Applied Animal Behaviour and Training Master of Science - MSc (UG)

Do you want to stand out as an exceptional animal trainer or behaviour advisor?

Do you want to develop your knowledge of animal behaviour and training to an outstanding level?

Do you want a comprehensive and critical understanding of the ethical, legal and welfare issues related to animal management?

Then our unique Masters programme will equip you with the knowledge and skills to stand out in an increasingly populated field.

Successful completion of this programme, with passes in all assessed work, allows graduates to meet the K&U requirements for Clinical Animal Behaviourist accreditation with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council. Note that full accreditation also requires membership of an appropriate Practitioner Organisation.

Course Aims

* Give you analytical and comprehensive understanding of animal behaviour research, learning theories and the complex ethics surrounding these.

* Allow you to select and apply appropriate and humane techniques for the training and behaviour modification of animals, which is underpinned by current theory and accurate mechanical skills.

* Enable you to be independent thinking and able to communicate confidently and effectively within a professional and research context.

* Develop your analytical and systematic thought processes, as appropriate for working and researching within the animal and related industries.

Teaching and Learning Approach

This programme is delivered with a variety of learning and teaching approaches to include all students' learning preferences.

For all modules, theory lectures are delivered that aim to deliver the core content and provide the underpinning knowledge. Using the webinar software, staff are able to monitor engagement to ensure participations.

To complement all theory lectures, you will have asynchronous seminars that are used to reinforce concepts delivered theoretically. Online webinars focus on facilitating a student-centred approach to enhance the independent learning that takes place outside of the webinar lecture sessions.

Time required on campus

Full-Time:

You will study four modules in the first semester and two in the second semester, alongside completion of the Independent Research Project. This represents approximately six hours of live webinars per week plus a similar amount of time dedicated to directed tasks and tutorials. Evening webinars normally take place between 6pm and 9pm but the number of evenings per week and days on which they occur is yet to be confirmed for the 2027-28 academic year.

Additional to this you will book individual tutorials with your Programme Leader. You will have four individual tutorials in an academic year.

Attendance may be required at several block sessions throughout the year. Some sessions are online only while others may require your attendance in person at University Centre Bishop Burton. These dates for the 2027-28 academic year are yet to be finalised.

You are expected to complete a significant amount of private study in addition to class time and directed study (approximately 20 - 40 hours per week).

Part-Time:

You will study two modules per semester except during the final semester when the focus is on completion of the Independent Research Project. This represents approximately three hours of live webinars per week plus a similar amount of time dedicated to directed tasks and tutorials. Evening webinars normally take place between 6pm and 9pm but the number of evenings per week and days on which they occur is yet to be confirmed for the 2027-28 academic year.

In the first year, attendance may be required at several block sessions throughout the year. Some sessions are online only while others may require in-person attendance University Centre Bishop Burton. These dates for the 2027-28 academic year are yet to be finalised.

You are expected to complete a significant amount of private study in addition to class time (approximately 10 - 20 hours per week).