Overview
Why do animals behave the way they do – and how can you use this knowledge to manage, conserve and protect species? Find out on the UK’s longest-established animal behaviour degree. Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology, our Cambridge-based course offers an integrated, scientific approach, with hands-on lab experience, field trips in Europe and Uganda, and an optional placement year. You could make the difference between future generations seeing species live or reading about them in history books.
Being at ARU helped crystallise my love for the natural world. Today I'm here surrounded by papers on primate genetics and schedules for filming another BBC piece
Careers
We work with employers to make sure you graduate with the knowledge, skills and abilities they need. They help us review what we teach and how we teach it – and they offer hands-on, practical opportunities to learn through work-based projects, internships or placements.
Studying animal behaviour could make the difference between future generations seeing live examples of a species, or reading about them in a history book. It could help you to manage and enhance the habitats of zoo animals, or to educate the public on the importance of animal welfare.
What you’ll learn on this course could take you into a career relating to domestic and captive animal management, animal training and behavioural rehabilitation, or zoo education to name but a few. The transferable scientific skills you’ll develop could also open up a career in the field or the laboratory – perhaps for a government agency or an environmental consultancy.
Our Animal Behaviour degree also acts as a foundation for you to become a Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB). To follow this career path you'll also 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 please also see: www.asab.org/ccab, www.abtcouncil.org.uk, www.apbc.org.uk
Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us. If you’d like to continue your studies we offer a range of full-time and part-time postgraduate courses including Masters in Animal Behaviour: Applications for Conservation and Applied Wildlife Conservation.
Modules & assessment
Year one, core modules
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Origins of Life
The origin of life on earth is one of the great mysteries of our age. It is of special interest to biologists, as it addresses the fundamental question of where we (and all other living things) came from. This module will begin with a philosophical exploration of the meaning of life and the role of science in exploring life (i.e. biology). We will discuss different interpretations of life through time, across cultures, and through academic disciplines and consider some basic background in history of science and philosophy of science. The module will give students an introduction to geological time, the origins of the planet Earth and changing environmental conditions (e.g. climates). It will then ask questions such as: When did life originate? Where did life originate? How did life originate? We explore the methods that modern biologists use for asking questions about the origins of life, and the different hypotheses about how life may have evolved from simple organic molecules (and whether life originated on Earth, or whether it may have been ‘seeded’ from elsewhere). We will discuss the major transitions in evolution, including the origins of replication, cell membranes, metabolic processes, multicellularity, sexual reproduction, the colonization of land and the emergence of plants, invertebrates and vertebrates (including the K/T boundary and the Cambrian explosion). -
Introduction to Wildlife and Conservation
This module provides an introduction to wildlife taxonomy, conservation, distribution and ecology, with a focus on vertebrates found in Britain. For each major taxonomic group (birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles) and for selected individual species, key conservation and management issues are addressed. You will also consider historical changes in the distribution and abundance of wildlife, and learn to assess the problems and challenges posed by both re-introductions and by the release/introduction of non-native species. By taking this module you will acquire basic skills and knowledge relevant to a range of careers in ecology, conservation and wildlife biology. -
Introduction to Animal Behaviour
In this module the philosophy and multidisciplinary origins of the scientific study of behaviour are reviewed. The ethically sound use of the scientific study of animal behaviour in pure and applied disciplines will be considered, especially in the context of the assessment of animal welfare. Differences in the emphases between the fields of psychology and animal behaviour are discussed, with particular reference to the learning process, and the synthesis of these fields is presented using a framework of proximate (developmental and mechanistic) and ultimate (functional and phylogenetic) explanations. Fundamental processes influencing animal behaviour will be considered, including the relative contributions of evolutionary processes, gene expression and environment in the elucidation of behaviour, and how the structures and processes of the nervous system underpin the biological bases of behaviour. -
Biomeasurement
This module introduces the use of statistics and computing software in the biosciences. Although we focus on biological applications, the quantitative and IT skills you will gain will be of benefit in a number of graduate employment roles. You will be shown how to use information in the form of data to answer questions about biological systems, and learn a range of visual data presentation and statistical techniques. We will also show you how to choose the most appropriate technique for a range of data types and circumstances, perform and interpret numerical and graphical analyses correctly, and communicate the results clearly and transparently. -
Ecology
You will be provided with a broad introduction to animal and plant ecology and facilitate the study of ecological modules at higher levels. You will be introduced to ecological terminology, the scope of ecology and the potential role of ecological science in providing guidance on the sustainable use of the biosphere. -
Animal Form and Function
The ways in which animals cope with the demands of everyday life, from feeding, moving and respiring to sensing the outside world and each other are as diverse as the animals themselves. This module will examine the variety of ways in which an animal's form and physiology are adaptations to the many tasks it faces to survive. -
Introduction to Marine Biology
This module introduces you to the range of marine environments and marine life within the biosphere - and the factors which generate this variety. It provides the basis for studying other 'marine' modules later in the course. You'll cover aspects of the biology, ecology and environmental physiology of selected marine organisms around the UK shores and beyond. A range of marine habitats will be illustrated through the use of video (Blue Planet) while marine biodiversity will be covered 'practically' by a visit to a marine aquarium. The module will also involve a full day (weekend) field trip to a coast in East Anglia to study plant and animal life at the interface of land and sea. This field trip will require a certain amount of walking over rough terrain. -
Evolution and Biodiversity
This will introduce you to the major principles of evolutionary theory and highlight the major transitions that have occurred in the diversification of life. This module will begin by focussing on the early events in evolution, including the origin of life, the symbiotic creation of the eukaryotic cell, and the advent of multicellularity. It will go on to investigate the challenges and opportunities that multicellular life forms had to face, and the processes that led to diversification in some groups, with an emphasis on the theories and mechanics of speciation.
Year two, core modules
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Biological Bases of Behaviour
In this module you will examine the 'machinery of behaviour', covering the anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of the nervous system and relevant components of the endocrine system. We will also investigate mechanisms associated with motivation and emotion and how these are thought to be mediated by the brain and endocrine systems. An important topic for any student of behaviour is the relationship between thinking, consciousness, learning and memory and how these relate to the physical 'machinery' of the brain. We will review the localised behavioural functions of the brain using the 'split brain' (the difference between the right and left hemisphere) as an explanatory model. We will also discuss the evolution of the nervous system and brain. -
Evolution of Behaviour
You will receive a detailed overview of the study of animal behaviour. The application of hypothesis testing to questions about behaviour is reviewed and used as a basis for illustrating recent advances in the scientific understanding of animal behaviour. -
Animal Learning and Training
In this module you will explore the theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches related to the understanding of human and animal cognition. You will gain insight into the biological and mental processes that underpin behaviour and appreciate how natural selection has shaped the perceptual abilities of animals and their species-typical behaviour. You will explore the range of behavioural modification techniques in detail and learn how to justify the selection of appropriate techniques to address commonly encountered behavioural problems in a range of species. -
Biological Research Skills
This module prepares you for being able to conduct independent research and is particularly relevant to preparing you to undertake your final year research project. Knowledge and skills needed to ask and answer biological questions in a scientifically valid, ethical and safe way will be introduced through lectures and consolidated through hands-on workshops. The quantitative, communication, critical thinking and IT skills gained from this module are applicable to a wide range of graduate employment opportunities. -
Practical Skills for Animal Behaviour
This module provides an introduction to student-directed research and increases your skills base through a range of practical technique-led themes. The themes include Behavioural Recording Techniques, Behavioural Physiology, and Behavioural Testing. The module will also teach you key research skills and analytical techniques and tools directly relevant to the scientific jobs market.
Year two, optional modules
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Animal Health and Nutrition
This module will introduce you to the study of animal health and nutrition with particular emphasis on the relationship between health, disease, nutrition and welfare in domesticated animals. You will examine the essential components of food and learn how they contribute to a balanced diet in domesticated animals. We will discuss comparative digestive anatomy and physiology, as well as the impact of appropriate and inappropriate nutrition on animal health and welfare. You will examine the agents of significant animal diseases including epizootics and zoonoses, and the transmission, management and prevention of disease. We will discuss the use of veterinary intervention, drugs and feed supplements and the impact of these measures on welfare. We will also consider the ethical implications of their deployment in problems of animal disease. -
Invertebrate Biology
Invertebrates account for over 99 % of all animal species. It is estimated that the total number of animal species on Earth may exceed 30 million although only around 1 million have been named. In this module we introduce the diverse world of invertebrates focussing on aspects of their classification, structure and function, ecology and behaviour. -
Vertebrate Biology
Vertebrates account for less than 1% of known species of animal life. Yet vertebrates (including humans) are some of the most successful and widely adapted animals on Earth. Vertebrates inhabit almost all corners of our planet, except the deepest parts of the oceans, close to the poles and on top of the highest mountain peaks. Vertebrate species may be terrestrial, arboreal or marine; they burrow, swim, run, climb, fly or glide. They include the so called "charismatic megafauna" such as tigers, eagles, elephants and pandas, as well as top predators such as sharks and crocodiles. You will study how these animals came to occupy their current dominant position among animal life on Earth. -
Parasitology
Parasitism is the most prevalent lifestyle among organisms. It is estimated that at least every plant and animal possesses at least one parasite. You will explore the unique relationship between a parasite and its host from a number of perspectives. -
Principles of Genetics and Evolution
Genetics unifies the biological sciences. Through an integration of concepts at the population, organismal, cellular and DNA levels, you will develop an understanding of the core principles of genetics and their applications and an understanding of the relationship between genetic variation and evolution. You will study the structure and nature of genes and genomes and then consider the rules of inheritance from an individual basis and how do they translate into the organisation of the gene-pool of a population and species. You will also be introduced to some of the genetic techniques used to answer behavioural, ecological and evolutionary questions. Your understanding of genetic processes will be developed through a variety of problems, case studies and laboratory sessions.
Year three, core modules
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Behavioural Ecology
Behavioural Ecology has been an established discipline within the natural sciences since at least the late 1970s. It brings together the theoretical understanding of evolution and ecology with the observational practices of early ethologists. In this module we will explore this across four major themes: communication; finding resources and avoiding being eaten; living with others of the same species and producing the next generation. -
Cognition, Evolution and Behaviour
This module will give you the skills to identify and then develop a detailed knowledge and understanding of topics at the forefront of the study of Animal Behaviour or Animal Welfare. It will improve your time management, team work, self evaluation, communication and critical evaluation skills, applicable to a wide range of graduate employment opportunities. You will work in groups to research and then communicate to fellow students (and lecturers) topics at the cutting edge of research and debate in Animal Behaviour, Animal Welfare or related sub-disciplines (e.g. Behavioural Ecology, Socioecology). -
Applied Ethology and Animal Welfare
This module addresses applied aspects of the science of animal behaviour and shows how behavioural theory and research can be applied to a wide range of practical problems, from pest control to captive breeding and the management of wild populations. We will cover the application of behavioural research to vertebrate and invertebrate husbandry, and the history, philosophy and development of the relatively recent science of animal welfare. You will consider the variety of ethical approaches to the use of animals by humans for varying purposes and the controversial issue of how to assess animal welfare through behavioural and physiological indicators. We will also introduce you to the specialist techniques that support these assessments. -
Undergraduate Major Project
You will create in a substantial piece of individual research and/or product development work, focused on a topic of your choice. You could choose your topic from a variety of sources including research groups, previous/current work experience, your current employer, a suggestion from your tutor or a topic you are specifically interested in. You will identify problems and issues, conduct literature reviews, evaluate information, investigate and adopt suitable development methodologies, determine solutions, develop hardware, software and/or media artifacts as appropriate, process data, critically appraise and present your finding using a variety of media. Regular meetings with your project supervisor will ensure your project is closely monitored and steered in the right direction.
Year three, optional modules
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Advanced Approaches in Animal Management
Historically animal behaviour has been under emphasised in strategies designed to protect (1) human and non-human animal health and; (2) conserve and manage populations. This module addresses this by exploring the interfaces between animal behaviour, disease processes and management strategies. You will explore the integration of animal behaviour with established and emerging approaches to identifying, monitoring and controlling non-human animal based problems. This will utilise techniques including geographical information systems, veterinary epidemiology and population ecology modelling. -
Mammalogy
Although relatively few in number, the 4,600 or so known species of extant mammal are of considerable economic and cultural importance. As a vertebrate Class, the mammals are important to us as a food source (most domesticated animals are mammals); as companion animals; in medical and other scientific research; for transport and as pests and vectors of disease. This module is about the biology of the mammals and considers mammalian taxonomy, morphology, physiology, ecology, distribution, evolution and behaviour. A key theme of Mammalogy is the analysis of underlying similarities and differences between mammalian taxa, based on an understanding of mammalian evolution and adaptive radiation. Practical skills you are expected to acquire during this module include the ability to identify all extant Orders of mammals worldwide, on the basis of distribution and morphology and in particular the anatomy of skulls and teeth. You will develop your understanding of mammalogy through lectures, videos, active learning sessions and laboratory-based practical classes. -
Human Behaviour Change for Animal Welfare
The relationships between humans and animals are complex. The actions of humans towards animals in domestic, captive and natural contexts can influence profoundly the behaviour and welfare of animals. Understanding how to effectively influence human-animal relationships in a positive way through negotiation and counselling is therefore an essential skill set for most animal-based careers. This module will synthesise your knowledge of animal behaviour and welfare with aspects of human psychology as it relates to the human-animal relationship. -
Zoos and Zoo Animal Management
In this module we will address the question 'What are zoos for?' and consider the current and historical role of zoos under the broad headings of recreation, education, conservation and research. Starting with an overview of the history and philosophy of wild animal collections, we'll move on to consider the various roles of zoos in modern society. Zoos today face both biological (e.g. captive breeding) and non-biological (e.g. finance and public relations) problems relating to the management of collections of wild animals in captivity. We will consider zoo management problems from a number of perspectives, ranging from the welfare of the animals themselves to the perceptions of the general public when visiting zoos. We'll also present the complexity of political, ethical and legal aspects of keeping wild animals in captivity. The module has a compulsory field course. Please see the 'Additional costs' in the 'Fees and funding' section for more information. -
Tropical Ecology and Management
Take part in a field course in tropical ecology, biodiversity and conservation and discover the complex habitats and ecosystems within the tropics, with particular reference to East Africa. Your field course activities will be a mix of group field work on specific aspects of tropical ecology and visits to one or more locations to observe and record and interpret various aspects of tropical fauna, flora and habitats. Through your experience of the country where the field course takes place, you will discover a range of anthropogenic influences and pressures on tropical habitats, such as effects of population growth, tourism and economic development, and how these relate to conservation. There is a compulsory two week field trip to Uganda with this module. Please see the 'Additional costs' in the 'Fees and funding' section for more information. -
Animal Communication
This module examines the processes by which animals communicate, i.e. provide information to other individuals, and how they can incorporate this information into their decision making. We will discuss different communicative modalities, such as olfactory, tactile, visual, and acoustic signals. We will address fundamental questions in animal communications, for example how do these signals evolve, how are they produced and which functions do they serve? The module will cover the physical and biological bases of signal production and perception. We will discuss animal communication as a rapidly growing field of research and how an understanding of animal communication can inform many aspects of animal behaviour, such as emotional expression, learning and sexual behaviour. We will explore cognitive underpinnings of animal communication. You are exposed to tools and skills that will allow you to conduct research in this area yourself - through lectures, practical demonstrations and exercises. We will consider similarities and differences between animal and human communications and evaluate theories of language evolution. -
Population Ecology and Wildlife Management
You will focus on the first principles of population ecology, and the ways this body of theory is applied practically in wildlife management. An important focus is the demography and dynamics of natural populations of both plants and animals. -
Practical Marine Biology
Practical Marine Biology comprises a series of lectures and practical workshops and a compulsory, residential field course at a UK marine biology field station. The field course provides you with advanced skills relevant to marine science including species identification, interpreting oceanographic data and experimental design. The field-work includes: surveying and collecting samples from varied shore environments to explain the distribution of fauna and flora; collecting samples from offshore environments, from a research vessel; and a short project based on any feasible aspect of marine animal or plant ecology, behaviour, physiology or systematics, using available material. The module has a compulsory field course. Please see the 'Additional costs' in the 'Fees and funding' section for more information. -
Wildlife Conservation
Advance your skills in conservation and critically evaluate the science underlying conservation biology as well as exploring the multi-dimensional issues faced by working wildlife biologists. You’ll examine current conservation problems including socio-political dimensions, and explore the ways in which conservationists set out to find solutions.
Assessment
We’ll assess you in a number of ways, with most modules including a combination of written assignments and exams. For some modules, you may be asked to present or produce a poster, portfolio or workbook.
Where you'll study
Your faculty
The Faculty of Science & Engineering is one of the largest of the four faculties at Anglia Ruskin University. Whether you choose to study with us full-time or part-time, on campus or at a distance, there’s an option whatever your level – from a foundation degree, BSc, MSc, PhD or professional doctorate.
Whichever course you pick, you’ll gain the theory and practical skills needed to progress with confidence. Join us and you could find yourself learning in the very latest laboratories or on field trips or work placements with well-known and respected companies. You may even have the opportunity to study abroad.
Everything we do in the faculty has a singular purpose: to provide a world-class environment to create, share and advance knowledge in science, technology and engineering fields. This is key to all of our futures.
Where can I study?
Cambridge
Our campus is close to the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.
Additional study information
Placements
This course gives you the opportunity to take a work placement year between years 2 and 3 of your studies. You’ll get experience of seeking and securing a job and working in an industry relating to your course. You’ll also get the practical experience and industry contacts to benefit your studies and enhance your long-term career prospects.
Although they can’t be guaranteed, we can work with you to find a placement using our contacts with a large number of employers. You’ll have regular contact with one of our course tutors and be supported by a supervisor from your placement company. Together they’ll monitor your performance and give you feedback.
To find out more about placement opportunities, email us at Placements@anglia.ac.uk.
Fees & funding
Course fees
UK & EU students starting 2019/20 or 2020/21 (per year)
£9,250
International students starting 2019/20 (per year)
£13,100
International students starting 2020/21 (per year)
£13,500
Placement year (UK, EU, international students)
£1,250
Fee information
For more information about tuition fees, including the UK Government's commitment to EU students, please see our UK/EU funding pages
Additional costs
- Walking boots - £60
- Waterproof coat - £50
- Wellingtons - £25
- Waterproof trousers - £20
- Poster printing - £20
- Cost of printing dissertation/individual project
Additional field trip costs
Field trips that are a compulsory part of your course have no additional cost. Optional residential field trips have an additional cost, as indicated below. You may be eligible for a grant to cover the costs of optional field trips.
- Isle of Rum field trip - £350
- International diving trip - £1200
- Netherlands zoo trip (Zoos and Zoo Animal Management module) - £350
- Uganda field trip (two weeks) (Tropical Ecology and Management module) - £2100
- Millport (Practical Marine Biology module) - £500
How do I pay my fees?
Tuition fee loan
You can take out a tuition fee loan, which you won’t need to start repaying until after your graduate. Or alternatively, there's the option to pay your fees upfront.
Scholarships
We offer a fantastic range of ARU scholarships, which provide extra financial support while you’re at university. Some of these cover all or part of your tuition fees.
International students
You must pay your fees upfront, in full or in instalments. We will also ask you for a deposit or sponsorship letter. Details will be in your offer letter.
Paying your feesFunding for UK & EU students
Most new undergraduate students can apply for government funding to support their studies and university life. This includes Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans. There are additional grants available for specific groups of students, such as those with disabilities or dependants.
We also offer a fantastic range of ARU scholarships, which provide extra financial support while you’re at university. Find out more about eligibility and how to apply.
Funding for international students
We offer a number of scholarships, as well as an early payment discount. Explore your options:
Entry requirements
BTEC modules
We require a final grade of DMM in the BTEC Extended Diploma in Animal Management.
We require the following two compulsory units to be completed and at least six of the recommended units.
| Compulsory/recommended | Unit |
| Compulsory | Unit 02: Understand the Principles of Animal Biology |
| Compulsory | Unit 03: Understand Animal Anatomy and Physiology |
| Recommended | Unit 01: Understand and Promote Animal Health |
| Recommended | Unit 07: Undertake an Investigative Project in the Land-based Sector |
| Recommended | Unit 10: Understand the Principles of Animal Nutrition |
| Recommended | Unit 11: Understand the Principles of Animal Nursing |
| Recommended | Unit 13: Understand and Interpret Animal Behaviour and Communication |
| Recommended | Unit 16: Understand the Principles and Carry Out the Practice of Biochemistry and Microbiology |
| Recommended | Unit 19: Understanding the Principles of Wildlife Populations, Ecology and Conservation |
| Recommended | Unit 20: Understand and Undertake Wildlife Management and Rehabilitation |
| Recommended | Unit 26: Fundamentals of Science |
| Recommended | Unit 28: Understand the Principles of Inheritance and Genetic Manipulation |
| Recommended | Unit 30: Understand the Principles of Chemistry for Biological and Medical Science |
| Recommended | Unit 32: Understand the Principles of Animal Breeding and Genetics |
City and Guilds modules
We required a final grade of Distinction in the City and Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Animal Management.
We require you to have studied at least ten of the following modules. Some of these will be compulsory on your City and Guilds course.
| Compulsory/recommended | Unit |
| Recommended | Unit 3202: Undertake and Review Work-Related Experience in the Land-Based Industries |
| Recommended | Unit 303: Animal Health and Husbandry |
| Recommended | Unit 304: Animal Feeding and Nutrition |
| Recommended | Unit 305: Animal Behaviour and Communication |
| Recommended | Unit 306: Biological Systems of Animals |
| Recommended | Unit 307: Animal Welfare and Breeding |
| Recommended | Unit 308: Wildlife and Ecology Conservation |
| Recommended | Unit 309: Wildlife Management and Rehabilitation |
| Recommended | Unit 315: Animal Nursing |
| Recommended | Unit 316: Zoological Collections |
| Recommended | Unit 318: Fundamentals of Science |
| Recommended | Unit 319: Inheritance and Genetics |
| Recommended | Unit 320: Chemistry for Biology Technicians |
| Recommended | Unit 321: Cell Biology and Genetics |
| Recommended | Unit 322: Biochemistry and Microbiology |
| Recommended | Unit 324: Science Investigation and Report Writing |
| Recommended | Unit 328: Ecological Concepts and Application |
| Recommended | Unit 329: Population Surveys, Ecology and Conservation |
| Recommended | Unit 367: Undertake a Specialist Project in the Land-Based Sector |
Important additional notes
Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements. Other equivalent qualifications may be accepted for entry to this course, please email answers@anglia.ac.uk for further information.
All tariff points must come from A levels. Points from AS levels cannot be counted towards the total tariff points required for entry to this course.
International students
We welcome applications from international and EU students, and accept a range of international qualifications.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you'll need to make sure you meet our English language requirements for postgraduate courses.
Improving your English language skills
If you don't meet our English language requirements, we offer a range of courses which could help you achieve the level required for entry onto a degree course.
We also provide our own English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT) in the UK and overseas. To find out if we are planning to hold an ELPT in your country, contact our country managers.
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