Animal behaviourists apply their scientific skills to understand how and why animals behave in the ways that they do, in order to improve animal welfare, enhance conservation, and further our knowledge of the natural world. On the BSc Animal Behaviour with Integrated Foundation Year degree at Aberystwyth University, you will develop a solid foundation of transferable scientific skills. Equipped with these skills, you will investigate the mechanisms, development, function and evolution of animal behaviour in a range of pure and applied contexts. You will develop advanced skills in animal behaviour research, and ultimately conduct your own independent behaviour research project. You will also complete tutor-supported work experience relevant to animal behaviour in your third year, which will considerably enhance your employment prospects. You’ll do all this within the wild and beautiful setting of West Wales, which is home to bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic grey seals, pine martens, otters, ospreys and red kites. In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to intensively investigate animal behaviour on residential field courses further afield.

This four-year course includes an integrated foundation year, after which the syllabus follows that of the standard three-year course, BSc Animal Behaviour (C120).

Why study Animal Behaviour at Aberystwyth University?

Our course:

• provides a solid foundation of skills and knowledge in the biosciences which will be invaluable to you within and beyond the field of animal behaviour
• includes lots of specialist animal behaviour content taught by staff who conduct scientific research into animal behaviour
• includes an optional residential field course dedicated to the investigation of animal behaviour through small group project work
• places behaviour in context with modules addressing health and welfare taught by practising veterinarians, and optional modules developing knowledge and skills in conservation
• includes an extended period of work experience relevant to animal behaviour, with lots of tutor support to help you find a placement and succeed in it

Opportunities!

• Our students benefit from international exchange agreements with universities in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia, so you can apply to spend all or part of your second year studying animal behaviour overseas
• You can choose to study a number of our modules through the medium of Welsh. Check out the modules tab for more information.

Careers

Graduates of BSc Animal Behaviour at Aberystwyth University:

• are skilled behavioural scientists, with strong theoretical and practical knowledge of animal behaviour
• have direct insight into animal behaviour research thanks to their final year research projects, and our degree’s emphasis on research-led teaching
• may have international experience if they undertake academic exchange
• are confident and insightful critical thinkers, capable of working independently and as part of a team. They have strong scientific and data analysis skills that are desirable within and beyond the field of animal behaviour
• are members of a supportive community of Aberystwyth University behaviourists past and present
• gain a year’s membership of the Royal Society of Biology after graduation to help them establish their careers.