BSc in Canine Clinical Behaviour (Top-Up)

Recent figures have shown there are now over 12.5 million dogs in the UK, with 33% of households having a dog (Pet Food Manufacturers Association, 2021), and sharp increases in the number of dogs presenting with behavioural issues (PDSA, 2021). Subsequently, there is an ever growing demand for a range of canine-related services including professional dog trainers, behaviourists, dog walkers and sitters, kennel managers, rehabilitation of rescue dogs, and specialised training for assistance dogs in several categories, amongst others.

The BSc(Hons) Top-up year provides further opportunity for students to build on their knowledge gained during a canine-related Foundation Degree, enhancing professional, academic and transferable skills. The top-up year ensures students develop a broad range of industry-relevant skills, suitable for self-employment or other canine professional roles following graduation.

UCAS Entry Points

Successful completion of a Foundation Degree in Canine Behaviour and Training (or equivalent)

Start Date

September 2021

September 2022

Course Length

Full-time: 1 year

The flexible structure of this BSc (Hons) top-up degree means it is an ideal preparation for working in a range of professional canine related roles involving the welfare, training or behaviour modification of dogs. The emphasis of this course focuses on canine welfare, clinical behaviour and ethical issues associated with domestic dogs throughout a variety of contexts and circumstances. In addition, the course includes essential business design and development specific to the canine industry.

University Centre Reaseheath is an academic partner of the University of Chester. Foundation degrees, Honours degrees, and Cert Ed are awarded by the University of Chester.

What will I study?

Year 1

Modules include:

Understanding Human-Canine Relationship
Animal Assisted Interventions
Canine Clinical Behaviour
Small Business Professional Skills and Legislation
Dissertation

Click here to view the module descriptor.

Teaching and Learning

Overall Workload

Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity, plus field trips. The following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each year of the course:

Year 1: 14% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity

Teaching, Learning and Assessment: 170 hours

Independent Study: 1030 hours

Assessment and Feedback

Assessment Methods

Assessments are designed to encourage both academic skills and skills valued in the workplace. They include a combination of coursework and examinations. Coursework may take many forms including: essays, reports, data processing, case studies, consultations, presentations, academic posters, seminar discussions, interviews, critical reviews and practical competency assessments. The examinations vary, depending on the nature of the module, but may take the form of essays, practical assessments and data handling questions.

The approximate percentage of the course assessed by coursework and examination is as follows:

Year 1

78% coursework

22% written exams

Feedback

Feedback is supplied via Turnitin or directly from the module tutor. The majority of submissions are made via Turnitin and feedback for coursework is provided within twenty working days after the submission date.

Written feedback will be supported verbally should the student require clarification. Formative assessment feedback will be provided at the time of completion where possible, with more detailed summative feedback for reports.

Entry requirements

Successful completion of an FdSc programme (or equivalent qualification) in a canine-related subject

Further study

Postgraduate study or professional qualifications.

Career Options

Dog Trainer
Dog Behaviourist
Working in Charity and Rescue Centres
Security Dog Work

Useful Information

How much will this course cost?

Tuition Fees

As a Higher Education student you will have two main costs to meet; your tuition fees and living costs.

Our full-time tuition fees for UK and EU students, entering University, can be found on the student finance page. These fees are charged for each academic year of a course and are set by the college annually.

If you are an international student or for the latest information on tuition fees visit the student finance page on our website.

Equipment Costs

Approximately £20 for all equipment (prices of equipment are subject to change dependent on retailer).

Halti training leads (large)

Clicker

Amazon

Treat training pouch – whichever type you prefer (costs vary). You can use anything from a bumbag to a custom dog training pouch:

Belt clip on silicone treat pouch – Amazon
Pouch bag – Amazon
Waist pouch – Amazon

Additional financial support

Accommodation

All Higher Education students are given the opportunity to apply for residential accommodation. First year students are guaranteed accommodation and this offer is made to all applicants who live more than a reasonable daily travelling distance from Reaseheath and who apply before 31st July of the year they intend to start their course. For full details on our halls of residence visit the accommodation pages.

Student support

How do I apply?

Before you apply you can come and visit us at one of our HE Open Events to see what we have to offer. Once we have received your application we will invite you to attend an Offer Holder Day.

Applications for full-time Degrees and Foundation Degrees are made through UCAS. Applications for all other full-time courses such as Access to HE and Level 4 Diplomas should be made directly to Reaseheath via the online application form. You can find out more here.

Student contract

For students to get the best out of their time at University Centre Reaseheath, we must both recognise that we owe obligations to each other. These obligations are set out in our Higher Education Student Contract. Before you accept an offer of a place at University Centre Reaseheath, it is important that you read these contract conditions. If you are going to be living in Halls of Residence, you will also need to read the Student Accommodation Licence Conditions. Both of these contracts can be found here.

Click here to view the University Centre Reaseheath Student Protection Plan.

BSc in Canine Clinical Behaviour (Top-Up)

UCAS Entry Points

Start Date

Course Length

What will I study?

Entry requirements

Further study

Career Options

Useful Information

Foundation Degree in Canine Behaviour and Training

BSc (Hons) in Animal Behaviour and Welfare

BSc (Hons) in Veterinary Nursing

BSc (Hons) in Wildlife Conservation and Ecology (including Foundation Year)

Foundation Degree in Zoo Management

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How to Apply

Contact Us

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BSc in Canine Clinical Behaviour (Top-Up)

What will I study?

Entry requirements

Further study

Career Options

Useful Information

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Foundation Degree in Canine Behaviour and Training

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