A black and white greyhound on a lead being handled by two students, who are only visible to waist height
BSc (Hons)

Animal Management (Pet Behaviour and Welfare)

Learn about the behaviour and welfare of companion animals, and prepare for a career in the burgeoning pet industry.

With pet ownership levels in the UK rising in recent years, there’s increased demand for services such as professional trainers and behaviourists.

Our course focuses on animal behaviour, training and welfare, preparing you for employment in a range of companion animal roles.

You’ll be taught by specialist staff, and benefit from extensive specialist campus facilities. Throughout your course, there’s the chance to join ‘behind the scenes’ trips and other experiences.

Animal Behaviour and Training Council

This degree course is recognised by the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC), for the roles of animal trainer, animal training instructor, animal behaviour technician, and clinical animal behaviourist. As a graduate you'll also be eligible for provisional membership of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors.

Animal Behaviour and Training Council recognised programme logo

Course options

Key facts

Looking for different course options?

Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.

Year 1
  • Professional Skills for the Animal Industry (30 credits)
  • Animal Biology (30 credits)
  • Ethics of Animal Use (15 credits)
  • Human-Animal Interaction (15 credits)
  • Animal Husbandry (15 credits)
  • Ecology and Evolution (15 credits)
  • Into ARU
Year 2
  • Research Methods (15 credits)
  • Commercial and Professional Skills for Animal Science (15 credits)
  • Behaviour (15 credits)
  • Animal Health and Welfare (15 credits)
  • Professional Practice and Legislation (15 credits)
  • Principles of Animal Nutrition
  • Reproduction and Breeding (15 credits)
  • Applied Behaviour and Training (15 credits)
Year 3
  • Capstone Project (30 credits)
  • Applied Nutrition and Feeding (15 credits)
  • Applied Health Management (15 credits)
  • Clinical Animal Behaviour (15 credits)
  • Strategies and Issues in Animal Breeding (15 credits)
  • Applied Behaviour and Animal Welfare (15 credits)
  • Developing Clinical Practice (15 credits)
Module details

To prepare you for university study, you can take a foundation year at the start of this course.

Year 1
  • Academic and Personal Management Skills (20 credits)
  • Biological Concepts (Introduction to Laboratory Skills) (20 credits)
  • Maths for IT and Science (15 credits)
  • Chemistry for Life Sciences (15 credits)
  • Applied Industry Techniques (30 credits)
  • Independent (Themed) Project (20 credits)
Module details

You have the option to study this course over one year to achieve a CertHE. You’ll study the same modules as students on Year 1 of the BSc.

Facilities

As an Animal Management student, you'll:

  • study on our 150-hectare campus with its specialist animal centres and working farm
  • take part in animal handling practicals involving work with a wide range of domesticated and captive species
  • go on 'behind the scenes' trips and privileged experiences throughout your course
  • learn from high-profile subject specialist staff.

Take a guided tour and meet our students

Careers

Our Animal Management (Pet Behaviour and Welfare) degree is recognised by the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC). It prepares you to work as an:

  • animal trainer
  • animal training instructor
  • animal behaviour technician
  • clinical animal behaviourist.

You could also consider roles in related fields, with previous graduates finding success working in animal nutrition, animal welfare officer roles, nutrition company sales, and veterinary pharmaceutical and equipment supplies. You might also progress to vet school.

Graduation doesn't have to be the end of your time with us. You might decide to stay at ARU and study a Masters degree, such as our MSc Animal Welfare and Conservation.

Entry requirements

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Fees and paying for university

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