Animal Behaviour

This Bachelor's degree in Animal Behaviour at Newcastle University offers a comprehensive exploration into the science of animal actions and interactions. Designed for students passionate about understanding how animals think, behave, and communicate, the program provides a solid foundation in biology, ecology, psychology, and ethology. Throughout the course, students will examine a wide range of species and habitats, gaining insights into evolutionary processes, adaptive behaviors, and the environmental factors that influence animal development. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, including fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and data analysis, providing students with a well-rounded education in animal behaviour research. Students have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as domestication, conservation, or cognition, and engage in independent projects that contribute to current scientific understanding. The programme also emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations and conservation practices, preparing graduates for careers in research, wildlife management, conservation consultancy, and related fields. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and expert teaching staff, students will develop critical thinking and analytical skills essential for successful careers in animal science. Placement opportunities and collaborations with industry bodies further enhance employability prospects. Graduates of this program will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue advanced research or work directly in the field of animal behaviour, contributing to the understanding and protection of animal life across the globe.

Compulsory modules
You will complete the following compulsory modules:
MMB8003 The Biological Study of Behaviour
MMB8100 Research Skills and Principles for the Biosciences
MMB8099 Project
Optional modules
You will take optional modules to a value of 40 credits from the following:
MMB8004 Ageing and Health
ACE8074 Applied Ethology
MMB8015 Applied Immunobiology of Human Disease
MMB8012 Applying the 3 Rs to In-Vivo Experimental Techniques
CSC8313 Bioinformatics Theory and Practice
MMB8011 Biology of Ageing
MMB8007 Cancer Studies
MMB8037 Cardiovascular Science in Health and Disease
MMB8008 Cell Cycle Control and Cell Signalling in Health and Disease
MMB8009 Clinical Epidemiology
MMB8002 Current Research Trends in Musculoskeletal Disease
MMB8010 Cognitive Neuroscience
MMB8031 Developmental Genetics
MMB8035 Diabetes
MMB8006 Drug Discovery and Development
MMB8005 Experimental Medicine and Therapeutics
MMB8030 Genetic Medicine
MMB8014 Genetics of Common Disease
MMB8038 Medical Biotechnology, Enterprise and Innovation in Industrial Bioscience
MMB8029 Medical Genomics
MMB8034 Mitochondrial Biology & Medicine
MMB8016 Molecular Microbiology
MMB8017 Nanomaterials in Healthcare Technologies
MMB8036 Neuromuscular Diseases: Bench to Bedside
MMB8018 Protein Structure and Function
MMB8019 Sensory Systems
MMB8020 Scientific Basis of Neurological Disorders
MMB8022 Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine
MMB8033 Surgical Anatomy
MMB8023 Systems Biology
MMB8032 Toxicology
MMB8025 Transplantation Sciences

To study Animal Behaviour at Newcastle University, students are typically required to meet certain academic prerequisites, including a solid background in biological sciences, such as biology, zoology, psychology, or related fields. It is often necessary to hold a minimum of higher-level qualifications like A-levels, IB, or equivalent, with a strong emphasis on sciences. For international students, proficient English language skills evidenced by tests such as IELTS or TOEFL are usually required to ensure effective communication and comprehension in the academic environment.

Prospective students should demonstrate interest and relevant experience in animal sciences, which can be evidenced through personal statements or references. The university values applicants who show a passion for understanding animal behaviour, ecology, conservation, and related disciplines. Some programmes may also require specific grades or UCAS points; typically, at least 112 UCAS points for direct entry into the undergraduate programmes, though this can vary annually based on applicant pool and university policy.

In addition to academic qualifications, Newcastle University encourages applicants to provide details of any practical experience such as volunteering, internships, or employment related to animal handling, research, or conservation projects. These experiences can strengthen the application, showing a commitment to the subject area and practical competencies.

For postgraduate programmes or advanced study, applicants are generally expected to hold an undergraduate degree in a related field with good honours classification. They may also need to submit a personal statement outlining their research interests and career aspirations, and sometimes a research proposal or project outline.

The university may also require interviews or assessment tasks, particularly for more competitive or research-oriented programmes. These could involve verbal assessments, written tasks, or discussions about relevant scientific topics and personal motivation.

Ultimately, meeting the above-listed requirements does not guarantee admission, as selection is competitive and depends on an applicant's overall profile, including academic records, experiences, and motivation. The university aims to intake students who demonstrate the academic ability, enthusiasm, and relevant experience to succeed in the study of Animal Behaviour. Additional requirements or criteria may be specified annually, so applicants should consult the official Newcastle University website or contacting the admissions office for the most current and detailed entry requirements.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The financing of the Animal Behaviour program at Newcastle University is primarily through tuition fees paid by students. International students are subject to higher fee rates compared to home students from the UK. Tuition fees vary depending on the level of study and the student status, with undergraduate programs generally costing around £20,000 to £22,000 per year for international students, while home students pay approximately £9,250 per year. Postgraduate taught programs, including specialized MSc courses, can have fees upward of £24,000 for international students, whereas UK and EU students may qualify for a lower fee structure. Funding options include scholarships, bursaries, and grants offered directly by Newcastle University. These financial aids are designed to support talented students who demonstrate academic excellence or financial need. Scholarships for international students may cover full or partial tuition fees and are awarded based on academic performance, leadership potential, or specific eligibility criteria. UK students might have access to government-backed student loans, which can cover tuition fees and living costs, repayable after graduation based on income levels. The university also offers installment plans that allow students to spread out their tuition payments over the academic year, easing financial burden. External funding opportunities, such as research council grants and charity scholarships, are also available for postgraduate research students pursuing specialized research in animal behavior topics. Additionally, students are encouraged to seek part-time employment or placements through university career services to help manage living expenses. The university provides financial advice and planning resources to support students in budgeting and managing their costs throughout the course duration. Overall, the financing strategies aim to make the program accessible to a diverse range of students while supporting their academic and personal development.

The Animal Behaviour programme at Newcastle University offers students a comprehensive understanding of the biological and behavioral aspects of animals. This degree course is designed to develop a deep knowledge of how animals interact with their environment, each other, and humans, exploring the evolutionary, ecological, and physiological mechanisms that underpin animal behavior. The programme integrates various disciplines including biology, psychology, and ecology to provide a multidisciplinary approach to the study of animals.

Students engaging in this course have the opportunity to learn through a combination of lectures, practical laboratory sessions, fieldwork, and research projects. The curriculum covers topics such as animal cognition, communication, social behavior, learning processes, and conservation. Emphasis is placed on experimental design and data analysis skills, preparing students for research careers or roles in wildlife management, conservation, and animal welfare industries.

Newcastle University’s facilities include well-equipped laboratories, research centers, and access to sites for fieldwork, which support experiential learning. The programme also encourages students to undertake an independent research project, often leading to contributions to scientific publications or conference presentations. The course aims to develop critical thinking, scientific communication, and problem-solving skills, all of which are highly valued in various professional settings.

The university fosters a collaborative and innovative learning environment, often engaging with external organizations, conservation projects, and industry partners. Graduates from the programme are well-equipped to pursue postgraduate study or careers in areas such as animal behavior consultancy, wildlife research, zoo management, and veterinary sciences. Overall, the Animal Behaviour programme at Newcastle University offers a thorough education grounded in current scientific research, aimed at preparing students for impactful careers in understanding and conserving animal life.