Skip to main content
Animal Sci gallery Animal Sciences degree students learning to use soil testing kit

BSc (Hons) Applied Animal Behaviour and Training (Top-up)

Apply today 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 (top up)

Start Date

September 2025

The course

Are you interested in animal behaviour and studying in an applied manner? Do you already have a subject-relevant Level 5 qualification or equivalent? If so, our BSc in Applied Animal Behaviour and Training (Top Up) is for you!

Utilising a wide range of animals, our flexible learning environment will allow you to apply the knowledge you use to practical situations across a range of disciplines.

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

Course Information

  • Provide you with the knowledge and practical skills required to train animals effectively and humanely.
  • Provide the underpinning theoretical knowledge of animal behaviour and physiological concepts and be able to apply this to industry.
  • Develop your understanding of how this knowledge can be applied to research, training and commercial situations.
  • Help you to demonstrate an awareness of health, welfare and ethical issues related to a range of species.
  • Allow you to develop appropriate professional and analytical skills as required for working in industry.
  • Advanced Animal Training
  • Animal Communication
  • Consulting in Animal Behaviour Management
  • Final Project

You will need to have an appropriate subject relevant HND or Level 5 qualification, ideally within animal training, behaviour and/or management. Other programmes can also be considered.

You will also need 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 C/4 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.

We utilise a range of teaching approaches to ensure inclusivity. Our theory lectures are student focused, delivering the core content and providing you with underpinning knowledge.

To complement these, group seminars are used to reinforce concepts, allowing you to apply the theory utilising our extensive resources (including our Animal Management Centre, farm and laboratory) embedding industry skills and graduate attributes.

Guest lecturers and visiting specialists will supplement your learning by sharing their industry skills and knowledge, demonstrating how you would apply your learning within industry. This ensures that you have the latest knowledge for your field of study.

Field trips will further enhance your learning and provide you with the opportunity to apply theory in the field.

We take a student-centred approach to enhance your independent learning that takes place outside the classroom. This programme centres around in-person lecturing with the use of blended learning to support learning opportunities, such as facilitating international guest speakers.

The full-time route incorporates approximately 9 hours of contact time per week, encompassing lectures, seminars, practicals and tutorials. Additional to this time will be final project support sessions that you can book with your supervisor.

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.

You can expect to receive your timetable during induction week.

Relevant extra-curricular activity and/or work experience is encouraged to enhance your learning.
Assessment includes written assignments, seminars, poster presentations, training practical, 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 20-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.
  • University Centre 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.
  • Roughly £100 to cover the costs of field trips and visits over the duration of your programme.
  • We have a strict policy of not allowing work boots inside buildings. You will need to have alternative footwear (shoes or trainers) to attend lectures and tutorials.
  • Training equipment will be required (i.e., clicker and target stick).
  • 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 choose to progress to the MSc Applied Animal Behaviour and Training or MSc Animal Behaviour and Welfare which are available via blended learning at University Centre Bishop Burton.
This degree will prepare you for work in the animal behaviour and training sector. You may pursue a career as an animal trainer, assistance dog trainer, zoo keeper or set up your own business in training or consultancy. You could also explore careers in behavioural research, education, environmental enrichment and animal rescue and rehabilitation.

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

Experience our campus for yourself

L Live on campus banner Students socialise outside accommodation at University Centre Bishop Burton

Upcoming Event

University Centre (Post-18) Open Event

Saturday, 18 January 2025 - 10:00 - 13:00

View all events
Apply now