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

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Subject

Animal Sciences

Level

Bachelors Degree (Level 6)

Study Mode

Full-Time

Duration

1 year full-time/2 years part-time

Start Date

September 2025

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, 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.

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Course Information

  • This course will allow you to develop your academic and practical knowledge of the disciplines and factors that relate to animal behaviour and welfare.
  • You will be provided with the opportunity to acquire detailed knowledge of animal behaviour and welfare that can be related to a range of species and situations, whilst gaining a combination of academic and practical competence required within the behaviour and welfare industry. Mastering of these skills will be encouraged 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
  • Animals in Society
  • Dissertation

A relevant Level 5 qualification and an appropriate academic reference.

Life experience will be taken into account when considering non-traditional applicants.

Successful completion of an entry task may be required if you do not hold the 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 provide the core content and underpinning knowledge.

To complement the theory lectures, you will have group seminars and 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.

Full Time:

The full-time route incorporates approximately 9 hours of contact time per week, encompassing 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 extra reading and research, preparing for tutorials and seminars, preparing for and completing module assessments, and applying theoretical knowledge in practical settings where the opportunity arises, forming an essential part of a students learning journey.

Part time:

The part-time route incorporates approximately 5 hours of contact time per week, encompassing lectures, seminars, practicals and tutorials

You are also expected to carry out a significant amount of independent study in addition to contact time (approximately 12-15 hours a week). Independent study includes extra reading and research, preparing for tutorials and seminars, preparing for and completing module assessments, and applying theoretical knowledge in practical settings where the opportunity arises, forming an essential part of a students learning journey.

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 and employability skills.
Assessment can include written essays, seminars, poster presentations, podcast recordings, animal training practical (option module), practical reports and practical 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 20 working day timeframe (not including holidays) so that you can utilise the feedback for the benefit of future assignments.
  • 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 optional training related modules
  • Bishop Burton has a strict policy of not allowing work boots inside college buildings, therefore suitable footwear such as shoes or trainers will be required to attend lectures and tutorials
  • University Centre Bishop Burton has a wide range of equipment and resources available to assist with Dissertation research, however it may not be possible to purchase/service all requests, therefore some self funding may be required
  • 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 Animal Behaviour and Welfare or the MSc Applied Animal Behaviour and Training (with relevant training experience), which are available through blended learning at University Centre Bishop Burton.
After developing extensive knowledge of animal behaviour and welfare, Graduates may pursue a number of varied careers, including but not limited to, welfare inspectors (e.g. DEFRA, RSPCA), laboratory animal technician, welfare researcher, environmental enrichment co-ordinator, behaviour advisor, animal training, charity employee (Dogs Trust, Guide Dogs for the blind etc) zoo keeping or education.

Validated by University of Hull

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

This includes transforming our programmes to ensure that we meet the evolving needs of the sector, giving you the best opportunities for success when you graduate by having a competence-based focus. Find out more about competence-based higher education.

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

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