Course contact details
Admissions Office
Email:admissions@rvc.ac.uk
Phone:020 7468 5147
Royal Veterinary College, University of London
Royal College Street
Westminster
NW1 0TU
Animal Biology, Behaviour, Welfare and Ethics
- Bachelor of Science (with Honours)
- 3 Years
- Full-Time
- September 2027
- Undergraduate
- main site
- Awarded by:
- University of London
Course summary
The BSc Animal Biology, Behaviour, Welfare and Ethics is a full-time three-year undergraduate degree. The course builds on the scientific excellence of our BSc Biological Sciences programme and is taught by staff from our outstanding Animal Welfare, Science and Ethics group. The group works closely with farmers, animal owners, policy makers and welfare charities.
This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology following an independent and rigorous assessment. Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers.
During this programme, you will consider fundamental biological questions using a range of field techniques. These include animal perception and adaptation as well as exploring the practical and ethical implications of animal management and welfare. There will be opportunities to study welfare and behaviour across a range of species, including farm, companion, laboratory and zoo animals.
Part of the final year will be devoted to a major research project, to be carried out either at the RVC or with one of our partners.
Modules
Assessment method
You will be continuously assessed throughout your course, followed by final examinations. You will also be assessed on in-course work, such as completing tests, analysing data and samples, delivering presentations, and writing essays. A major part of your biological sciences courses is the undertaking of a research project.
The estimated breakdown of assessment for your final grade is:
-
Written (coursework, which may include essays, presentations, journal clubs) - 22%
-
Examination (practical, written) – 45%
-
Projects (individual and group work, research) - 33%
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- Royal Society of Biology
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- main site
Study options
- Bachelor of Science (with Honours) • Full-Time • 3 Years
Start dates
- September 2027
Apply by
13 January 2027
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:
- R84
- Campus name:
- main site
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1, 2
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
Royal Veterinary College, University of London 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
13 January 2027
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:
- R84
- Campus name:
- main site
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
Entry requirements
Typical qualification requirements
A levelABB-CCC
EITHER:
ABB including Biology or Chemistry at grade A
OR:
BBB including:
Biology or Chemistry;
Another science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths;
A third subject of your choice (excluding General Studies).
Contextual Offers:
Offers of a grade below in each subject will be made to those meeting certain Widening Participation (WP) criteria, i.e. a BBB offer would become CCC for WP students and an ABB offer would become BCC for WP students. No separate application is required but care leavers should submit proof from the relevant local authority once they have applied.
ABB including Biology or Chemistry at grade A
OR:
BBB including:
Biology or Chemistry;
Another science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths;
A third subject of your choice (excluding General Studies).
Contextual Offers:
Offers of a grade below in each subject will be made to those meeting certain Widening Participation (WP) criteria, i.e. a BBB offer would become CCC for WP students and an ABB offer would become BCC for WP students. No separate application is required but care leavers should submit proof from the relevant local authority once they have applied.
UCAS TariffNot accepted
Scottish Higher
See 'Scottish Advanced Higher'.
Access to HE DiplomaDistinction: 15 Merit: 30
Diplomas must be Science based and include a minimum of 15 Level 3 credits in Chemistry at Distinction OR 15 Level 3 credits in Biology at Distinction, and with Merits achieved in all other Level 3 modules.
It is expected that applicants undertaking the Access to HE Diploma will normally be returning to education after a period of at least three years absence. If have extenuating circumstances which mean you do not fulfil this please contact the Admissions team on admissions@rvc.ac.uk before you submit your application.
It is expected that applicants undertaking the Access to HE Diploma will normally be returning to education after a period of at least three years absence. If have extenuating circumstances which mean you do not fulfil this please contact the Admissions team on admissions@rvc.ac.uk before you submit your application.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Only in addition to other qualifications:
6-6 in Combined Science or BB in Science (Double Award) or B in both Science & Additional Science or 6/B in two of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
And at least grade 6 (B) in:
English Language
Mathematics
Welsh applicants
Please note, GCSE Mathematics-Numeracy will not be accepted instead of a B in GCSE Mathematics but is welcomed alongside it, and as part of the Welsh Baccalaureate.
6-6 in Combined Science or BB in Science (Double Award) or B in both Science & Additional Science or 6/B in two of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
And at least grade 6 (B) in:
English Language
Mathematics
Welsh applicants
Please note, GCSE Mathematics-Numeracy will not be accepted instead of a B in GCSE Mathematics but is welcomed alongside it, and as part of the Welsh Baccalaureate.
Scottish Advanced HigherAB-CC
EITHER:
Chemistry or Biology at grade A;
Another subject of your choice at grade B
OR:
Biology or Chemistry at grade B;
Another science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths at grade B.
In addition to:
5 Highers at grade B and at least National 5 grade B in:
English;
Mathematics;
Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
Contextual Offers:
Offers of a grade below in each subject will be made to those meeting certain Widening Participation (WP) criteria, i.e. a BB offer would become CC for WP students and an AB offer would become BC for WP students. No separate application is required but care leavers should submit proof from the relevant local authority once they have applied.
Chemistry or Biology at grade A;
Another subject of your choice at grade B
OR:
Biology or Chemistry at grade B;
Another science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths at grade B.
In addition to:
5 Highers at grade B and at least National 5 grade B in:
English;
Mathematics;
Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
Contextual Offers:
Offers of a grade below in each subject will be made to those meeting certain Widening Participation (WP) criteria, i.e. a BB offer would become CC for WP students and an AB offer would become BC for WP students. No separate application is required but care leavers should submit proof from the relevant local authority once they have applied.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
EITHER:
655 at Higher Level including Biology or Chemistry at grade 6
OR:
555 at Higher Level including:
Biology or Chemistry;
Another science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics;
One other subject of your choice.
Our standard offer is based on specific subject-grade requirements, rather than a total points score.
Where candidates have not taken GCSEs or an equivalent qualification prior to IB, they will need a minimum of grade 5 in:
MYP or SL Mathematics;
SL English A Lang-Lit (or grade 6 in English B).
Candidates from outside the UK may sit a separate English language test such as IELTS in place of the English A requirement above.
Mathematical Studies and English A Literature cannot be accepted in lieu of our English Language and Mathematics requirements, but can be taken on top of existing qualifications that meet our requirements.
655 at Higher Level including Biology or Chemistry at grade 6
OR:
555 at Higher Level including:
Biology or Chemistry;
Another science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics;
One other subject of your choice.
Our standard offer is based on specific subject-grade requirements, rather than a total points score.
Where candidates have not taken GCSEs or an equivalent qualification prior to IB, they will need a minimum of grade 5 in:
MYP or SL Mathematics;
SL English A Lang-Lit (or grade 6 in English B).
Candidates from outside the UK may sit a separate English language test such as IELTS in place of the English A requirement above.
Mathematical Studies and English A Literature cannot be accepted in lieu of our English Language and Mathematics requirements, but can be taken on top of existing qualifications that meet our requirements.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)DDD
The following Level 3 Extended Diplomas are accepted with specific unit requirements (see the RVC website for details):
Pearson 'Applied Science' or 'Applied Science (Biomedical Science)';
Pearson 'Animal Management'
City & Guilds 'Animal Management (Science)'.
Pearson 'Applied Science' or 'Applied Science (Biomedical Science)';
Pearson 'Animal Management'
City & Guilds 'Animal Management (Science)'.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)H2H2H3H3H3H3
H2, H2, H3, H3, H3, H3 including:
Biology or Chemistry;
Another science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths.
If not included in the above, O3 is required in:
A second natural science (i.e. Biology, Chemistry or Physics);
English;
Mathematics.
Biology or Chemistry;
Another science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths.
If not included in the above, O3 is required in:
A second natural science (i.e. Biology, Chemistry or Physics);
English;
Mathematics.
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)B-C
Applicants who have achieved this qualification with grade B will be accepted with two A Levels, including:
EITHER:
Biology or Chemistry at grade A;
Another subject of your choice (excluding General Studies) at grade B
OR:
Biology or Chemistry at grade B;
Another science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths at grade B.
Contextual Offers:
Offers of a grade below in each subject will be made to those meeting certain Widening Participation (WP) criteria, i.e. a BB + B in Welsh Bacc. offer would become CC + C in Welsh Bacc. for WP students and an AB + B in Welsh Bacc. offer would become BC + C in Welsh Bacc. for WP students. No separate application is required but care leavers should submit proof from the relevant local authority once they have applied.
EITHER:
Biology or Chemistry at grade A;
Another subject of your choice (excluding General Studies) at grade B
OR:
Biology or Chemistry at grade B;
Another science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths at grade B.
Contextual Offers:
Offers of a grade below in each subject will be made to those meeting certain Widening Participation (WP) criteria, i.e. a BB + B in Welsh Bacc. offer would become CC + C in Welsh Bacc. for WP students and an AB + B in Welsh Bacc. offer would become BC + C in Welsh Bacc. for WP students. No separate application is required but care leavers should submit proof from the relevant local authority once they have applied.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - PrincipalM1M2M2-M2M2M2
EITHER:
M1, M2, M2 in three Principal Subjects including Biology or Chemistry at grade M1
OR:
M2, M2, M2 in three Principal subjects including:
Biology or Chemistry;
Another science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths;
One other subject of your choice.
M1, M2, M2 in three Principal Subjects including Biology or Chemistry at grade M1
OR:
M2, M2, M2 in three Principal subjects including:
Biology or Chemistry;
Another science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths;
One other subject of your choice.
Additional entry requirements
- Health Checks
- Enrolment will be subject to passing an Occupational Health assessment.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 7 | No less than 6.5 in each component is required |
https://www.rvc.ac.uk/study/international-students/english-language-requirements
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.
Historical entry grades report
This report uses your grades to show how students with similar results have done when applying to this course in the past. Sometimes, there isn’t data for every possible set of grades. When that happens, universities and colleges occasionally fill in the gaps for sets of grades that are typically accepted.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Per year tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| EU & International | £27510* | |
| England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland & Channel Islands | £9790* |
* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
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
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Related courses
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