Animal Behaviour and Welfare

Animal behaviour and welfare addresses two deeply connected questions: why do animals behave as they do, and how can we ensure that the animals in our care live lives that meet their physical and psychological needs? Animal behaviour is a scientific discipline rooted in evolutionary biology, ethology, and comparative psychology, examining the mechanisms and functions of behaviour across species. Animal welfare science draws on that behavioural knowledge to assess and improve the conditions in which animals are kept, whether in agriculture, zoos, research, or as companions.

At the University of Aberdeen, this two-year full-time programme is designed for students who have completed an HND in Animal Care and want to progress to a degree. It represents Scotland's only BSc programme in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, and the two-year entry route makes it an efficient and well-structured pathway for those with the relevant prior qualification. You will study animal cognition, ethology, the assessment and measurement of animal welfare, the ethics of human-animal relationships, and the practical and policy dimensions of welfare provision across different contexts.

Aberdeen's research environment provides a rigorous scientific context for this study, and the programme develops both theoretical understanding and the practical skills to observe, assess, and improve animal welfare in real settings.

You will develop strong skills in behavioural observation, scientific analysis, and welfare assessment, alongside an understanding of the ethical and regulatory frameworks that govern how animals are used and cared for in different contexts.

Graduates move into careers in animal welfare organisations, zoological collections, veterinary support roles, research, agricultural welfare advisory roles, and government agencies concerned with animal health and welfare. Some move into conservation and wildlife management, or into roles in pet behaviour consultancy and animal training. Postgraduate study in animal behaviour, welfare science, or veterinary-related disciplines is also a well-established pathway for graduates who want to specialise further.