Animal Behaviour

Animal Behaviour is the scientific study of how and why animals act as they do, examining the proximate mechanisms of behaviour, including the neural, hormonal, and sensory processes involved, alongside the ultimate evolutionary explanations for why particular behaviours have been selected. It is a discipline that draws on ethology, ecology, evolutionary biology, and increasingly on cognitive science and neuroscience, asking questions about communication, social organisation, learning, reproduction, and the relationship between animals and their environments.

At the University of Chester, this four-year programme includes a foundation year and a year abroad, making it accessible to students who need to build their scientific background before entering the main degree and giving you an international dimension during your studies. You will cover the core theories and methods of animal behaviour, including observational and experimental techniques used in both field and laboratory settings. Evolutionary theory, ecology, sensory biology, and comparative psychology are all part of the curriculum, and you will develop skills in data collection, statistical analysis, and the interpretation of behavioural data.

Graduates in Animal Behaviour pursue careers across a wide range of settings. Zoological collections, wildlife conservation organisations, research institutes, animal sanctuaries, and veterinary-adjacent roles in animal management and welfare are established destinations. Environmental consultancy and ecological survey work are also open to graduates with strong field skills.

Research careers, whether in academia or in conservation science, typically require postgraduate study, and a Masters or PhD in animal behaviour, ethology, or conservation biology is a common next step. The foundation year means that students who are motivated by animals and wildlife but who do not yet have the standard science qualifications can still access this area of study.