Animal Behaviour and Welfare (with Foundation Year)

Develop your expertise in animal behaviour and welfare and turn your passion into your career. Study the fascinating biology behind behaviour and consider ethical issues.

This foundation year pathway provides an alternative route into degree-level study. It’s ideal for those who need to gain subject-specific knowledge and skills in order to progress onto the full BSc qualification.

You’ll be exposed to the latest research in the field of animal behaviour and welfare, and develop industry-standard practical skills to assess welfare, measure behaviour, train animals and manage domestic, exotic and wild species.

Gain first-hand experience of fieldwork and research through trips and interactions with industry professionals. Whether you want to become a welfare officer, trainer or researcher, you’ll be prepared for a range of careers in the animal sector.

If you’re considering going into international conservation, an optional field trip to Mankwe Wildlife Reserve, South Africa, allows you to experience wildlife and conservation in action, for a valuable insight into this rewarding career.

Benefit from a 360-hectare campus that’s home to a diverse range of animals. Our 70-species Animal Collection provides opportunities to assess the behaviour and welfare of domestic and non-domestic animals in different contexts. You’ll also have access to our commercial farm and equine yard.

Course Modules

Our modules are developed regularly to reflect student and industry demands, ensuring you’re well prepared to enter skilled employment on graduation. The majority of courses are comprised of both compulsory and optional modules, the latter of which you'll be able to choose from to suit your interests and career goals. Most courses also include work placement learning, to help you gain essential experience for your future.

Modules include: Foundation Skills Development, Academic Skills in Practice (internship), Reviewing Literature, Foundation Animal Studies, Foundation Biological Principles, Animal Behaviour, Genetics, Evolution and Biodiversity, Animal Health and Disease, Introduction to Animal Welfare, Systems Biology, Professional and Academic Skills in Animal Biology, Animal Welfare Assessment, Ethics and Welfare, Research Methods for Agricultural and Animal Scientists, Dissertation, Animal Trade and Welfare.

Modules are sometimes subject to change.

Optional modules change each year - you can attend introductory sessions before deciding which ones to study. For more information, please visit https://www.hartpury.ac.uk/university/courses/undergraduate/bsc-hons-animal-behaviour-and-welfare-with-foundation-year/