BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare at Hartpury University

Programme overview

Love animals? Turn your passion into a rewarding career with our Animal Behaviour and Welfare degree. Explore the fascinating science behind animal behaviour, tackle important ethical questions, and gain hands-on experience with domestic, exotic, and wild species.

Duration: 3 or 4 years full-time; part-time available | Study mode: full-time (part-time available; optional integrated placement year) | Location: Gloucester, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

You’ll gain an in depth understanding of key topics in the field of animal behaviour and welfare, with core subjects ranging from behaviour, biology, and genetics, to biodiversity, welfare and ethics. This course is comprised of both compulsory and optional modules, which you'll be able to choose from to suit your interests and career goals. Compulsory modules include Animal Behaviour, Management of Animal Health, Introduction to Animal Welfare, Systems Biology, Genetics, Evolution and Biodiversity, Professional and Academic Skills in Animal Biology, Assessing Animal Welfare, Ethics and Welfare.

Career pathways

Graduate destinations include Welfare Inspector; Dog Trainer; Animal Welfare Assistant, Blue Cross; Animal Carer; Editorial Assistant, BSAVA; Zoo Keeper, Bristol Zoo; Fundraising and Adoptions Officer; Animal Welfare Assistant.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff points: 112 UCAS tariff points. A Levels: BBC or equivalent from at least two full A Levels. Vocational Awards: DMM in an Extended Diploma in a relevant subject. Access: 112 UCAS tariff points in an Access to Higher Education Diploma. International Baccalaureate: 112 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, to include two Highers at H3 or above. T Level: An overall grade of Merit, to include grade C or above in the Core component. In addition to the above, we require a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9-4 (A*-C), to include English and Maths. We will consider equivalencies including but not limited to functional skills level 2, Irish Ordinary level, National 5s, IB standard level. The minimum academic entry requirement for this programme is 80 UCAS tariff points, providing this is combined with relevant experience.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,790 a year (2026/27). Full-time undergraduate degree fee (UK, ROI, Crown Dependencies, BOT); integrated placement year charged at 20% of the course fee Source

International applicants: GBP 17,250 a year (2026/27). International tuition fee for BSc degrees; integrated placement year charged at 20% of the course fee Source

Duration: 3 or 4 years full-time; part-time available

Apply through the official page: https://digital.ucas.com/coursedisplay/courses/12d38ae0-bf95-4cb0-cb8b-e48d016898ea?academicYearId=2027

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