Introduction
Study with us in Cambridge and you will learn why animals behave in the ways that they do, and how this can impact on their health and welfare and influence the management of companion, domestic, captive and wild animals.
Our Animal Behaviour BSc (Hons) course is the longest-established animal behaviour course in the UK and is recognised by the Society of Biology.
Study with us in Cambridge and you’ll learn why animals behave in the ways that they do, and how this can impact on the management of animals both in the wild and in captivity.
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.
Course options
Key facts
FIELD TRIPS
Remote learning
Learn about animal behaviour and ecology on the Hebridean island of Rum.
FIELD TRIPS
Life in the wild
See stags fighting for territory during the autumn red deer rut.
FIELD TRIPS
Animal habitats
Explore a variety of world-class zoo enclosures in the Netherlands.
FIELD TRIPS
Design for life
See how the needs of animals, keepers and the public are considered in zoo design.
FIELD TRIPS
Study and protect
Learn about the education, conservation and research work carried out by zoos.
FIELD TRIPS
Learn to dive
Gain the internationally recognised PADI Open Water Diver certification.
FIELD TRIPS
Under the sea
Experience marine biology first-hand on UK and international field trips.
FIELD TRIPS
Take note
Observe marine life up close and learn important survey techniques.
Entry requirements
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Fees and paying for university
Facilities and accreditation
Outstanding facilities and opportunities
As a student at ARU, you’ll be able to take advantage of:
- state-of-the-art laboratory facilities including a 200-station biosciences laboratory in our Science Centre
- the opportunity to join hands-on field trips – you could even learn to scuba dive and gain the internationally recognised PADI Open Water Dive certification
- the chance to gain experience and build your employability skills on an optional placement year
- award-winning IT and library facilities.
Royal Society of Biology
Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, our degree course offers an integrated, scientific approach with hands-on experiences.
Careers
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.
What you’ll learn on this course 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.
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.
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.
Stephanie
"I’ve been lucky enough to [join] both a scuba diving trip to survey the coral reef in Egypt, as well as going to Holland to study zoo enclosures as part of the course. These field courses will not only provide me with unforgettable experiences, but also essential work experience."
Stephanie
BSc (Hons) Zoology
Find out more about our field tripsWant to talk to someone?
Do you have a question that we haven't answered so far? Talk to our application experts. You can also ask our Student Ambassadors about life at ARU.
We're here Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm (please note we close at 3.30pm on the first and third Thursday of the month for staff training), and Friday 9am-4.30pm.
Life in Cambridge
Our friendly, bustling campus is a stone’s throw from the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.
Explore CambridgePlacement year available
You have the option to take a placement year as part of this course. It’s a great chance to get hands-on experience in the industry you want to work in.
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