Course description
Learn about the behaviour and welfare of companion animals, and prepare for a career in the burgeoning pet industry, with our Animal Management (Pet Behaviour and Welfare) degree at ARU Writtle.
With pet ownership levels in the UK rising in recent years, there’s increased demand for services such as professional trainers and behaviourists.
Our industry-focused course prepares you for employment in a range of companion animal roles.
You’ll be taught by specialist staff, and benefit from campus facilities including dedicated canine and equine centres, a small animal unit and a working farm. Throughout your course, there’s the chance to join ‘behind the scenes’ trips and other experiences.
We offer a number of animal management degrees at ARU Writtle, with a common first year and the chance to specialise in years 2-3. With our Animal Management (Pet Behaviour and Welfare) course, your focus will be on animal behaviour, training and welfare, as well as professional practice.
Our degree course is recognised by the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC). As a graduate, you’ll be ready to work as an animal trainer, animal training instructor, animal behaviour technician or clinical animal behaviourist.
Upcoming start dates
Suitability - Who should attend?
For information on admission requirements, please contact the provider.
Training Course Content
Year One
Core modules
- Professional Skills for the Animal Industry (30 credits)
- Animal Biology (30 credits)
- Ethics of Animal Use (15 credits)
- Human-Animal Interaction (15 credits)
- Animal Husbandry (15 credits)
- Ecology and Evolution (15 credits)
Year Two
Core modules
- Research Methods (15 credits)
- Commercial and Professional Skills for Animal Science (15 credits)
- Behaviour (15 credits)
- Animal Health and Welfare (15 credits)
- Professional Practice and Legislation (15 credits)
- Principles of Animal Nutrition
- Reproduction and Breeding (15 credits)
- Applied Behaviour and Training (15 credits)
Year Three
Core modules
- Capstone Project (30 credits)
- Applied Nutrition and Feeding (15 credits)
- Applied Health Management (15 credits)
- Clinical Animal Behaviour (15 credits)
- Strategies and Issues in Animal Breeding (15 credits)
- Applied Behaviour and Animal Welfare (15 credits)
- Developing Clinical Practice (15 credits)
Course delivery details
- BSc (Hons) | 3 Years or 4 Years with a Foundation Year
- CertHE | 1 Year
- DipHE | 2 Years
Modules are subject to change and availability.
Assessment
We'll assess your progress in a number of ways, including practical assessments with companion and zoo animals, farm livestock and horses, examinations – both multiple choice and essay questions, presentations, essays and technical reports, assessed seminars, case studies, experimental work and laboratory reports, poster presentations, debates, and your dissertation.
Why choose Writtle University College
Ranked Top University-Sector Institution in East Anglia for overall student satisfaction!
*Based on NSS 2022 Based on Taught Data
Beautiful rural campus situated close to the city of Chelmsford, 40 minutes from London and the coast.
Expenses
- UK student fees - £9250 per year
- Intearnational student fees – £15,900 per year
Continuing Studies
Careers
Our Animal Management (Pet Behaviour and Welfare) degree is recognised by the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC). It prepares you to work as an:
- animal trainer
- animal training instructor
- animal behaviour technician
- clinical animal behaviourist.
You could also consider roles in related fields, with previous graduates finding success working in animal nutrition, animal welfare officer roles, nutrition company sales, and veterinary pharmaceutical and equipment supplies. You might also progress to vet school.
Graduation doesn't have to be the end of your time with us. You might decide to stay at ARU and study a Masters degree, such as ourMSc Animal Welfare and Conservation.
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