MSc Animal Behaviour at University of Chester

From newts to bats, gorillas to cats, there’s always more to learn about the mechanisms underlying behaviour. On this course, you will get to grips with cutting-edge techniques used by top scientists to uncover the secrets of the natural world. You will explore how our most recent findings can be applied to solve real-world problems, such as enhancing captive animal management or mitigating the effects of climate change.

Faculty: Faculty of Science, Business and Enterprise  |  Department: School of Natural Sciences  |  Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time (Full-Time, Part-Time); 2 years (Full-Time with Project/Placement Year)  |  Study mode: full-time, part-time, placement year option  |  Intake: October 2026, October 2027  |  Location: Chester, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Six taught modules use a lively seminar and discussion group format to support deep learning and skills acquisition. Core modules include Field Research Techniques, Molecular Tools for Animal Science, Contemporary Science Communication, Wild Animal Behaviour, Captive Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Research Methods in the Natural Sciences.

Career pathways

Our course is specifically targeted at giving you the skills you need to pursue a successful career. Whether this is in a behaviour-related field (perhaps managing wild or captive animals, providing behavioural consultancy services, or in academic research) or in a broader career (journalism, teaching or policy-making perhaps), we will help you stand out from the crowd in your applications.

Official programme page