Course contact details
Directorate of External Relations
Email:study@abdn.ac.uk
Phone:+44 (0) 1224 272090
University of Aberdeen
Directorate of Global Engagement, Marketing and Recruitment
King's College
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX
Animal Behaviour and Welfare (advanced entry only)
- BSc (Hons)
- 4 Years
- Full-time
- 15 September 2025
- Undergraduate
- Main Site
Course summary
Exciting opportunity for students with an HND in Animal Care to enter year 3 of Scotland’s only BSc programme in Animal Behaviour and Welfare. Our BSc Animal Behaviour and Welfare prepares students for graduate careers by providing an exciting opportunity to explore the science that underpins our understanding of animal behaviour and welfare.
We are the only University in Scotland to offer HND Animal Care students the opportunity to “top up” their qualifications with a BSc Honours degree. This additional qualification will enhance your employability and open up additional opportunities in terms of career options and further study.
Upon completion of the programme, you will have:
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Developed a thorough knowledge and understanding of core and critical concepts in animal behaviour and welfare.
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Become skilled in collecting, manipulating and analysing data that is relevant to research questions in animal behaviour and welfare.
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Learned how to plan, execute and present an independent piece of work.
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Developed the skills and confidence to construct a reasoned argument to support your position on ethical issues relevant to animal welfare.
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Practised communication of science with both peers and non-scientists.
If you are not currently undertaking an HND, then you should apply for Year 1 entry to the BSc Animal Behaviour (UCAS Code - C349).
Modules
View all modules on the programme page to find out more about what you will be studying and when. University of Aberdeen modules are designed to give you breadth and depth to your degree. The range of modules you study will allow you to become proficient in all subjects which are directly relevant to your degree giving you greater career options.
Assessment method
The use of various forms of assessment and learning environments facilitates the development of generic transferable skills enhancing student employability.
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods: coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course; practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course; and written examinations at the end of each course. The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
How to apply
This course is not accepting applications at this time. Please contact the provider to find out more.
Apply by
29 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:
- C345
- Institution code:
- A20
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 3
Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)
Only available for direct entry into Year 3.
Satisfactory completion of HND Animal Care or Applied Sciences (240 SCQF credit points). A in all Graded Units.
Curriculum to include: Ecology and Ecosystems(H39A 34) or University of Aberdeen online Introductory Ecology course and Statistics for Science (H8XT 33) or Aberdeen University Online Statistics Course (BI2021).
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Entry requirements
Scottish HNDPass
This programme is only available as direct entry into Year 3 for candidates holding a relevant HND qualification, e.g. HND in Animal Care or HND Applied Sciences (240 SCQF credit points). Candidates are expected to have achieved an A in all Graded Units.
Curriculum to include: Ecology and Ecosystems (H39A 34) or University of Aberdeen online Introductory Ecology course and Statistics for Science (H8XT 33) or Aberdeen University Online Statistics Course (BI2021).
Curriculum to include: Ecology and Ecosystems (H39A 34) or University of Aberdeen online Introductory Ecology course and Statistics for Science (H8XT 33) or Aberdeen University Online Statistics Course (BI2021).
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | Overall - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 5.5 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above. IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training are not accepted. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 78 | TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition (online) - DI code is 0818: Overall 78 with: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 18 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above. |
| PTE Academic | 59 | Overall - 59 with: Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. Online Test is not accepted. |
| Trinity ISE | Pass | Pass overall at ISE II with a distinction in writing and merit in the other three skills. |
| Institution's Own Test | Academic English Pre-sessional Programmes - Pass (valid for one year) OR Academic English Preparation Programme - Pass at Level Four (valid for one year) | |
| Cambridge English Advanced | C | Overall - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing -169. |
| Cambridge English Proficiency | C | Overall - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing -169. |
To study for an undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write academic English fluently. These skills will allow you to understand lectures, produce high standards of written work, and perform well in examinations.
We can assess your English language proficiency through a variety of means: through your nationality, through the qualifications you gained in high school, or through a recognised English language test. Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your degree programme, unless otherwise stated.
Please use the checklist at the following webpage to determine how you can meet our English language requirements:https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/undergraduate-degrees-english-requirements-268.php
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 available
Historical entry grades data is not currently available for University of Aberdeen - we are working with them to try and make it available soon - 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 |
|---|
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
EU/International Applicants: When you are thinking about studying overseas, it is important that you understand all the costs involved and budget accordingly. It is essential to budget for your studies prior to leaving your home country, and arrange all your funding for BOTH your tuition fees and your living costs.
Sponsorship information
Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.
View the University of Aberdeen Online Prospectus programme page to find out about any scholarships and funding you may be eligible to apply for.
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