Animal
This degree course is based on the academic requirements for the standards set by the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) for Animal Trainer, Animal Training Instructor, Animal Behaviour Technician and Clinical Animal Behaviourist.
Now more than ever, there a growing demand in the Pet Industry. Likely to be a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, pet ownership levels peaked to an unprecedented high of 59% in 2020/21 up from 45% (Statista Research Department Aug 2021). This presents an increased demand for a range of services including professional dog trainers and behaviourists, canine and feline services such as walking, grooming and sitting, rehabilitation and specialist services.
If you are passionate about companion animals and looking for a degree course to learn about their behaviour and welfare then this is the option for you. Complementing the holistic approach of the Animal Management programme or the core scientific principles of the Animal Science programme, this course particularly prepares students for employment in the range of companion animal roles including pet behaviour counsellors, pet nutritionists and animal welfare charities.
Our BSc (Hons) Animal Science (Pet Behaviour and Welfare) focuses more on the biological approach with courses on genetics, biotechnology and animal growth alongside core topics of behaviour, nutrition and health
Professional Recognition
This programmes is recognised by the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC)
Roles recognised for: Animal Trainer, Animal Training Instructor, Animal Behaviour Technician and Clinical Animal Behaviourist
On graduating, students would be eligible for provisional membership of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC)
Course Modules
| STAGE ONE | |
|---|---|
| SEMESTER A | SEMESTER B |
| Professional Skills for the Animal Industry (30 credits) |
|
| Animal Biology (30 credits) |
|
| Ethics of Animal Use (15 credits) |
Animals in Society (15 credits) |
| Animal Husbandry (15 credits) |
|
| Ecology and Evolution (15 credits) |
|
| STAGE TWO | |
|---|---|
| SEMESTER A | SEMESTER B |
| Research Methods (15 credits) |
|
| Business Skills (15 credits) |
|
| Behaviour (15 credits) |
Principles of Nutrition (15 credits) |
| Reproduction and Breeding (15 credits) |
Animal Health and Welfare (15 credits) |
| Professional Practice and Legislation (15 credits) |
Applied Behaviour and Training (15 credits) |
| STAGE THREE | |
|---|---|
| SEMESTER A | SEMESTER B |
| Capstone Project (30 credits) |
|
| Applied Nutrition and Feeding (15 credits) |
Applied Behaviour and Animal Welfare (15 credits) |
| Strategies and Issues in Animal Breeding (15 credits) |
Applied Health Management (15 credits) |
| Clinical Animal Behaviour (15 credits) |
Developing Clinical Practice (15 credits) |
Entry Requirements
The following information provides the entry requirements for this particular course.
UCAS Tariff Points
GCE A Levels
Irish Certificate
Scottish Highers
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma
BTEC Level 3 Diploma
C & G Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma (720)
C & G Level 3 Extended Diploma
C & G Level 3 Diploma
Please note:
An equivalent or higher combination of grades to that indicated above will also be accepted.
GCSEs
All applicants must hold a minimum of four GCSE passes at grade C/4 or above to include English, Maths and Science.
Access course
Writtle University College welcomes applicants studying Access to HE Diploma courses. For more information please contact Admissions.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL/APEL)
Information about our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL/APEL) policy can be found on our Higher Education Regulations and Policies page.
Learning & Teaching Methods
The following list shows the variety of learning and teaching methods experienced on this course.
- Animal handling practicals involving work with a wide range of domesticated and captive animal species
- Tutorials
- Seminars and debates
- Inquiry-based learning
- Visits
- Online quizzes, wikis and activities
- Laboratory practical classes including dissections
Assessment Methods
This course provides a mix of assessment methods 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
- Dissertation
Employment Details
This list of careers below are those which this programme is recognised for and that previous graduates have been successful in.
Recognised for roles as:
- Animal Trainer
- Animal Training Instructor Animal Behaviour Technician
- Clinical Animal Behaviourist
Roles which previous graduates have been successful in:
- Animal Nutritionist
- Nutrition Company Sales Rep
- Veterinary Pharmaceutical & Equipment Supplies
- Animal Welfare Officer
- RSPCA Officer
- Progression to Vet School
- Postgraduate Study
Related Courses
Animal Management
BSc (Hons) Animal ManagementBSc (Hons) Animal Management (Zoo and Wildlife Conservation)
BSc (Hons) Animal Management (Livestock Technology)
Diploma of Higher Education in Animal Management (Pet Behaviour and Welfare)
Animal Science
BSc (Hons) Animal Science (Pet Behaviour and Welfare)Join Dr Eleanor Drinkwater and Darren Veitch as they present a series of fascinating, animal packed episodes that culminate in an interactive and enlightening Subject Spotlight focussed on Animal Management & Science.
Find out more