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Full-time
3 years (4 years if taken with the optional sandwich year)
Typical Offer
Department
Campus
Brayford Pool
Validation Status
Validated
Fees
UCAS Code
D790
Course Code
EQSABWUB
Dr Jonathan Cooper - Programme Leader
Jonathan Cooper has been a leading academic in animal welfare research for over 30 years. His early research involved understanding the causes and effects of stereotypic behaviour in captive animals, the welfare of caged hens, and the welfare of fur-farmed mink. More recently, he has investigated the use of electronic aids in dogs and the housing of captive carnivores in zoos, and this work has contributed to changing practise in dog training and zoo animal management.
Academic Staff ListThe scientific study of animal behaviour and welfare furthers our understanding of why animals behave in the way that they do, and helps us learn how best to respond to the challenges that animals face when living in captive and wild environments.
This degree employs a multi-disciplinary, research-driven approach to the study of animal behaviour and welfare. The course aims to help students develop the knowledge and skills needed to understand animal behaviour and welfare, working, for example, with insects, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
It is informed by academics who are considered to be at the forefront of their respective fields in welfare assessment, animal management, evolutionary biology, and animal cognition. This includes leading experts Professor Daniel Mills, who specialises in clinical animal behaviour; Professor Anna Wilkinson, who specialises in animal cognition; and Professor Oliver Burman, who specialises in assessment of animal welfare.
There are two residential field trips in the UK, enabling students to study animals in their natural habitats and develop their academic and professional skills in the field. For UK based field trips, the University will cover costs of transport, accommodation, and meals at the field site.
There is also an overseas field trip available in your third year as part of the optional 'Overseas Field Course' module.
In the first year, students can develop a solid foundation in animal anatomy and physiology, cell biology, genetics, captive animal management, and animal behaviour.
These themes are developed further in the second year through the study of specialist subjects dealing with animal behaviour, health, and disease.
In the final year, core modules focus on pure and applied aspects of animal behaviour and welfare. Students also undertake a supervised, independent research project.
We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. To help you choose the course that’s right for you, we aim to bring to your attention all the important information you may need. Our What You Need to Know page offers detailed information on key areas including contact hours, assessment, optional modules, and additional costs.
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
The way students are assessed on this course may vary for each module. Examples of assessment methods that are used include coursework, such as written assignments, reports or dissertations; practical exams, such as presentations, performances or observations; and written exams, such as formal examinations or in-class tests. The weighting given to each assessment method may vary across each academic year. The University of Lincoln aims to ensure that staff return in-course assessments to students promptly.
Students can participate in two residential fully-funded field trips in the UK, enabling them to study animals and plants in the wild. There is also an overseas field trip in the third year. Destinations may vary, but have previously included the cloud forests of Ecuador, the Mankwe Wildlife Reserve in South Africa, and Peniche in Portugal.
This optional module in the third year provides the opportunity to do research in a novel environment and to study local plants and animals. Destinations may vary, but have previously included the cloud forests of Ecuador, the Mankwe Wildlife Reserve in South Africa, and Peniche in Portugal.
Students who opt to undertake a field trip overseas will be expected to cover transport costs (including flight costs). These costs will vary depending on the location of the field trip. Accommodation and meals at the field sites are fully funded by the University.
Students may be required to pay for overnight stays, local travel, and food close to the destination if their flights arrive the day before the team are scheduled to meet. Students may bring personal items of clothing and travel equipment, some of which may be specialised for the environment they are travelling to, and recommended medicines and travel toiletries such as anti-malaria medication, vaccinations, insect repellent, and sunscreen. These costs will depend on what students choose to bring.
This course is informed by academics who are considered to be at the forefront of their respective fields in welfare assessment, animal management, evolutionary biology, and animal cognition. These include Professor Daniel Mills, Professor Anna Wilkinson, Professor Oliver Burman, and Dr Jonathan Cooper.
Our research work is read widely by the scientific community as well as informing the Government, animal welfare sector, and animal industry regarding animal protection. Research projects have included leading work with cats, dogs, rabbits, horses, reptiles, and parrots, both at the University of Lincoln and working with research partners. Students at Lincoln have conducted project work on a wide range of zoo based species in partnership with local zoos, including polar bears, hunting dogs, tigers, meerkats, and primates.
As well as informing teaching by providing deeper understanding of how animals see the world, our engagement with animal welfare research and legislation provides insights into how to bring about meaningful, scientifically valid improvements in animal protection and the practical and effective management of animals in our care.
All full-time Animal Behaviour and Welfare students may take an optional placement year between the second and third year of the programme. These placements are student-led though students will be continuously supported by academic staff throughout. Placements provide the opportunity to gain workplace experience and a chance to hone students' skills in a professional environment. When students are on an optional placement in the UK, they will be required to cover their own transport, accommodation, and meals costs.
A Level: BBB, to include a grade B in Biology or Psychology (120 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 3 A levels or equivalent qualifications).
International Baccalaureate: 30 points overall to include Higher Level grade 5 in Biology or Psychology.
BTEC Extended Diploma in Animal Management/Applied Science*: Distinction, Distinction, Merit or equivalent.
*not all modules are accepted. Please contact our Admissions team for further information (admissions@lincoln.ac.uk).
BTEC Diploma Applied Science acceptable with other qualifications. Please contact our Admissions team for further information (admissions@lincoln.ac.uk).
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 120 UCAS Tariff points, including 40 points from 15 credits in Biology or Psychology.
A combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTEC, EPQ, etc.
Applicants will also need at least three GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, which must include English, Maths, and Science. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.
The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry. We will also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.
Non UK Qualifications:
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/
EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.
For applicants who do not meet our standard entry requirements, our Science Foundation Year can provide an alternative route of entry onto our full degree programmes:
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/course/sfysfyub/lifesciences/
If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk
Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.
For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.
“My degree prepared me for my job at a major UK dog rescue charity as it provided me with up-to-date training techniques, the confidence to apply these techniques, and animal welfare knowledge.”
Sophie Bromley, BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare graduateGraduates have gone on to work in both practical and research roles that involve the management, welfare, training, and conservation of companion, farm, and wild animals. Some graduates choose to continue their studies at Master’s or PhD level at the University of Lincoln, including our MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour.
The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to join us for one of our Open Days. Visiting us in person is important and will help you to get a real feel for what it might be like to study here.
Book Your Place
Biology is the science of life itself, exploring the structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution of living organisms.
Bioveterinary Science at Lincoln explores the biological processes that underlie animal health and disease.
Zoology is an exploration of how animals have evolved, how they function, and the ways in which they interact with their environment.
At Lincoln, we strive to make sure our student experience is engaging, supportive, and academically challenging. That is why, in response to the issues presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, we have been prioritising face-to-face teaching sessions for our new and returning students in areas where they are the most valuable, such as seminars, tutorials, workshops, and lab and practical sessions. Additional online opportunities have been introduced where they support learning and have been shown to be successful and popular with our current students.
Safety remains a key focus. We are fully prepared to adapt our plans if changes in Government guidance makes this necessary, and we will endeavour to keep current and prospective students informed. For more information about how we are working to keep our community safe, please visit our coronavirus web pages.
