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 councillors, pet nutritionists and pet animal welfare charities.
Our BSc (Hons) Animal Management (Pet Behaviour and Welfare) programme focuses more on holistic approach to animal husbandry with modules on applied behaviour and welfare, breeding and animal health management 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) |
Introduction to Biochemistry (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) |
Nutritional Biochemistry (15 credits) |
| Animal Health Science (15 credits) |
Reproduction and Development (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) |
Advanced Animal Health Science (15 credits) |
| Genetics and Genomics (15 credits) |
Applied Behaviour and Animal Welfare (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 & Pet Food Manufacturing
- Nutrition Company Sales Rep
- Veterinary Pharmaceutical & Equipment Supplies
- Animal Welfare Officer
- Companion & Zoo Animal Keepers
(Rescue Centres, Zoos & Safari Parks) - RSPCA Officer
- Quarantine Officers
- Animal Health Inspectors e.g. DEFRA
- Independent Wildlife Agencies
(RSPB, Scottish Natural Heritage, Natural England) - Progression to Vet School
- Postgraduate Study
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