Animal Behaviour and Welfare

The programme is for students interested in working with animals, for example in a zoo, on a farm or with companion animals. Applicants wishing to increase their knowledge in areas such as animal behaviour, training, nutrition, welfare and biology and those interested in improving their practical skills and experience with a range of animals, will benefit from this programme. This course provides the opportunity for students to develop a range of skills that would allow them to move into the animal care or training sector working with animals throughout our society with optional modules to allow for program tailoring to personal interests.

Students will be taught by experienced and passionate lecturers and will learn contemporary techniques for the husbandry and training of animals to a high welfare standard informed by the latest research. Our small community learning environment allows staff to provide a bespoke experience for students to allow them to develop in the field of their choice.

Through our classroom-based teaching, the college group’s own animal collections and partnerships with the Wild Planet Trust’s Newquay Zoo and Prickles and Paws rehabilitation centre it provides the practical experience, skills and knowledge required for managing companion, zoo, farm, wild and rescued animals. The programme offers a series of modules to develop skills in many areas of animal care, animal welfare and animal behaviour and training. Alongside our partnerships we visit a number of training facilities and animal collections nationally and internationally to allow students to evaluate best practice for the training and husbandry of animals in our care.

Our close association with industry partners allows us to provide industry active instructors on our modules and opportunities for industry relevant experience. We pride ourselves in supporting students through industry experience during their degree, giving them on the ground experience in the sector.

Cornwall College University Centre offers a unique and fulfilling university experience with small class sizes, allowing for personal attention from tutors and a strong sense of community among students. The wrap-around support provided ensures that students receive the necessary guidance and resources to excel in their studies, while studying alongside likeminded individuals who share their passion for vocational technical skills. Located in one of the most beautiful and natural parts of the country, students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the stunning surroundings while developing practical skills that set them apart in the job market.

Course Modules

(Note there is some flexibility in order of modules studied, in addition some module titles and content may change.)

First year modules include:
*Animal Behaviour & Psychology
*Applied Animal Behaviour and Training
*Animal Evolution and Physiology
*Animal Welfare Science
*Animal Nutrition
*Skills for Scientific Success

Second year modules include:
*Individual Research Project
*Animal disease
*Animals in Society
*Animal Rehabilitation in practice
*Companion Animal Behaviour and Training
*Animal Collections Management
*Exotic and Aquatic Animal Management