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Animal Behaviour and Welfare (Clinical) (with Placement)

  • BSc (Hons)
  • 4 Years
  • Sandwich
  • 21 September 2026
  • Undergraduate
Harper Adams University, Newport
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2025-20262026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

Why should you apply to study this course?

If you have an interest in animals and want to gain knowledge of animal behaviour and animal welfare, then this is the course for you.

What will this degree entail?

In this course, you will examine animal biology as it relates to the behaviour and welfare of animals. This includes developing an understanding of the complexity of the relationship between animal behaviour and animal welfare, in addition to providing you with an opportunity to learn about the range of research methods that can be applied in the scientific study of animal behaviour. You will learn about scientific applications of animal behaviour, including how an understanding of animal behaviour can help us to improve their welfare and facilitate safe, positive, human-animal interactions. The course will also introduce business management of relevance to working within animal-related industries.

This degree programme is pending validation by CCAB Certification Ltd. and the Animal Behaviour Training Council (ABTC) accreditation committees as delivering the academic elements necessary for an individual to achieve certification as a clinical animal behaviourist (CCAB).

As with other Harper Adams University degrees, a key feature of this course is a placement year where you will get an opportunity to work in industry, enabling you to put knowledge into practice, develop your network and discover your future ambitions. In your final year, you will build on this experience and conduct a specialist research project.

Careers
This course prepares graduates for careers involving animal behaviour and also in animal welfare and management. Increased awareness of animal welfare and behaviour issues has opened up more employment opportunities in the animal sector.

Organisations that house animals are becoming more aware of the need for employees to understand animal welfare and behaviour.

Welfare organisations are expanding, and nutrition and pharmaceutical companies have careers suitable for graduates with a sound welfare education. Many graduates move into higher education as lecturers or researchers and others choose further postgraduate study.

Modules

https://www.harper-adams.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/11/animal-behaviour-and-welfare-clinical

Assessment method

A wide range of assessment methods are used. Depending on the module these include examination, assignments, practical spot-tests and presentations.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Harper Adams University, Newport

Study options

  • BSc (Hons) • Sandwich • 4 Years

Start dates

  • 21 September 2026

Apply by
14 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
D390
Institution code:
H12
Campus name:
Harper Adams University, Newport
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1

Harper Adams University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
D390
Institution code:
H12
Campus name:
Harper Adams University, Newport
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff
96 - 128 points

An understanding of a biological science-based subject, for example Biology, Human Biology, Applied Science or Physical Education would be preferable.

A level
CCC

No more than 2 arts-based subjects out of 3.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DDM

An understanding of a biological science-based subject, for example Biology, Human Biology, Applied Science or Physical Education would be preferable.

For applicants taking a City & Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma, offers tend to be in the region of DDM

Please note these grades apply only to the new examined (reformed) version of the Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma which should be 1080 Guided Learning Hours. For the previous version of this course, the City and Guilds Level 3 Extended Diploma, we require grade D. We do not accept the 720 GLH version as fully meeting our Level 3 entry requirements. If you are unsure which version you are studying please contact your school or college for advice.

Access to HE Diploma
D: 15 credits M: 30 credits

An understanding of a biological science-based subject, for example Biology, Human Biology, Applied Science or Physical Education would be preferable.

Scottish Higher
BBCC

An understanding of a biological science-based subject, for example Biology, Human Biology, Applied Science or Physical Education would be preferable.

Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF)
D*DD

An understanding of a biological science-based subject, for example Biology, Human Biology, Applied Science or Physical Education would be preferable.
Please note these grades apply only to the old non-examined version of the Level 3 Extended Diploma which should be 1080 Guided Learning Hours. We do not accept the 720 GLH version as fully meeting our Level 3 entry requirements.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
28 points

Pass with 28 overall with a relevant subject passed with 5 at higher level
An understanding of a biological science-based subject, for example Biology, Human Biology, Applied Science or Physical Education would be preferable.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)

We accept the Welsh Baccalaureate as equivalent to a full A level. For further information please contact the Admissions team.

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H3, H3, H3, H3

BBBB under the previous system.
An understanding of a biological science-based subject, for example Biology, Human Biology, Applied Science or Physical Education would be preferable.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

Minimum of 4 GCSE’s at grade C/4 including English Language, Maths and Science.

T Level
M

Accepted subject Agriculture, Land Management and Production
Routes: Livestock production

Accepted subject Animal Care and Management
Routes: Animal Care and Management, Equine Care and Management

Accepted subject Science
Routes: Laboratory Sciences

For full entry requirements, including details of all other qualifications accepted, please see our website www.harper.ac.uk.

An understanding of a biological science based subject, for example Biology, Human Biology, Applied Science or Physical Education would be preferable. We would welcome applications from candidates offering other evidence of their suitability for this programme.

The University is happy to consider applications from those who are studying mixed qualifications, such as combinations of BTECs and A levels. Due to the numerous combinations available it is impossible to state the entry requirements for these, but applicants can expect to receive offers with comparable grades to those without mixed qualifications. For advice please contact the Admissions Team.

The University is committed to bringing fresh talent to the industries we serve and has developed a range of initiatives to give everyone the best chance to access our undergraduate programmes. Known as 'Access to Harper' our contextualised offer scheme recognises difficulties that some applicants may face and provides those applicants with an offer lower than our standard requirements. Further details can be found at https://www.harper-adams.ac.uk/apply/how-to-apply/access.cfm

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

Additional entry requirements

Other
Interviews will take place on an ad-hoc basis should the Course Manager wish to discuss any aspect of your application and for all potentially suitable applicants who require visa sponsorship.

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

This 4 year course consists of 3 years on campus at a cost of £9535 per year with a placement in year 3 which costs £1905 (Fees for International students are £16500 per year with a placement in year 3 which costs £3,848)

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