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University Centre Bishop Burton: Applied Animal Behaviour Training
| Institution | University Centre Bishop Burton |
|---|---|
| Department | Animal Sciences |
| Web | http://www.bishopburton.ac.uk |
| Study type | Taught |
Master of Science - MSci
Summary
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 Master’s 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.
What will I study? FULL TIME (credits) · Research Methods (20) · Animal Behaviour Theories (20) · Health, Welfare and Ethics (20) · Learning Theories and Training Methods (20) · Animal Behaviour Consulting (20) · Human-Animal Interactions and Psychology (20) · Independent Research Project
PART TIME YEAR 1 (credits) · Research Methods (20) · Animal Behaviour Theories (20) · Health, Welfare and Ethics (20) · Learning Theories and Training Methods (20)
PART TIME YEAR 2 (credits) · Animal Behaviour Consulting (20) · Human-Animal Interactions and Psychology (20) · Independent Research Project (60)
Learning and Teaching Approach This programme is delivered with a variety of learning and teaching approaches to include all students’ learning styles and 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, students 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.
What is the contact time? 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 2026-27 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 2026-27 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 2026-27 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 2026-27 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).
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | A minimum of a 2.2 honours degree, ideally in biological science subjects or equivalent, but work experience can be taken into account if an unrelated qualification is held. An appropriate academic reference Life and/or experience of non-traditional students will be taken into account when considering applications. The successful completion of an entry task may be required when considering applications without the required formal entry qualifications. |
| Location | Bishop Burton York Rd Bishop Burton Beverley HU17 8QG |
Fees
| England | 9250 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 9250 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 9250 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 9250 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 13177 GBP for Year 1 |
Summary
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 Master’s 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.
What will I study? FULL TIME (credits) · Research Methods (20) · Animal Behaviour Theories (20) · Health, Welfare and Ethics (20) · Learning Theories and Training Methods (20) · Animal Behaviour Consulting (20) · Human-Animal Interactions and Psychology (20) · Independent Research Project
PART TIME YEAR 1 (credits) · Research Methods (20) · Animal Behaviour Theories (20) · Health, Welfare and Ethics (20) · Learning Theories and Training Methods (20)
PART TIME YEAR 2 (credits) · Animal Behaviour Consulting (20) · Human-Animal Interactions and Psychology (20) · Independent Research Project (60)
Learning and Teaching Approach This programme is delivered with a variety of learning and teaching approaches to include all students’ learning styles and 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, students 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.
What is the contact time? 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 2026-27 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 2026-27 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 2026-27 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 2026-27 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).
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | A minimum of a 2.2 honours degree, ideally in biological science subjects or equivalent, but work experience can be taken into account if an unrelated qualification is held. An appropriate academic reference Life and/or experience of non-traditional students will be taken into account when considering applications. The successful completion of an entry task may be required when considering applications without the required formal entry qualifications. |
| Location | Bishop Burton York Rd Bishop Burton Beverley HU17 8QG |
Fees
| England | 4625 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 4625 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 4625 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 4625 GBP for Year 1 |
Summary
The aim of the programme is to provide a progression route for students from science based degrees, to gain knowledge and skills in the area of animal behaviour and its application. There is an increasing demand within the animal behaviour industry for people to have both academic and practical skills. Therefore this programme is designed to emphasise the vocational and applied nature of the subject studied.
What will I study? - Animal Behaviour Theories
-
Welfare and Ethics
-
Research Methods
-
Learning Theories and Training Methods,
-
Animal Behaviour Consulting
-
Human and Animal Interactions and Psychology
-
Independent Research Project.
Learning and Teaching Approach This programme is delivered with a variety of learning and teaching approaches to include all students’ learning styles and 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, students 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.
What is the contact time? Part Time: Two modules studied per semester except for the final semester when the focus is on completion of the independent research project.
Approximately six hours class time per week to include online webinars, directed study, extended reading, directed tasks and tutorials. Webinars run one night per week.
Full Time: You will study four modules studied in the first semester and two in the second semester, alongside completion of the independent research project.
Approximately 12 hours class time per week to include online webinars, directed study, extended reading, directed tasks and tutorials. Webinars run two nights per week.
What else can I expect? - Animal Management Unit housing a wide range of species including meerkats, racoon dogs, primates, alpacas, marsupials, invertebrates, tropical and marine fish, reptiles, rodents and a nocturnal house.
-
Dedicated dog training area, commercial dog kennels and grooming facilities, commercial sheep and beef enterprises, equine yard and schools.
-
Additional facilities include Science Centre, IT suites, dedicated University Centre, study spaces and social areas, and modern Learning Resources Centre.
-
Online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) used to enhance and facilitate teaching and independent learning on all programmes.
-
Experienced, supportive and motivated staff with both academic and industrial experience.
-
Our experienced Life Coaches are on hand to help you through your University journey from mentoring and coaching to health, wellbeing and resilience. Learn more about how our Life Coaches can support you: https://www.bishopburton.ac.uk/university-centre/life-skills-team-at-ucbb
-
Talks from a range of visiting speakers.
-
Opportunities to attend trips to enhance learning.
-
Students have access to a range of support through our study skills, and health and wellbeing teams. Further information can be found on our website: https://www.bishopburton.ac.uk/student-life/student-support
-
Relevant extra-curricular activity and/or work experience is encouraged of all students in order to enhance learning.
What kind of job could I get when I graduate? Management positions in animal training, zoo keeping and education, environmental enrichment co-ordinator, education and lecturing, behaviour advisor / consultant, companion animal trainer, training animals for commercial work, animal rescue and rehabilitation, assistance dog trainer.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | A minimum of a 2.2 honours degree, ideally in biological science subjects or equivalent, but work experience can be taken into account if an unrelated qualification is held. An appropriate academic reference Life and/or experience of non-traditional students will be taken into account when considering applications. The successful completion of an entry task may be required when considering applications without the required formal entry qualifications. |
| Location | Bishop Burton York Rd Bishop Burton Beverley HU17 8QG |
Fees
| EU | 8950 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| England | 8950 GBP for Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | 8950 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 8950 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 8950 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 12782 GBP for Year 1 |
Summary
The aim of the programme is to provide a progression route for students from science based degrees, to gain knowledge and skills in the area of animal behaviour and its application. There is an increasing demand within the animal behaviour industry for people to have both academic and practical skills. Therefore this programme is designed to emphasise the vocational and applied nature of the subject studied.
What will I study? - Animal Behaviour Theories
-
Welfare and Ethics
-
Research Methods
-
Learning Theories and Training Methods,
-
Animal Behaviour Consulting
-
Human and Animal Interactions and Psychology
-
Independent Research Project.
Learning and Teaching Approach This programme is delivered with a variety of learning and teaching approaches to include all students’ learning styles and 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, students 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.
What is the contact time? Part Time: Two modules studied per semester except for the final semester when the focus is on completion of the independent research project.
Approximately six hours class time per week to include online webinars, directed study, extended reading, directed tasks and tutorials. Webinars run one night per week.
Full Time: You will study four modules studied in the first semester and two in the second semester, alongside completion of the independent research project.
Approximately 12 hours class time per week to include online webinars, directed study, extended reading, directed tasks and tutorials. Webinars run two nights per week.
What else can I expect? - Animal Management Unit housing a wide range of species including meerkats, racoon dogs, primates, alpacas, marsupials, invertebrates, tropical and marine fish, reptiles, rodents and a nocturnal house.
-
Dedicated dog training area, commercial dog kennels and grooming facilities, commercial sheep and beef enterprises, equine yard and schools.
-
Additional facilities include Science Centre, IT suites, dedicated University Centre, study spaces and social areas, and modern Learning Resources Centre.
-
Online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) used to enhance and facilitate teaching and independent learning on all programmes.
-
Experienced, supportive and motivated staff with both academic and industrial experience.
-
Our experienced Life Coaches are on hand to help you through your University journey from mentoring and coaching to health, wellbeing and resilience. Learn more about how our Life Coaches can support you: https://www.bishopburton.ac.uk/university-centre/life-skills-team-at-ucbb
-
Talks from a range of visiting speakers.
-
Opportunities to attend trips to enhance learning.
-
Students have access to a range of support through our study skills, and health and wellbeing teams. Further information can be found on our website: https://www.bishopburton.ac.uk/student-life/student-support
-
Relevant extra-curricular activity and/or work experience is encouraged of all students in order to enhance learning.
What kind of job could I get when I graduate? Management positions in animal training, zoo keeping and education, environmental enrichment co-ordinator, education and lecturing, behaviour advisor / consultant, companion animal trainer, training animals for commercial work, animal rescue and rehabilitation, assistance dog trainer.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | A minimum of a 2.2 honours degree, ideally in biological science subjects or equivalent, but work experience can be taken into account if an unrelated qualification is held. An appropriate academic reference Life and/or experience of non-traditional students will be taken into account when considering applications. The successful completion of an entry task may be required when considering applications without the required formal entry qualifications. |
| Location | Bishop Burton York Rd Bishop Burton Beverley HU17 8QG |
Fees
| EU | 4475 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| England | 4475 GBP for Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | 4475 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 4475 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 4475 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 12782 GBP for Year 1 |
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