Animal Management (Pet Behaviour and Welfare)
Learn about the behaviour and welfare of companion animals, and prepare for a career in the burgeoning pet industry.
UK students have the option to study this course over one year to achieve a CertHE. You’ll study the same modules as students on Year 1 of the BSc.
It's possible to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as BSc/BA (Hons) students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.
As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students; for example if the BSc/BA (Hons) course takes three years, you can expect to study over six years, though for some courses the part-time length may differ.
in the East of England for undergraduates employed as managers, directors or senior officials.
Source: GOS
With pet ownership levels in the UK rising in recent years, there’s increased demand for services such as professional trainers and behaviourists.
Our course focuses on animal behaviour, training and welfare, preparing you for employment in a range of companion animal roles.
You’ll be taught by specialist staff, and benefit from extensive specialist campus facilities. Throughout your course, there’s the chance to join ‘behind the scenes’ trips and other experiences.
This degree course is recognised by the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC), for the roles of animal trainer, animal training instructor, animal behaviour technician, and clinical animal behaviourist. As a graduate you'll also be eligible for provisional membership of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors.
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Find out more about studying Animal Management at ARU in this short video.
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Careers
Our course’s recognition from the ABTC means you’ll gain the most up-to-date animal training and behaviour knowledge and skills.
These will prepare you to work as an animal trainer, animal training instructor, animal behaviour technician, or clinical animal behaviourist.
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 our MSc Animal Welfare and Conservation. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
Teaching and modules
You’ll start by learning about the fundamentals of animal management, covering biology, ethics, and essential practical and professional skills.
In years 2-3, as well as building on your knowledge of these core topics, you’ll focus on animal behaviour, training and welfare as they pertain to companion animals, and develop the specific professional skills you need to work as a pet trainer or behaviourist.
You’ll round off your degree with an independent research project on a relevant topic of your choice, drawing on everything you’ve learned over the three years.
Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
- 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)
- Into ARU
- 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)
- Major 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)
To prepare you for university study, you can take a foundation year at the start of this course. Find out more about foundation years.
- Academic and Personal Management Skills (20 credits)
- Biological Concepts (Introduction to Laboratory Skills) (20 credits)
- Maths for IT and Science (15 credits)
- Chemistry for Life Sciences (15 credits)
- Applied Industry Techniques (30 credits)
- Independent (Themed) Project (20 credits)
UK students have the option to study this course over one year to achieve a CertHE. You’ll study the same modules as students on Year 1 of the BSc.
It's possible to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as BSc/BA (Hons) students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.
As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students; for example if the BSc/BA (Hons) course takes three years, you can expect to study over six years, though for some courses the part-time length may differ.
Facilities
As an Animal Management student, you'll:
- study on our 150-hectare campus with its specialist animal centres and working farm
- take part in animal handling practicals involving work with a wide range of domesticated and captive species
- go on 'behind the scenes' trips and privileged experiences throughout your course
- learn from high-profile subject specialist staff.
Entry requirements
Fees and funding
Apply for Animal Management (Pet Behaviour and Welfare)
Clearing places available
UK students, apply through Clearing for a September 2025 start
UK students
Call our Clearing line
01245 686868
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