Do you long to find out why animals behave the way they do and what this can tell us about their welfare? Do you care passionately about the welfare of animals but realise that applying scientific principles is likely to achieve better results than responding in a purely emotional way? Then this course is for you. This degree enables those interested in the behaviour and welfare of companion and farm animals to study at degree level without covering the broader animal health sciences in detail. You will examine animal biology as it relates to the behaviour and welfare of animals, and have the opportunity to study ecology in relation to animal habitats. All main groups of farm animals are represented on our farm and the Companion Animal House has a range of exotic and companion animals. Students carry out an animal-based investigational project in their final year, looking at an aspect of animal behaviour or welfare.

This course prepares graduates for careers involving animal behaviour and also in animal welfare and management. Increased awareness of animal welfare and behaviour issues has opened up more employment opportunities in the animal sector. Organisations that house animals are becoming more aware of the need for employees to understand animal welfare and behaviour. Welfare organisations are expanding, and nutrition and pharmaceutical companies have careers suitable for graduates with a sound welfare education. Many graduates move into higher education as lecturers or researchers and others choose further postgraduate study.