Animal Management (Pet Behaviour and Welfare) with Foundation Year

Learn about the behaviour and welfare of companion animals, and prepare for a career in the burgeoning pet industry.

With pet ownership levels in the UK rising in recent years, there’s increased demand for services such as professional trainers and behaviourists.

Our industry-focused course prepares you for employment in a range of companion animal roles.

You’ll be taught by specialist staff, and benefit from campus facilities including dedicated canine and equine centres, a small animal unit and a working farm. Throughout your course, there’s the chance to join ‘behind the scenes’ trips and other experiences.

We offer a number of animal management degrees at ARU in Writtle, with a common first year and the chance to specialise in years 2-3. With our Animal Management (Pet Behaviour and Welfare) course, your focus will be on animal behaviour, training and welfare, as well as professional practice.

Our degree course is recognised by the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC). As a graduate, you’ll be ready to work as an animal trainer, animal training instructor, animal behaviour technician or clinical animal behaviourist.

There are a number of ways to study this course. As well as our 3-year full-time degree, you have the option of studying over:

• 6 years part-time

• 1 year to gain a Certificate in Higher Education

• 4 years including a foundation year, to gain a BSc

You can apply for all full-time courses through UCAS (UK students) or directly to us (part-time and international students).

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.

Course Modules

Year 1: Academic and Personal Management Skills, Biological Concepts (Introduction to Laboratory Skills), Maths for IT and Science, Chemistry for Life Sciences, Applied Industry Techniques, Independent (Themed) Project. Year 2: Professional Skills for the Animal Industry, Animal Biology, Ethics of Animal Use, Human-Animal Interaction, Animal Husbandry, Ecology and Evolution. Year 3: Research Methods, Commercial and Professional Skills for Animal Science, Behaviour, Animal Health and Welfare, Professional Practice and Legislation, Principles of Animal Nutrition, Reproduction and Breeding, Applied Behaviour and Training. Year 4: Capstone Project, Applied Nutrition and Feeding, Applied Health Management, Clinical Animal Behaviour, Strategies and Issues in Animal Breeding, Applied Behaviour and Animal Welfare, Developing Clinical Practice.

Students are assessed 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.