Why do animals behave the way they do – and how can you use this knowledge to manage, conserve and protect species? Find out on the UK’s longest-established animal behaviour degree. Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology, our Cambridge-based course offers an integrated, scientific approach, with hands-on lab experience, field trips in Europe and Uganda, and an optional placement year. You could make the difference between future generations seeing species live or reading about them in history books.
Naked mole rats can run as fast backwards as they can forwards. Male penguins propose to their partners with the gift of a stone. Elephants bury their dead.
We understand more than ever before about the behaviour of animals – but with so much more to learn, could you be the one to discover one of the major scientific breakthroughs of the 21st century?
Our three year degree is the longest-established animal behaviour course in the UK, and the degree is recognised by the Society of Biology. Learn how and why animals behave the way they do, and how this can impact on the management and conservation of wild and domesticated creatures. You’ll develop the skills you’ll need to investigate animals and contribute to important discoveries in the future.
By studying animal behaviour, you’ll learn how we can manage and protect species. The development, physiology and evolution of species will form the basis of this course, but it’s not all theory. It’s a practical subject and we give you plenty of opportunities to learn and practise both in the lab and the field. In your second year you’ll take a series of half day trips to learn about and practise advanced behavioural data collection, the costs of which are included in your course fees. On our optional field trips you might experience rutting red deer on the island of Rum; marine biology in Scotland; world-class zoos in the Netherlands; wildlife and ecology in Africa; and diving and marine biology in the Red Sea. You’ll need to pay for these trips.
Our staff are involved in field and captive studies internationally and in the UK, and have research links with organisations studying British wildlife and at Britain's most respected zoos.
Course Details - Modules
Year one, core modules
Origins of Life
Introduction to Wildlife and Conservation
Introduction to Animal Behaviour
Biomeasurement
Ecology
Animal Form and Function
Introduction to Marine Biology
Evolution and Biodiversity
Year two, core modules
Biological Bases of Behaviour
Evolution of Behaviour
Animal Learning and Training
Biological Research Skills
Practical Skills for Animal Behaviour
Year two, optional modules
Animal Health and Nutrition
Invertebrate Biology
Vertebrate Biology
Parasitology
Principles of Genetics and Evolution
Year three, core modules
Behavioural Ecology
Cognition, Evolution and Behaviour
Applied Ethology and Animal Welfare
Undergraduate Major Project
Year three, optional modules
Advanced Approaches in Animal Management
Mammalogy
Human Behaviour Change for Animal Welfare
Zoos and Zoo Animal Management
Tropical Ecology and Management
Animal Communication
Population Ecology and Wildlife Management
Practical Marine Biology
Wildlife Conservation
Course Details – Assessment Method
We’ll assess you in a number of ways, with most modules including a combination of written assignments and exams. For some modules, you may be asked to present or produce a poster, portfolio or workbook.
Course Details – Professional Bodies
Professional Bodies are not listed for this Course.
How to Apply
26 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:
C120
Institution code:
A60
Campus Name:
Cambridge Campus
Campus code:
Points of Entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Year 1
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.
International applicants
Standard Qualification Requirements
112 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels (or equivalent), including a pass in Biology or Psychology.
2020 entry requirements are under review for the next cycle and have been published using the current cycle information. Please check back when Apply opens for the exact requirements.
If English is not your first language you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.0 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
