Animal Science (Pet Behaviour and Welfare)

Develop your understanding of animal biology and its relationship to animal health, disease, growth and development, in theory and practice.

With pet ownership levels in the UK rising in recent years, there’s increased demand for services such as professional trainers and behaviourists.

Our course combines elements of animal management and animal science, with modules covering behaviour and nutrition, as well as health, reproduction and biochemistry.

As a student at ARU in Writtle, you’ll be taught by subject-specialist staff, and benefit from campus facilities including dedicated canine and equine centres, a small animal unit and a working farm. You'll take part in animal handling practicals involving work with a range of domesticated and captive animal species, as well as laboratory classes.

Throughout your course, there’s the chance to join ‘behind the scenes’ trips and other experiences.

Our degree course is recognised by the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC). As a graduate, you’ll be ready to work as an animal trainer, animal training instructor, animal behaviour technician or clinical animal behaviourist. You can also apply for provisional membership of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors.

There are a number of ways to study this course. As well as our 3-year full-time degree, you have the option of studying over:

• 6 years part-time

• 1 year to gain a Certificate in Higher Education

• 4 years including a foundation year, to gain a BSc

You can apply through UCAS (UK students) or directly to us (part-time and international students).

All BSc students study the same modules (with the addition of foundation year modules for those taking the 4-year course). Cert HE students study Year 1 BSc modules.

Year 1:

Professional Skills for the Animal Industry (30 credits)
Animal Biology (30 credits)
Ethics of Animal Use (15 credits)
Introduction to Biochemistry (15 credits)
Animal Husbandry (15 credits)
Ecology and Evolution (15 credits)

Year 2:

Research Methods (15 credits)
Commercial and Professional Skills for Animal Science (15 credits)
Behaviour (15 credits)
Animal Health Science (15 credits)
Professional Practice and Legislation (15 credits)
Nutritional Biochemistry (15 credits)
Reproduction and Development (15 credits)
Applied Behaviour and Training (15 credits)

Year 3:

Capstone Project (30 credits)
Applied Nutrition and Feeding (15 credits)
Genetics and Genomics (15 credits)
Clinical Animal Behaviour (15 credits)
Advanced Animal Health Science (15 credits)
Applied Behaviour and Animal Welfare (15 credits)
Developing Clinical Practice (15 credits)

We'll assess you in a number of ways including practical assessments with companion and zoo animals, farm livestock and horses, examinations – both multiple choice and essay questions, presentations – both individually and in small groups, essays and technical reports, assessed seminars, case studies, experimental work and laboratory reports, poster presentations, debates, and your final-year dissertation.