Applied Animal Behaviour & Welfare (Top-up)

Boost your career with Plumpton College’s Animal Behaviour and Welfare BSc (Hons) Top-Up Degree, validated by the University of Greenwich. This one-year top-up degree is designed for students progressing from a Foundation Degree or HND in animal behaviour, animal science, or a related subject (e.g., veterinary nursing), who want to advance into specialist, professional roles within the animal sector.

You’ll build on your existing knowledge and work experience while studying advanced subjects including Animal Cognition and Neuroscience, Animal Welfare and the Law, and a choice of specialist modules such as Companion Animal Behaviour Counselling, Human-Animal Interactions, or Contemporary Advances in Animal Behaviour.

You’ll benefit from strong industry connections across the animal behaviour and welfare sectors, with Lunch & Learn guest speaker sessions, applied learning opportunities, and expert teaching delivered in our Animal Education Centre, home to over 200 animal species. Our experienced lecturers are committed to helping you progress into a rewarding animal-related career.

What will you learn on this Animal Behaviour and Welfare top-up degree?
You will explore current issues in animal behaviour and welfare science, learning how to assess animal behaviour across a range of contexts and develop practical, evidence-based solutions to complex animal welfare challenges.

The course includes global industry case studies, opportunities to engage with professionals working in the sector, and the development of high-level critical thinking, research, and problem-solving skills. Graduates are prepared for careers in animal welfare management, consultancy, research, education, or advanced husbandry roles.

Course delivery and expertise

This Animal Behaviour and Welfare BSc (Hons) Top-up Degree is delivered over 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time by a team of highly experienced lecturers and researchers with specialist expertise across the animal sciences. Staff maintain strong professional links with national and international animal welfare organisations, zoos, rescue centres, and research institutions, ensuring the curriculum remains industry-relevant and career-focused.

You may also have the opportunity to take part in an international fieldwork trip to a wildlife centre, enhancing your academic and professional experience.

Top reasons to study Animal Behaviour and Welfare at Plumpton College -

1. Enhance your employability in animal behaviour, animal welfare, and husbandry careers

2. Study a University of Greenwich‑validated top‑up degree

3. Gain immersive learning through real‑world case studies, guest speakers, and networking

4. Benefit from strong links with animal welfare organisations, zoos, and rescue centres

5. Top up your animal‑related foundation degree in one year

6. Exclusive access to University Student Common and Study Rooms

7. Learn in the Plumpton Animal Education Centre with over 200 species

8. Join a college with 100 years of excellence in animal and land‑based education

9. Plumpton College - shaping the future of animal professionals for over a century.

Course Modules

You will study a carefully designed suite of Animal Behaviour and Welfare degree modules that build advanced academic, research, and professional skills aligned with careers in the animal behaviour and animal welfare sectors. Core modules include:

• Independent Research Project – undertake in‑depth research on an area of animal behaviour or animal welfare that matches your academic interests and career goals

• Animal Cognition and Neuroscience – explore the biological and cognitive processes underpinning animal behaviour

• Animal Welfare and the Law – examine ethical, legal, and policy frameworks shaping animal welfare practice nationally and internationally

You will also study two optional modules from the following specialist areas:

• Human–Animal Interactions

• Companion Animal Behaviour Counselling

• Contemporary Advances in Animal Behaviour

These optional modules allow you to tailor the degree to your professional interests, whether you are aiming for roles in animal welfare consultancy, behaviour counselling, research, education, or husbandry.

Availability of optional modules may vary depending on cohort size. Further details can be provided by the Programme Manager.

https://www.plumpton.ac.uk/courses/course/bsc-hons-applied-animal-behaviour-welfare-top-up-bachelors-top-up-degree/

A range of summative assessment methods are integrated into the programme, which includes written reports, essays, case studies, presentations (oral and poster), practical assessments and a portfolio. The independent research project is a core part of the degree, and you will be supported by a supervisor enabling you to develop key research skills including applying for ethical approval, research design and data analysis. Assessments have been designed to be industry-relevant, and reflective of real-world scenarios and working practices. Assessment are also designed to be flexible in terms of the case studies or examples covered, enabling you to explore your own personal and professional interests via your studies.
Students with declared needs may be able to access reasonable adjustments for their assessments.