UK Animal Behaviour Courses
Introduction to Animal Behaviour
The study of Animal Behaviour in the UK explores the various ways animals interact with their environment, other organisms, and their own kind. This discipline encompasses a broad range of behaviours, from the simplest reflex actions to complex social structures and communication systems. By observing and analysing these behaviours, ethologists aim to understand the adaptive significance of various actions, how these behaviours develop over an animal's lifetime, and the underlying mechanisms, including neurological and genetic factors.
The study of Animal Behaviour has practical applications in conservation, animal welfare, and even in improving human health and understanding human psychology. By recognizing patterns and anomalies in Animal Behaviour, scientists can develop strategies to protect endangered species, enhance captive animal care, and gain insights into human behavioural disorders.
UK Animal Behaviour programs aim to help students develop the knowledge and skills needed to understand animal behaviour and welfare, working, for example, with insects, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Study in UK provides free application assistance, ensuring you have help throughout the process. Contact us now for a free consultation and to get started on your application.
Animal Behaviour Programs in the UK
Program titles for undergraduate and postgraduate Animal Behaviour degrees in the UK will differ between each institution but as an example from the University of Lincoln courses will likely be a Bachelors of Science with Honours at undergraduate level and a Masters of Science by Research at postgraduate level. Some UK universities, such as the University of Lincoln will offer the opportunity to take part in field trips and study abroad options, allowing students to learn more about wild animals.
- BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare
In the first year, students can develop a solid foundation in animal anatomy and physiology, cell biology, genetics, captive animal management, and animal behaviour.
These themes are developed further in the second year through the study of specialist subjects dealing with animal behaviour, health, and disease. In the final year, core modules focus on pure and applied aspects of animal behaviour and welfare. Students also undertake a supervised, independent research project.
- MSc (Research) Animal Behaviour and Welfare
Students benefit from training courses provided by the University aimed at developing key skills in research. Under the guidance and advice of their academic supervisors, students will also develop their ability to effectively communicate their research and thesis. This research program relies on independent study and research, supervised by an advisory panel of academic staff. The nature of this research will be specific to the subject area but is expected to investigate a novel question and provide a novel contribution to science.
Speak to your SI-UK Consultant to learn more about your program and application options to study Animal Behaviour in the UK.
Animal Behaviour UK Entry Requirements
Undergraduate:
- Typical International Baccalaureate requirements: Pass Diploma from a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects to include a Higher Level 5 in Biology or Psychology.
- Typical Canadian High School requirements: 5 B’s in acceptable grade 12 courses or 70% across 5 grade 12 subjects, this may include specific subjects such as English, Maths and a Science subject
Postgraduate:
- Typical Canadian graduate requirements: 3.0/4 GPA, 7/9 GPA, 8/12 GPA or Grade B in a relevant subject
Please note that entry requirements vary for each UK university.
Studying Animal Behaviour at the University of Lincoln
One of the top UK universities for Animal Behaviour is the University of Lincoln, ranked 2nd overall in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2024) for its Animal Science and Agriculture programs. Their course is informed by academics who are considered to be at the forefront of their respective fields in welfare assessment, animal management, evolutionary biology, and animal cognition.
University of Lincoln graduates have gone on to work in both practical and research roles that involve the management, welfare, training, and conservation of companion, farm, and wild animals. Students also have the opportunity to join overseas field trips to locations around the world. Destinations may vary but have previously included the cloud forests of Ecuador, the Mankwe Wildlife Reserve in South Africa, and Molise in Italy.
Students also have opportunities during their degree to volunteer in the University of Lincoln registered clinic on-site. Students can volunteer to go and see cases there, or volunteer to work in the behaviour lab with researchers very happy to have students come in and talk about what's the latest science in their field, and what are the latest techniques. Lincoln lectures are more often interactive sessions rather than lectures.
Program costs start from £17,200 and the University of Lincoln offers a variety of scholarships ranging from £2,000 to 50% off tuition fees. Speak to your SI-UK Consultant to learn more.
Study Animal Behaviour in the UK
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