Animal Management (Pet Behaviour and Welfare)
Shape the future of pet welfare, study companion animal behaviour on our ABTC-recognised course and build a successful career in the growing pet industry.
UK students have the option to study Year 1 of this course, either for one year full-time or two years part-time, to achieve a CertHE. You can also choose to combine a foundation year with the CertHE. Contact us to discuss what you can do, or choose your preferred option when you apply.
It's possible to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as BSc/BA (Hons) students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.
As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students; for example if the BSc/BA (Hons) course takes three years, you can expect to study over six years, though for some courses the part-time length may differ.
in the East of England for undergraduates employed as managers, directors or senior officials.
Source: GOS 2025
Our BSc (Hons) Animal Management (Pet Behaviour and Welfare) blends scientific theory with hands-on experience to prepare you for careers in animal behaviour, training and welfare. With UK pet ownership rising and demand for qualified professionals growing, you’ll develop the essential practical and academic skills needed to succeed. From working with a diverse range of species to gaining real clinical insight in our Pet Behaviour Clinic, you’ll graduate confident and career ready.
This degree course is recognised by the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC), for the roles of animal trainer, animal training instructor, animal behaviour technician, and clinical animal behaviourist. As a graduate you'll also be eligible for provisional membership of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors.
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Find out more about studying Animal Management at ARU in this short video.
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Gain hands-on experience with a wide range of species from day one
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Learn in our on-site Pet Behaviour Clinic, observing and supporting real consultations
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Benefit from expert teaching, guest lectures and connect through strong industry links
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Study a holistic curriculum covering behaviour, nutrition, health, welfare, ethics, legislation and business
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Recognised by the ABTC, with eligibility for Associate Membership of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors
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Gain real-world experience through field trips to rescue centres, wildlife organisations and other institutions
Study at an award-winning university
We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Careers
The pet behaviour and welfare course has prepared me within my line of work, providing me with a crucial insight towards a working clinic and authentic cases
Our course’s recognition from the ABTC means you’ll gain the most up-to-date animal training and behaviour knowledge and skills.
Teaching and modules
Our pet behaviour and welfare graduates leave ready to practice as clinicians, equipped with real-world experience and industry-recognised expertise.
You’ll start by learning about the fundamentals of animal management, covering biology, ethics, and essential practical and professional skills.
In years 2-3, as well as building on your knowledge of these core topics, you’ll focus on animal behaviour, training and welfare as they pertain to companion animals, and develop the specific professional skills you need to work as a pet trainer or behaviourist.
You’ll round off your degree with an independent research project on a relevant topic of your choice, drawing on everything you’ve learned over the three years.
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In your third year you'll work in the Pet Behaviour Clinic, completing a range of tasks including administrative jobs such as speaking to clients, vets and managing bookings.
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Our students gain valuable insight into working dogs and behavioural science through educational visits from the Essex Police Dog Team.
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During the course you will get to apply your practical training skills to a variety of species including dogs, horses and the animals at the Titchmarsh Animal Centre.
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Students gain hands-on experience in the Pet Behaviour Clinic, working with clients and their pets—mainly dogs—while also getting the chance to train and handle staff dogs.
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In your third year you'll work in the Pet Behaviour Clinic, completing a range of tasks including assisting in pet behaviour consultations and managing helper dogs during rehabilitation training.
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In your third year you'll work in the Pet Behaviour Clinic, developing your knowledge in a range of therapeutic behavioural techniques by assisting in sessions with clients.
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In your third year you'll work in the Pet Behaviour Clinic, completing a range of tasks including observing and assisting in pet behaviour consultations where you'll work directly with clients to develop your history taking, communication and counselling skills.
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In your third year you'll work in the Pet Behaviour Clinic, observing and participating in consultations with clients.
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During your clinical year you'll be involved in creating behaviour modification programmes and client reports in our onsite commercial Pet Behaviour Clinic.
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You'll work with a range of staff dogs and other animals during your course and develop skills in adapting training to suit their needs.
Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
- Biology (30 credits)
- Ecology and Evolution (15 credits)
- Industry Skills and Professional Wellbeing (30 credits)
- Ethics of Animal Use (15 credits)
- Human-Animal Interaction (15 credits)
- Into ARU
- Ruskin Module (15 credits)
- Behaviour (15 credits)
- Principles of Animal Nutrition
- Research Methods (15 credits)
- Animal Breeding and Development
- Animal Health and Welfare (15 credits)
- Professional Practice and Legislation (15 credits)
- Applied Behaviour and Training (15 credits)
- Major Project (30 credits)
- Applied Behaviour and Animal Welfare (15 credits)
- People Management, Training and Support (15 credits)
- Applied Nutrition and Feeding (15 credits)
- Strategies and Issues in Animal Breeding (15 credits)
- Clinical Animal Behaviour (15 credits)
- Developing Clinical Practice (15 credits)
To prepare you for university study, you can take a foundation year at the start of this course. Find out more about foundation years.
- Academic and Personal Management Skills (20 credits)
- Biological Concepts (Introduction to Laboratory Skills) (20 credits)
- Maths for IT and Science (15 credits)
- Chemistry for Life Sciences (15 credits)
- Applied Industry Techniques (30 credits)
- Independent (Themed) Project (20 credits)
UK students have the option to study Year 1 of this course, either for one year full-time or two years part-time, to achieve a CertHE. You can also choose to combine a foundation year with the CertHE. Contact us to discuss what you can do, or choose your preferred option when you apply.
It's possible to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as BSc/BA (Hons) students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.
As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students; for example if the BSc/BA (Hons) course takes three years, you can expect to study over six years, though for some courses the part-time length may differ.
Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.
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Dr Nnenna UgwuLecturer in Animal Science
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Dr Jonathan AmoryAssociate Professor
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Rosa VerwijsSenior Lecturer in Equine Behaviour and Nutrition
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Dr Sife ChikunyaSenior Lecturer
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Terri AmoryLecturer
Facilities
As an Animal Management student at ARU Writtle, you'll:
- study on our 150-hectare campus with its specialist animal centres and working farm
- take part in animal handling practicals involving work with a wide range of domesticated and captive species
- go on 'behind the scenes' trips and privileged experiences throughout your course
- learn from high-profile subject specialist staff.
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Explore our diverse range of on-site animals including chickens, goats, rodents, rabbits, alpacas, donkeys and ferrets.
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Our on-site Pet Behaviour Clinic will give you the opportunity to observe the experts at work as our consultation room, outdoor paddocks and training hall are open to the public.
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Our on-site Pet Behaviour Clinic will give you the opportunity to observe the experts at work as our consultation room, outdoor paddocks and training hall are open to the public.
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The Titchmarsh Centre is a specialist animal-care facility where students work hands-on with diverse species to learn husbandry skills and put theory into practice.
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Explore training techniques with dogs, horses and other animals at the Titchmarsh Centre.
