Skip to main content
Animal Sciences student looking in microscope

BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare [Top Up]

Apply Full-Time Apply Part-Time Enquire about this course Download PDF

Jump to

Subject

Animal Sciences

Level

Bachelors Degree (Level 6)

Study Mode

Full-Time

Duration

1 year full-time/2 years part-time

Start Date

September 2023

The course

Focused on animal behaviour and welfare, this programme is designed to allow those with a relevant level 5 qualification to top up to a level 6 BSc (Hons) degree.

With an emphasis on applied knowledge and skills, you will learn in a flexible environment that encourages you to achieve your full potential within a structured and vigorous framework.

Your academic curriculum will be supported by our extensive facilities. Our Animal Management Centre houses a wide range of animals including invertebrates, amphibians, freshwater and marine fish, reptiles, birds, small mammals, and primates. In addition, you will have access to Bishop Burtons licensed boarding kennels and grooming parlour, a well-stocked livestock farm and large equine yard housing over 80 horses.

Course Information

  • Develop your academic and practical knowledge of the disciplines and factors that relate to animal behaviour and welfare
  • Give you the opportunity to acquire detailed knowledge of animal behaviour and welfare that can be related to a range of species and situations
  • Gain the combination of academic and practical competence required within the behaviour and welfare industry, through the vocational and applied nature of the course content
  • Behavioural Assessment of Welfare
  • Animal Cognition and Ethics
  • Physiology of Behaviour and Assessment of Welfare
  • Option modules: Advanced Animal Training or Animals in Society (You can select one. Option modules will run where there are sufficient student numbers, otherwise an alternative option module may be offered.)
  • Dissertation

You should have a relevant Level 5 qualification and an appropriate academic reference.

Life and/or experience of non-traditional students will be taken into account when considering applications. The successful completion of an entry task may be required when considering applications without the required formal entry qualifications.

If your first language is not English, or a Tier 4 student visa to study is required and GCSE grade 4/C English or equivalent is not held, English language proficiency level such as International English Language Testing System (IELTS) 6.0 overall (with a minimum 5.5 in each skill) will need evidencing.

This programme is delivered with a variety of learning and teaching approaches to include all students' learning styles and preferences.

For all modules, theory lectures are delivered that aim to deliver the core content and provide the underpinning knowledge. To complement the theory lectures, you will have group seminars/practical sessions that are used to reinforce concepts delivered theoretically.

The teaching methods focus on facilitating a student-centred approach to enhance the independent learning that takes place outside of the classroom.

You will study at our Bishop Burton campus in East Yorkshire, UK.

You will be on campus up to 12 hours a week for the full-time pathway. This includes lectures, seminars, practicals and tutorials. You are also expected to carry out a significant amount of independent study in addition to contact time (approximately 25-30 hours a week). Independent study includes reading around the subject, preparing for tutorials and seminars, preparing for, and completing, module assessments; forming an essential part of a students learning journey. A part-time option is also available.

You can expect to receive your timetable during induction week.

Relevant extra-curricular activity and/or work experience is encouraged in order to enhance your learning.
Assessment includes written assignments, seminars, poster presentations, animal training practical (option module), practical reports and demonstrations. There are no formal examinations. Opportunities for feedback on assessments are available prior to the final submission to support your development and achievement. Staff aim to return assessed work within a 15 working day timeframe (not including holidays) so that you can most benefit from the feedback.
  • A tablet, laptop or stationery to take notes in lectures and seminars.
  • College-branded white laboratory coat.
  • College-branded blue kennel coat.
  • Appropriate waterproof outdoor clothing and footwear for outdoor practical sessions.
  • Strong steel toe capped boots for practical sessions.
  • Approximately 150 to cover the costs of field trips and visits over the duration of your programme.
  • Training equipment will be required (i.e. clicker and target stick) for the training related modules, which are options on the programme.
  • Bishop Burton has a strict policy of not allowing work boots inside college buildings. You will need to have alternative footwear (shoes or trainers) to attend lectures and tutorials.
  • A wide range of resources are available for use both on and offsite for dissertation projects but it may not be possible to purchase/service all requests, therefore students need to be aware that they may need to self-fund some elements.
  • On successful completion of the programme, you will have the opportunity to graduate at a ceremony wearing formal dress. The hire of the formal dress is an additional cost.
Graduates may be able to progress to the MSc Applied Animal Behaviour and Training or MSc Animal Behaviour and Welfare, which are available through blended learning at University Centre Bishop Burton.
Graduates may pursue a career as a welfare inspector (e.g. DEFRA, RSPCA), laboratory animal technician, welfare scientist, environmental enrichment co-ordinator, behaviour advisor, in research, animal seizures (HM Revenues and Customs), animal training, zoo keeping or education.

Validated by University of Hull

We are proud to collaborate with University of Hull on the validation of this course.

View the policies and procedures you would be agreeing to comply with by registering for this programme. This encompasses University of Hull Quality and Standards, including a Guide for Collaborative Provision students.

Financial Information

Find the full details of the fees associated with this programme and the financial support available.

Careers this course could lead into

Experience our campus for yourself

BB Placeholder

Upcoming Event

Photography Walk

Saturday, 25 March 2023 - 10:00 - 12:00

View all events
Apply Full-Time Apply Part-Time