Foundation Year
The Foundation Year is ideal if you have the interest and ability to study for a degree, but do not have the qualifications to enter directly onto the Animal Behaviour honours degree programme yet.
Once you pass the Foundation Year you will progress directly onto the first year of the honours degree. If you are a full-time UK student, you will qualify for student financial support for the full duration of your course (subject to eligibility criteria).
About the BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour degree
Modules cover animal behaviour in a range of environments – from natural behaviour in the tropics and temperate habitats; terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems; through to the behaviour and welfare of domestic and captive animals.
Regular field work underpins the development of theoretical knowledge, giving students the practical skills to engage in the study of animal behaviour. Guided by the expertise of staff who run long-term field projects on endangered species, an important part of the programme is the training in observational methods. Students will have ample opportunities to try out their techniques on wild animals in the UK and abroad, as well as on captive animals in Chester Zoo, the Welsh Mountain Zoo, Blackpool Zoo, Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Snowdonia National Park, Blue Planet Aquarium and Knowsley Safari Park, which are all close by.
There is an international field trip during Level 5. Students can also take part in an international expedition to the tropics during Level 6 (currently to Costa Rica) to observe first-hand how animals behave in such habitats.
On top of your academic studies, you will have the opportunity to undertake a short (4-6 week) work-based placement and/or a year's sandwich placement in the UK or abroad. You can also choose to study at a different university for one semester in our Study Abroad Programme.
Placements give you a chance to put your skills and knowledge into practice, as well as developing personal and subject-related skills and acquiring new skills to enhance your CV. They could even lead to employment with the same organisation or through the contacts you make.
