BSc (Hons) Applied Animal Behaviour & Welfare (Top-Up)

Course overview

If you are looking to top-up your degree to help you on your career journey,
this is the ideal course for you – especially if you are looking to work within
an animal rescue centre, animal welfare organisation or zoological
institution.

This top-up degree focuses on developing a critical understanding of key
issues within animal behaviour and welfare science, providing the knowledge and
skills required to progress into a range of management, consultancy and
husbandry roles within the animal industry. The programme will enable you to
critically examine the global challenges facing key stakeholders and
organisations working in the sector, with an opportunity to meet industry
professionals and evaluate real-world case studies. This degree emphasises the
development of critical thinking skills, and will enable you to effectively
assess and manage the behaviour and welfare of animals within a variety of
different contexts.

Why choose us?

• Develop a critical understanding of current and significant issues in
  animal behaviour and welfare science.


• Learn how to effectively assess the behaviour and welfare of a range of
  different taxa and generate innovative solutions to problems.


• Gain confidence in applying theory to practical scenarios, giving you the
  qualities and skills needed to progress into employment or academia.


• Build your professional network through engaging with industry experts and
  guest speakers from a range of animal organisations, working at a regional,
  national and international level.

The programme is delivered by a team of highly experienced and dedicated
staff, with expertise in a range of disciplines within the animal sciences and
related fields. Staff teaching on the programme benefit from maintaining strong
professional links to organisations in the animal industry, operating at both a
local and national level.

Class sizes

The class sizes for this top-up programme are typically between 15-20
students for the 30 credit core modules. For the 15 credit optional modules,
class sizes are usually are usually smaller, at between 10-15 students. During
some practical sessions working with animals, class sizes may be reduced to
maintain high standards of animal welfare and to ensure appropriate supervision
of students.

Independent learning

At university, you must develop the ability to work more independently than
you have done before. In the early stages of the degree, you will receive a
higher level of support from module leaders and personal tutors. In years 2 and
3, you will need to demonstrate an increasing ability to build upon material
delivered in lectures and laboratories through independent reading. Greenwich
graduates should be able to think and work independently, analytically and
creativelyto solve problems.

Overall workload

If you are studying full time, you should expect the workload to be similar
to a full time job. For part time students, this will reduce in proportion with
the number of courses you are studying.

Each module you study towards this degree is worth 15 or 30 credits. These
represent around 150 or 300 study hours respectively. If you receive 100 contact
hours for a 30-credit module, you should expect to commit 200 hours to
independent study to complete it successfully.

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback on assignments taken at the college and to release
examination results within 15 working days.
Student support

Higher Education students who have a learning difficulty, disability and/or
ongoing health condition may be able to access reasonable adjustments to support
their studies. Support is available to help students apply and access Disabled
Student Allowance through either the Inclusive Learning and Development
Department or the HE Office. One to one tutorial support is available through
academic tutors.

Our Library boasts a collection of over 8,000 books, covering a range of key
subject areas within land based curriculum. The Library also provides students
with access to a variety of magazines, periodicals and academic journals through
online databases.

Learning technology is central to the learning experience of students at
Plumpton College and therefore is supported by dedicated staff within the
College Teaching and Learning Team. The responsibilities of this team are to
help support students with learning technology to enhance the overall learning
experience.

Modules

Year 1You will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

• Research Project (30 credits)
• Animal Cognition and Neuroscience (30 credits)
• Animal Welfare and the Law (30 credits)

You will then be required to choose 30 credits from this list of options.

• Companion Animal Behaviour Counselling (15 credits)
• Human-Animal Interactions (15 credits)
• Contemporary Advances in Animal Behaviour (15 credits)

Modules are subject to change and availability of optional modules are subject to demand.

How will I be assessed?

You’ll be assessed in a variety of ways, depending on the modules you choose, giving you the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge, skills and ideas in different formats.

As part of the course, you’ll have the chance to complete a dissertation project, carrying out guided research into a subject that interests you. This is an excellent opportunity to explore an area you’re passionate about and develop valuable research and analytical skills.

Assessment methods may include:

• Essays
• Case study reports
• Scientific posters
• Presentations
• A dissertation project

You’ll also complete regular formative assessments throughout your studies. These are ungraded practice activities designed to help you check your understanding, build confidence and prepare for formal assessments. With guidance and feedback from your tutors, you’ll have the support you need to develop your work and make progress.

What is it like to be a student on this course?

Throughout the BSc top-up degree, you’ll receive the support and guidance you need to grow into a confident, independent professional.

You’ll learn through a balanced combination of applied practical sessions and academic lectures, giving you the opportunity to connect theory with real-world practice. This approach will help you develop your knowledge, problem-solving abilities and professional skills in a supportive learning environment.

You’ll also benefit from guest sessions delivered by industry experts. These sessions will bring current industry insight into your studies, help you understand the opportunities available in your chosen sector and give you the chance to build valuable professional connections.

By the end of the programme, you’ll be better prepared to take your next step into employment, further study or professional practice.

Industry links

Your studies will be supported by our strong links with organisations working across animal welfare, behaviour and conservation. These connections give you valuable insight into professional practice and help you understand how your learning can be applied in the real world.

You may hear from or engage with a range of welfare charities, behaviour specialists, conservation organisations and regional partners, including:

• Dogs Trust
• Wild Welfare
• The Civet Project
• Blue Cross
• Drusillas Zoo Park
• Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare

These industry links can help you explore different career pathways, learn from experienced professionals and build a broader understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the animal care and conservation sectors.

Student testimonial

“Plumpton has supported me throughout my BSc top-up course, allowing me to thrive and graduate with a First Class degree. The staff are supportive and knowledgeable within their areas of interest and truly want the best for you. Whilst at Plumpton, I have been able to progress my career alongside my degree due to opportunities I wouldn’t have had if I had not chose to study at Plumpton. If I could do it all again, I would!”

Zoe, Applied Animal Behaviour & Welfare

Progression routes