Animal Science (Pet Behaviour and Welfare)
Develop your understanding of animal biology and its relationship to animal health, disease, growth and development, in theory and practice.
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 combines elements of animal management and animal science, with modules covering behaviour and nutrition, as well as health, reproduction and biochemistry.
As a student at ARU in Writtle, you’ll be taught by subject-specialist staff, and benefit from campus facilities including dedicated canine and equine centres, a small animal unit and a working farm. You'll take part in animal handling practicals involving work with a range of domesticated and captive animal species, as well as laboratory classes.
Throughout your course, there’s the chance to join ‘behind the scenes’ trips and other experiences.
Our degree course is recognised by the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC). As a graduate, you’ll be ready to work as an animal trainer, animal training instructor, animal behaviour technician or clinical animal behaviourist. Yu can also apply for provisional membership of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors.
Course options
Key facts
- STUDY OPTIONS 3 years
- START DATES September
- LOCATION Writtle
- ENTRY UCAS code: D309
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FEES
- £9,535 UK students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
- £16,700 International students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
3 years full-time
Modules are subject to change and availability.
Assessment
We'll assess you in a number of ways including practical assessments with companion and zoo animals, farm livestock and horses, examinations – both multiple choice and essay questions, presentations – both individually and in small groups, essays and technical reports, assessed seminars, case studies, experimental work and laboratory reports, poster presentations, debates, and your final-year dissertation.
Core modules
- Professional Skills for the Animal Industry (30 credits)
- Animal Biology (30 credits)
- Ethics of Animal Use (15 credits)
- Introduction to Biochemistry (15 credits)
- Animal Husbandry (15 credits)
- Ecology and Evolution (15 credits)
Entry requirements
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Fees and paying for university
Facilities
As an Animal Science student, you'll:
- study on our 150-hectare campus with its specialist animal centres and working farm
- • develop practical competence with a range of species
- go on 'behind the scenes' trips and privileged experiences throughout your course
- learn from high-profile subject specialist staff.
Accreditation
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.
Careers
Our Animal Science (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, quarantine officer roles, animal health inspection, 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.
