Aberystwyth University

BSc Animal Behaviour

Aberystwyth UniversityAberystwyth, United Kingdom

Course overview

Why study

Animal Behaviour at Aberystwyth University? Our course: combines the study of behaviour in wild and domesticated species, scientific animal behaviour research, and practical animal behaviour skills. provides a solid foundation of skills and knowledge in the biosciences which will be invaluable to you within and beyond the field of animal behaviour. is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology in recognition of its quality. includes lots of specialist animal behaviour content taught by staff who conduct scientific research into animal behaviour. places behaviour in context with modules addressing health and welfare taught by veterinary surgeons and nurses. includes an exciting international or national residential field course dedicated to the investigation of animal behaviour through small group project work (optional). includes a substantial, independent animal behaviour-related research project in your final year, during which you will benefit from one-to-one academic supervision. is highly suited to students wishing to improve their employability within fields such as animal care, health and welfare, animal conservation, or animal behaviour research, but also develops skills desirable in a broad range of other graduate professions. Opportunities!

Our students benefit from international exchange agreements with universities in Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia, so you can apply to spend all or part of your second year studying animal behaviour overseas You can choose to study a number of our modules through the medium of Welsh. Check out the modules tab for more information. Aberystwyth has excellent facilities for animal behaviourists, including: access to a range of small and large domestic animals for animal behaviour research purposes via our university farms, riding school, and Veterinary Education Centre. access to an extensive woodland neighbouring our campus with purpose-built nest boxes supporting the study of birds and other wildlife. a modern aquarium housing cold-water and tropical, and marine and freshwater species. wild and beautiful habitats on our doorstep, including marine, moorland, mountain, grassland and coastal environments, providing a huge variety of fieldwork and recreational opportunities. opportunities to view common and rare UK animal species such as bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic grey seals, pine martens, otters, ospreys and red kites. an extensive collection of zoological specimens housed within our museum.

Research-led teaching! You’ll be taught by a passionate team of animal behaviour research scientists and practical animal behaviourists. Their research and practical experience informs our teaching, and provides excellent opportunities for your own final year research project.

Our animal behaviour lecturers are also enthusiastic and innovative teachers! The majority of teaching staff in the Department of Life Sciences are qualified to PhD level and are research active. Vocational courses also have staff whose background lies within industry.

The Department has a large number of research only staff with whom students may have contact.

Key highlights

  • Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology
  • Health and welfare modules taught by veterinary surgeons and nurses
  • Optional residential field course investigating animal behaviour
  • Independent final-year research project with one-to-one supervision
  • Option to study overseas in Europe, North America, Asia or Australia
  • Access to university farms, riding school, aquarium and woodland nest boxes

Entry requirements

  • UCAS tariff points: 104-120 — UCAS Tariff 120 - 104 A Levels BBB-BCC with B in Biology GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4): English or Welsh, Science and Mathematics BTEC National Diploma: DDD-DDM in a specified subject International Baccalaureate:…
  • UCAS tariff points: 48 — UCAS Tariff 48 A Levels Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (e.g. A-Levels or BTEC diploma) in subject areas other than biological science, and to mature-aged candidates…
  • A-level: BBB-BCC — to include with B in Biology
  • GCSE: C/4 — to include English
  • BTEC: DDD-DDM — to include in a specified subject; BTEC National Diploma
  • International Baccalaureate: 28-30 — to include with 5 points in Biology at High

Scholarships

  • Aberystwyth Regional Scholarships

    Students will be eligible for a £2,000 reduction in tuition fees for each year of their studies at Aberystwyth University.

    Up to £2,000
  • Caru Aber International Award

    Caru Aber International Award gives a £1,000 tuition fee discount (for every year of study) to any international fee-paying students who spent a period of time studying with us as an associate student.

    Up to £1,000
  • International Accommodation Award

    This award means that for students who choose to live in our on-campus Cwrt Mawr housing, there is no cost for the first year of study.

  • International Family Award

    International Family Award – giving you a £1,000 reduction in tuition fees for every year of your studies.

    Up to £1,000
  • Margaret Evelyn “Lynne” Williams Bursary

    The Bursary is worth £500 during the first year of study and a maximum of two awards will be available each year.

    Up to £500
  • Mathematics Department Award

    Up to £500 a year.

  • Music Scholarships

    £650 a year Music Scholarships are open to UK and international applicants.

    Up to £650
  • Waldo Williams Scholarship

    Successful applicants could receive up to £500 in their first year.

  • Welsh Medium Study Bursary

    Up to £400 a year - for following part or all of your course through the medium of Welsh.

Careers this course leads to

  • Animal Behaviourist
  • Animal Welfare Officer
  • Animal Care Technician
  • Conservation Officer
  • Animal Behaviour Research Assistant
  • Zookeeper

Cost of study

UK/Home: £9,790 per year | International: £21,875 per year

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Aberystwyth University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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