Animal Behaviour and Welfare (Top Up)

Focused on animal behaviour and welfare, this programme is designed to allow those with a relevant level 5 qualification to top up to a level 6 BSc (Hons) degree. With an emphasis on applied knowledge and skills, you will learn in a flexible environment that encourages you to achieve your full potential within a structured and vigorous framework. Your academic curriculum will be supported by our extensive facilities. Our Animal Management Centre houses a wide range of animals including invertebrates, amphibians, fish, reptiles, birds, small mammals and primates. In addition, you will have access to Bishop Burtons licensed boarding kennels and grooming parlour, a well-stocked livestock farm and large equine yard housing over 80 horses.

Year 1 Modules
Behavioural Assessment of Welfare
Animal Cognition and Ethics
Science of Welfare
Animals in Society Dissertation

Learning and Teaching Approach
This programme is delivered with a variety of learning and teaching approaches to include all students' learning styles and preferences.
For all modules, theory lectures are delivered that aim to provide the core content and underpinning knowledge.
To complement the theory lectures, you will have group seminars and practical sessions that are used to reinforce concepts delivered theoretically.
The teaching methods focus on facilitating a student-centred approach to enhance the independent learning that takes place outside of the classroom.

What is the contact time?
Approximately up to 9 hours a week (full-time) to include lectures, seminars, practical's and tutorials. Students are expected to carry out a significant amount of private study (approx. 25-30 hours a week) Independent study includes extra reading and research, preparing for tutorials and seminars, preparing for and completing module assessments, and applying theoretical knowledge in practical settings where the opportunity arises, forming an essential part of a student’s learning journey. The part-time route incorporates approximately 5 hours of contact time per week, and independent study of (approximately 12-15 hours a week).

Students can expect to receive their timetables during induction week.

What else can I expect?

• Animal Management Unit housing a wide range of species including meerkats, racoon dogs, primates, alpacas, marsupials, invertebrates, tropical and marine fish, reptiles, rodents and a nocturnal house.

• Dedicated dog training area, commercial dog kennels and grooming facilities, commercial sheep and beef enterprises, equine yard and schools.

• Additional facilities include Science Centre, IT suites, dedicated University Centre, study spaces and social areas, and modern Learning Resources Centre.

• Online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) used to enhance and facilitate teaching and independent learning on all programmes.

• Our experienced Life Coaches are on hand to help you through your University journey from mentoring and coaching to health, wellbeing and resilience. Learn more about how our Life Coaches can support you: https://www.bishopburton.ac.uk/university-centre/life-skills-team-at-ucbb

• Students have access to a range of support through our study skills, and health and wellbeing teams. Further information can be found on our website: https://www.bishopburton.ac.uk/student-life/student-support

• Relevant extra-curricular activity and/or work experience is encouraged of all students in order to enhance learning.

What kind of job could I get when I graduate?
After developing extensive knowledge of animal behaviour and welfare, Graduates may pursue a number of varied careers, including but not limited to, welfare inspectors (e.g. DEFRA, RSPCA), laboratory animal technician, welfare researcher, environmental enrichment co-ordinator, behaviour advisor, animal training, charity employee (Dogs Trust, Guide Dogs for the blind etc) zoo keeping or education.