Animal Behaviour

Why Animal Behaviour at ARU?

• Be part of the longest established animal behaviour course in the UK, accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.
• Get hands-on by using cutting-edge technologies and techniques to study animal behaviour, and how it’s used in solving conservation and welfare problems.
• Bring the world of work to life through Live Briefs; designed, developed, and run with zoos, farms, and wildlife charities, giving you exposure to ‘real world’ challenges, including the option to study animal behaviour locally and abroad.
• Study in Cambridge – a hub of wildlife and conservation research, and home to our £45m Science Centre.
• Complete projects and internships with our research-active expert staff from the School of Life Sciences, and access work placements with a range of employers.

What is Animal Behaviour?

We know more than ever before about the behaviour of animals. But with so much still left to learn, you could even have the chance to discover a scientific breakthrough as you develop the skills to investigate animals that will allow you to contribute to important discoveries in the future.

Studying animal behaviour could give you the opportunity to help future generations to see species live and in the flesh, and not just read about them in a history book.

ARU ranked in the top 10% in the country for graduates in employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024), and 5th in the country for the proportion of UK undergraduates who are employed as managers, directors, or senior officials 15 months after graduating. We're also in the top 10% in the country for the number of graduates in employment and further study who agreed they are using what they learnt during their studies.

What can you do with an animal behaviour degree?

What you’ll learn studying animal behaviour could see you helping to manage and enhance the habitats of animals in captivity or educating the public about the importance of animal welfare and conservation.

With the breadth of skills you’ll acquire, you could find yourself working in animal training and behavioural rehabilitation, teaching in a zoo, or even working in a laboratory. Some of the jobs our graduates have gone on to have are:

• Animal Care Technician
• Veterinary Assistant
• Animal Keeper
• Ecological Consultant
• Invasive Species Surveyor
• Conservation Research Consultant
• Postgraduate Researcher
• Teacher

We have had graduates go on to work at:

• RSPB
• RSPCA
• Colchester Zoo
• National Animal Welfare Trust
• JNCC
• Shepreth Wildlife Park
• Flora and Fauna International
• Birdlife International
• University of Cambridge
• Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust

Our Animal Behaviour degree also acts as a foundation for you to become a Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB). You’ll need to undertake practical training under the supervision of practising CCABs before presenting case studies and a further clinical examination prior to certification. For more information see www.asab.org/ccab, www.abtcouncil.org.uk and www.apbc.org.uk.

Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us, of course. You might decide to stay at ARU and study for a Masters, such as our renowned MSc Applied Wildlife Conservation or our MSc Animal Behaviour: Applications for Conservation. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.

Employability and personal career development

Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules.

To amplify your career ambition, you will need to actively dedicate time outside of your studies, whether you choose to explore placements, internships or volunteering. Or you could make a social impact by collaborating with our partner organisations through our volunteer scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). These all give you an edge, providing you with experience that you will be able to evidence on your CV and talk about in interviews.

Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.