How to apply
Apply directly to the University of Chester
Apply directly to the University of Chester
A minimum of 112 UCAS points
September 2021
September 2022
Full-time: 3 years
Work in the field will expand your knowledge of animal behaviour, and there is an opportunity for dissertation work which will allow you to work with lecturing staff on relevant unique research projects.
Please note: Students are based at Reaseheath during their first year. You will then be based at the University of Chester during your second and third years. For students wishing to live in, you will live in Halls of Residence at Reaseheath College during your first year.
This course is aimed at students who wish to develop a career within animal behaviour and/or animal welfare. Students are provided with a unique combination of academic study with practical work to develop a range of academic and professional skills, with knowledge of animal behaviour and animal welfare science in varying contexts, and related disciplines. Students will be provided with a dynamic learning experience that combines academic study with practical application of themes in animal behaviour and welfare. As a student studying this programme, you will have regular access to the zoo-licensed animal centre, kennel and farm facilities by which to reinforce taught elements of the programme ad hone your practical skills. Additionally, students can expect an interactive and personable learning experience that draws upon the expertise of our team of dedicated staff, with whom students can engage in study through the use of our first class facilities across the University Centre Reaseheath and University of Chester campuses, but also via overseas study opportunities.
Students are expected to study and complete 120 credits per year, which comprises six modules of study per academic level/year. All modules in year 1 are mandatory study, to ensure students come away with the fundamental skills and knowledge required to progress onto further study. Conversely, students will have the opportunity to select for certain optional modules in years 2 & 3, to allow for more specific disciplines/subject pathways to be developed.
In Year 1 (Level 4), you will develop essential knowledge and skills in animal welfare science, animal biology, animal husbandry and behaviour. A heavy emphasis at Level 4 study will also be placed on the development of academic skills via regular tutoring with an assigned course manager.
Year 2 (Level 5) sees a shift in emphasis to more academic and research-informed study, including themes in evolution, taxa-specific behaviour & welfare, and applied research. A five week (equivalent) UK-based work placement*, or alternatively an overseas study opportunity is also included as part of the programme.
In Year 3 (Level 6), you will continue your studies via more specific pathways that are designed to advance both your academic expertise and professional skills in animal behaviour & welfare. Additionally, students undertaking their final year of study will typically conduct an independent piece of scientific research, to demonstrate competencies in the application of knowledge and research skills.
Modules include:
Delivered at University Centre Reaseheath
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.
Additional Costs
Practical sessions using the animal-based facilities on campus are largely restricted to ad-hoc activities associated with modules and the collection of data for the dissertation. As such, additional costs may include the purchase of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in order to undertake practical activities on the zoo, farm and other facilities. These should include at least one pair of overalls (preferably blue/green) and a pair of steel toe-capped work boots/wellington boots. Additionally, students may wish to purchase other suitable outdoor wear in preparation for bad weather (i.e. waterproof/windproof coat). The above items can be purchased either independently or through the College online shop. Please note that the purchasing of PPE should be undertaken in advance of enrolment onto the programme, as practical sessions may be facilitated from the start of the programme.
You may also have the opportunity to attend day trips or study tours within the UK and overseas. These trips vary each year and costs would be confirmed prior to booking. Examples of tours include 3 day visit to Edinburgh Zoo and Scottish National Museum costing £200 (not including personal expenses) in 2019.
Students may also wish to purchase their own personal copies of recommended set-texts to assist them with their studies. A full list of recommended texts is made available prior to enrolment, however, our campus library boasts sufficient stocks of all major texts to support student learning, frequently in e-book format, and the purchasing of texts is therefore not enforced.
Equipment Costs
Prices of equipment are subject to change dependent on retailer.
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