Animal Behaviour and Evolution

From evolutionary development to environmental stimuli, animal behaviour is shaped by a range of factors. This masters course is your chance to explore them in detail – not only developing your understanding of the theoretical principles of behaviour, but also learning how to harness these principles to tackle real-world animal welfare and conservation issues. <br/><br/>It’s an area that covers a diverse range of disciplines, from a strong numerical approach in the classroom, to a practical approach in the lab and in the field. The course is built around strong core units that address the interaction between environment, experience, and physiology in the development and dynamics of animal behaviour.  <br/><br/>Above all, this is a course that offers the chance to study animal behaviour up close. You can choose between a field trip to Europe (eg France) or Tanzania in East Africa.* The residential field course to Europe is mandatory and included in the cost of the course fees. <br/><br/>As well as expert analytical abilities and practical research techniques, you’ll leave us with an in-depth understanding of animal physiology, and how experience and environment combine to create behaviour. All of this knowledge prepares you to pursue a range of career paths, from animal management to education or further research. <br/><br/><br/>* Please note, all overseas field courses are subject to any international travel restrictions and/or availability. The University follows the latest government guidance and if required, the overseas trip may be replaced with a UK alternative. <br/><br/><br/>**Features and Benefits**<br/><br/>**- Strong links** - To ensure your learning is relevant and impactful, we work closely with a range of organisations across the UK including the RSPCA, Chester Zoo and Knowsley Safari Park and with overseas bodies such as the Kenya Wildlife Service.<br/><br/>**- Investing in your future** - We’ve invested over £115 million to transform our science and engineering campus into a space to thrive. Our new Dalton building provides a professional study environment equipped with dynamic learning spaces, world-class teaching and research facilities and collaborative study zones to further prepare you for your future career.<br/><br/>**- Learn alongside world-leading researchers** - 100% of our research impact from our Ecology and Environment Research Centre is world-leading or internationally excellent and we are ranked 5th in the UK for impact in Environmental Science (REF 2021). <br/><br/>**- Flexible learning** - hanks to evening lectures and an online learning platform, our flexible approach to your learning means you’re able to make more time for research, lab work and independent study.<br/><br/>**- Expert teaching** - Learn from a passionate community of teaching staff who bring extensive experience of field research into the classroom to shape your studies. <br/><br/>**- Overseas fieldwork opportunities** - Gain valuable practical experience in ecological and data collection techniques through our Field Course unit, with the opportunity to visit some of the most famous wildlife sites in the world, including the Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti National Park. <br/><br/>**- Hone your research skills** - You’ll have the opportunity to carry out your research in association with staff projects across the world or with partner organisations such as conservation bodies and zoos.