Understanding the Environment (20 credits)
• Building Blocks of Life (20 credits)

Level 4

• Ecology (20 credits)
• Fundamentals of Scientific Research (20 credits)
• Practical Skills for Animal Behaviour (20 credits)
• Genetics and Evolution (20 credits)
• Animal Behaviour (20 credits)
• Animal Physiology (20 credits)

Level 5

• Research Skills and Employability (20 credits)
• Behavioural Ecology (20 credits)
• Brain, Hormones and Behaviour (20 credits)
• Animal Communication (20 credits)

Level 6

• Research Project (40 credits)
• Current Topics in Animal Behaviour (20 credits)

Professional accreditation

Professional organisations such as the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB) offer membership.

Your Learning Experience

Teaching Support Assessment

Excellent facilities and learning resources

We adopt an active blended learning approach, meaning you will experience a combination of face-to-face and online learning during your time at LJMU. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies. Our approach ensures that you can easily access support from your personal tutor, either by meeting them on-campus or via a video call to suit your needs.

Teaching is via a combination of lectures, fieldwork, laboratory work, workshops, tutorials, and online with emphasis on either a research project and/or work-related learning in the third year. This independent study is an important aspect of the course as it gives you a chance to put into practice skills and knowledge gained in Levels 4 and 5.

Work-related Learning

This course provides plenty of opportunities for first-hand experience of working in the animal behaviour field via an optional year-long sandwich placement between Levels 5 and 6, and/or a short 4-6 week work-related learning placement in Level 6.

A placement tutor and the Placement Learning Support Unit will support you in securing a placement. Once you start, you will have regular support and contact from a placement supervisor.

Placements give you a chance to put your skills and knowledge into practice, as well as developing personal and subject-related skills and acquiring new skills to enhance your CV. They could even lead to employment with the same organisation or through the contacts you make. The decision to undertake a placement is made early in your second year; alternatively you can choose to complete the course in three years.

Career paths

You will enjoy varied career opportunities both in the UK and overseas

You might, on the other hand, prefer to practise as a professional animal behaviourist after some further postgraduate study and clinical training.

Recent LJMU graduates have secured full-time employment in roles such as Research Officers, Animal Colony Managers and Animal Welfare Coordinators. Organisations that have hired our graduates include: Combe Martin Wildlife Park, Chester Zoo, Dolphin Quest, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Genus, Newquay Zoo, North Clwyd Animal Rescue, RSPCA and Reaseheath College.

Other graduates have opted for postgraduate study (teacher training, MSc, MPhil or PhD), pursuing a career in science and academia or other competitive undergraduate courses (such as medicine, veterinary science or midwifery). Some have also set up their own businesses (including a pet behaviour consultancy) or have taken non-animal related graduate employment.

Tuition fees and funding

Home

• Foundation first year: £9,535
• Second and subsequent years: £9,535
• Placement year: £1,905

International

• Full-time per year: £18,250
• Placement year: £3,910

Entry requirements

GCSEs and equivalents

Prior to starting the programme applicants must have obtained Grade C or Grade 4 or above in English Language and Mathematics GCSE or an approved alternative qualification.

A levels

• Minimum number of A Levels required: 1
• Subject specific requirements: 1 Level 3 qualification and GCSE Grade 4 or above in Maths and Science
• Is general studies acceptable? Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
• Average A Level offer: DDD
• Are AS level awards acceptable? Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
• Maximum AS Level points accepted: 20

BTECs

• National Certificate (RQF): Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
• National Extended Certificate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
• National Diploma (RQF): Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
• National Diploma subjects / grades required: DM in a relevant discipline if studied on its own or to the total of 80 UCAS points when combined with other qualifications
• National Extended Diploma (RQF): Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
• National Extended Diploma subjects / grades required: MMP in a relevant discipline if studied on its own or to the total of 80 UCAS points when combined with other qualifications

Access awards

• Access to Higher Education Diploma acceptability: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
• Further information: Overall Pass required.

International Baccalaureate

• International Baccalaureate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
• Additional information: 24 IB Diploma Points

Irish awards

• Irish Leaving Certificate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
• Grades / subjects required: 72 UCAS points from a minimum of 5 subjects

Welsh awards

• Welsh Baccalaureate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications

Alternative qualifications considered

Please contact the University if you have any questions regarding the relevance of your qualifications.