BSc (Hons) in Animal Behaviour and Welfare

The Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare can be followed by undertaking studies in post-graduate education or alternatively being employed within the industry.

The course includes specialist modules and practical experience with a range of domestic and companion species, enabling students to understand the behavior and welfare of many different animals, both in captivity and in the wild. Students are taught at Reaseheath throughout Year 1 utilizing the zoo-licensed facilities on campus, with subsequent study in Years 2 and 3 being undertaken exclusively at the University of Chester.

Work in the field will expand your knowledge of animal behavior, 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.

The course features:

• Member of British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
• The purpose-built animal management training center with £3 million upgrade
• The student will have the opportunity to engage in overseas field courses to a range of localities including southern Africa, South America, and Europe
• Centre houses over 1,000 animals and 125 species inc:
• Mammals: serval cats, tapirs, ring-tailed lemurs, porcupines, tamarin monkeys, otters, capybara, meerkats, mara, and wallabies, among others
• Birds: birds of prey, chickens, ducks, finches, cockatiels, cockatoos, and budgerigars
• Reptiles: snakes, bearded dragons, tortoises, and chameleons
• Fish: a range of freshwater and marine fish Invertebrates: tarantulas, scorpions, and insects Amphibians: frogs, toads, and newts.

What will I study?

This course is aimed at students who wish to develop a career in animal behavior 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 behavior 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 behavior and welfare. As a student studying this programme, you will have regular access to the zoo-licensed animal center, kennel and farm facilities by which to reinforce taught elements of the programme and 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 the 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 behavior. A heavy emphasis on 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 behavior & 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 behavior & 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.

Entry requirements

• A minimum of 112 UCAS points from GCE A Levels including a grade C in either Biology, Chemistry, Human Biology, Science or Applied Science. Typical offer BCC/BBC

• BTEC Extended Diploma (Animal Care/Management or Applied Science): DMM

• BTEC Diploma (Animal Care/Management or Applied Science): DD

• OCR National Extended/Diploma: merit profile plus one of the GCE A-level subjects listed above

• Irish/Scottish Highers Grade B in 4 subjects, including Biology, Chemistry or Human Biology

• International Baccalaureate: 26 points, including 5 in HL Biology

• Access to HE (Science) Diploma, to include 45 credits at level 3, 30 of which must be at Merit

• OCR National Extended/Diploma: Accepted in addition to one of the GCE A-level subjects listed above

• Please note that we accept a maximum of 8 UCAS points from GCE AS Levels and that the Welsh Baccalaureate (core) and A Level General Studies will be recognized in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs.

Further study

• Postgraduate study.

Career Options

• Animal Behaviourist

• Animal welfare/conservation

• Wildlife management

• Teaching/education officers

• Scientific research and technical support

• Animal behavior counseling/training

• Teaching and lecturing

• Animal health product development

• Rescue center animal care

• Animal behavior research.

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 in either 2017/18 or 2018/19 are £9,250. 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.

Students are at the heart of all we do at University Centre Reaseheath.

The Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences is a place where academic excellence and student satisfaction go hand in hand to provide a unique higher education experience for our students.

Our portfolio of programmes has been designed in consultation with industry, ensuring that our degrees deliver the academic knowledge and practical skills that employers need and want. This ensures that our graduates are highly successful in the jobs market, with many going on to work for blue-chip companies.

In recent years, the campus has seen over £50 million pounds worth of investment in cutting-edge teaching facilities and student resources, such as on-site accommodation with more planned over the coming years.

In our last review of the quality of the higher education at Reaseheath, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) commended the quality and enhancement of student learning opportunities. They found no areas for improvement and identified many of good practice.

The ‘Reaseheath Experience’ is something many of our former students tell us was the most enjoyable time of their lives. We want our students to succeed in their chosen careers and we recognise that high performers learn through experience as well as through formal learning.

Why University Centre Reaseheath?

Located in rural Cheshire, our campus has top class, industry standard, teaching facilities but still retains its friendly, supportive atmosphere – a combination which delivers both academic excellence and student satisfaction.

• Our degree programmes provide you with the opportunity to study a range of industry recognised secondary qualifications.
• 87% of our students say that staff are enthusiastic about what they teach. Student Experience Survey 2016
• Gain industry insights through work placements, scientific research and through field trips and study tours in the UK and abroad.
• Last year 1 out of 5 Reaseheath students achieved a degree with first class honours or distinction.
• “Reaseheath’s Higher Education programmes are outstanding and the quality and enhancement of student learning opportunities have exceeded UK expectations.”
• Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for Higher Education Review 2014
• Overall student satisfaction for our Higher Education courses is at 83%. Student Experience Survey 2016

Our Facilities

Over recent years £50 million has been invested into on-campus facilities including, an equestrian centre, industry-leading food centre, sports facilities, a scientific horticultural facility, unique to the UK, and an animal centre and zoo.

A further £31 million investment in our student accommodation, agri-technology centre, and sports facilities is planned for the next four years.

Your Learning Experience

Reaseheath offers a supportive learning environment with a focus on the vocational provision. Our courses ensure that graduates leave with the knowledge, skills and qualifications that employers are looking for.

We support our students with:

• Small group teaching with high levels of individual support
• Lecturers with extensive industry experience
• High number of teaching hours with tutors
• Specialist facilities
• Opportunities for study tours overseas
• Strong links with employers
• Industry-relevant programmes that offer transferable skills
• Additional qualifications to further enhance your career prospects.

Additional Qualifications

Our degree programmes provide you with the opportunity to study a range of secondary qualifications. These specific qualifications are taken alongside your course and provide an opportunity to gain industry-recognised qualifications.

Additional qualifications are specific to each subject area. Where possible we aim to provide these as part of your programme of study but a subsidised cost may be charged for some.

Employers often require industry-specific qualifications in addition to a degree, so these practical qualifications can enhance career prospects and employability. They offer industry-relevant skills and training that employers are looking for and offer graduates a leading position in a competitive jobs market.