Introduction:

The taught MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour is an innovative programme, which provides students with the opportunity to develop both their theoretical and practical skills for the management of problem behaviour in companion animals, together with equipping its graduates with the necessary business skills to start their own self-employed business within the discipline.

This exciting course uses a student-centered and evidence-based approach for the development of clinical skills, and is headed by RCVS and European veterinary behaviour specialist, Daniel Mills and veterinary behaviourist Helen Zulch.

Students will have the opportunity to benefit from engagement with excellent resources and highly skilled, qualified and supportive academic staff who specialise in companion animal behaviour with a passion. Experts in ethics, animal welfare and small business enterprise also contribute to the course.

The Department of Biological Sciences runs a long established and internationally-renowned veterinary behaviour clinic, which provides teaching material for the programme. The practice is supported by the Animal Behaviour Cognition and Welfare Group, which recently achieved some of the highest possible ratings for its research quality.

Duration

Full time: One year, including thesis (two days per week)
Part time: Two years, plus thesis (one day per week)

Topics Covered

• Human animal interactions
• Domestic animal behaviour
• Development and regulation of behaviour
• Animal welfare
• Clinical skills for behaviour management
• Animal sector small business skills
• Research methods and thesis

Entry Requirements

The MSc programme is open to students with at least a 2:1 at BSc/BA level or an equivalent degree in the life sciences including Veterinary Sciences and to students with a proven track record, including qualified veterinary nurses. All students will be interviewed before they register for the course to make sure that their needs and abilities match those of the course.

Careers

The programme prepares individuals for a career in companion animal behaviour or carrying out research with companion animals from a solid multi-disciplinary and scientific basis. Graduates will be practically able, critical and independent thinkers with specialist knowledge of the development, diagnosis and management of behavioural disorders and conflicts in companion animal species, especially dogs and cats.

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