BSc (Hons) in Animal Behaviour Anglia Ruskin University

Study with us in Cambridge and you will learn why animals behave in the ways that they do, and how this can impact their health and welfare and influence the management of companion, domestic, captive and wild animals.

Our Animal Behaviour BSc (Hons) course is the longest-established animal behaviour course in the UK and is recognised by the Society of Biology.

Study with us in Cambridge and you’ll learn why animals behave in the ways that they do, and how this can impact the management of animals both in the wild and in captivity.

What is Animal Behaviour?

We know more than ever before about the behaviour of animals. But with so much still left to learn, you could even have the chance to discover a scientific breakthrough as you develop the skills to investigate animals that will allow you to contribute to important discoveries in the future.

Why Study Animal Behaviour?

Animal Behaviour is a practical subject with plenty of opportunities to hone your skills, both in the lab and out in the field.

As part of your Animal Behaviour degree, you will visit a number of locations and organisations to observe and undertake animal handling and training and to learn about and practise advanced behavioural data collection in the field and within captive environments.

There are opportunities to attend residential field trips. Field trips that are a compulsory part of your course are covered by your fees. There are also optional field trips (either extra-curricular or an integral part of an optional module you select to take) that you would have to pay for.

Fast becoming a world centre for wildlife conservation, Cambridge is home to Fauna and Flora International, Birdlife International and the World Conservation Monitoring Centre. During your time with us, you’ll have opportunities to attend lectures and visit specialist museums and libraries in the city.

As a student here, you’ll learn from staff who are involved in the field and captive studies internationally and in the UK, and have research links with a range of organisations including some of Britain's most respected zoos.

Year 1

• Animal Physiology and Behaviour
• Introduction to Ecology and Conservation
• Principles of Biology
• Quantitative Techniques and Tools for Biologists
• Personal and Professional Development - Level 4

Year 2

• Animal Learning and Training
• Biological Bases of Behaviour
• Vertebrate Biology
• Ruskin Module (15 credits)
• Practical Skills for Animal Behaviour
• Evolutionary Bases of Behaviour
• Biological Research Skills
• Personal and Professional Development - Level 5
• GIS and Spatial Ecology
• Animal Health and Disease

Year 3

• Behavioural Ecology
• Cognition, Evolution and Behaviour
• Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
• Human-Animal Interactions
• Undergraduate Major Project
• Population Ecology and Wildlife Management
• Tropical Ecology and Management
• Zoos and Zoo Animal Management
• Wildlife Conservation
• Animal Communication

Studying animal behaviour could give you the opportunity to help future generations to see species live in the flesh, and not just read about them in a history book.

What can you do with an animal behaviour degree?

What you’ll learn from studying animal behaviour could see you helping to manage and enhance the habitats of animals in captivity or educating the public about the importance of animal welfare and conservation. With the breadth of skills you’ll acquire, you could find yourself working in animal training and behavioural rehabilitation, teaching in a zoo, or even working in a laboratory.

Our Animal Behaviour degree also acts as a foundation for you to become a Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB). You’ll need to undertake practical training under the supervision of practising CCABs before presenting case studies and a further clinical examination prior to certification. For more information see www.asab.org/ccab, www.abtcouncil.org.uk and www.apbc.org.uk.

Graduation doesn’t need to end your time with us, of course. You might decide to stay at ARU and study for a master, such as our renowned MSc Applied Wildlife Conservation or our MSc Animal Behaviour: Applications for Conservation. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.