Animal Management (Pet Behaviour and Welfare) with Foundation Year

Shape the future of pet welfare, study companion animal behaviour on our ABTC-recognised course and build a successful career in the growing pet industry.
Our BSc (Hons) Animal Management (Pet Behaviour and Welfare) blends scientific theory with hands-on experience to prepare you for careers in animal behaviour, training and welfare. With UK pet ownership rising and demand for qualified professionals growing, you’ll develop the essential practical and academic skills needed to succeed. From working with a diverse range of species to gaining real clinical insight in our Pet Behaviour Clinic, you’ll graduate confident and career ready.

Why ARU?

• Gain hands-on experience with a wide range of species from day one

• Learn in our on-site Pet Behaviour Clinic, observing and supporting real consultations

• Benefit from expert teaching, guest lectures and connect through strong industry links

• Study a holistic curriculum covering behaviour, nutrition, health, welfare, ethics, legislation and business

• Recognised by the ABTC, with eligibility for Associate Membership of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors

• Gain real-world experience through field trips to rescue centres, wildlife organisations and other institutions

You’ll start by learning about the fundamentals of animal management, covering biology, ethics, and essential practical and professional skills.
In years 2-3, as well as building on your knowledge of these core topics, you’ll focus on animal behaviour, training and welfare as they pertain to companion animals, and develop the specific professional skills you need to work as a pet trainer or behaviourist.
You’ll round off your degree with an independent research project on a relevant topic of your choice, drawing on everything you’ve learned over the three years.
All BSc students study the same modules (with the addition of foundation year modules for those taking the 4-year course). Cert HE students study Year 1 BSc modules.

Modules are subject to change and availability. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
Year 1: Academic and Personal Management Skills (20 credits), Biological Concepts (Introduction to Laboratory Skills) (20 credits), Maths for IT and Science (15 credits), Chemistry for Life Sciences (15 credits), Applied Industry Techniques (30 credits), Independent (Themed) Project (20 credits)
Year 2: Biology (30 credits), Ecology and Evolution (15 credits), Industry Skills and Professional Wellbeing (30 credits), Ethics of Animal Use (15 credits), Human-Animal Interaction (15 credits), Into ARU
Year 3: Ruskin Module (15 credits), Behaviour (15 credits), Principles of Animal Nutrition (15 credits), Research Methods (15 credits), Animal Breeding and Development (15 credits), Animal Health and Welfare (15 credits), Professional Practice and Legislation (15 credits), Applied Behaviour and Training (15 credits)
Year 4: Major Project (30 credits), Applied Behaviour and Animal Welfare (15 credits), People Management, Training and Support (15 credits), Applied Nutrition and Feeding (15 credits), Strategies and Issues in Animal Breeding (15 credits), Clinical Animal Behaviour (15 credits), Developing Clinical Practice (15 credits)

We'll assess your progress in a number of ways to ensure practical and academic competence, including assignments, reports, written examinations, observed structured practical examinations, observed structured clinical examinations, oral presentations, debates, and your dissertation.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC)