The scientific study of animal behaviour and welfare furthers our understanding of why animals behave in the way that they do, and helps us learn how best to respond to the challenges that animals face when living in captive and wild environments.
This degree employs a multi-disciplinary, research-driven approach to the study of animal behaviour and welfare. The course aims to help students develop the knowledge and skills needed to understand animal behaviour and welfare, working, for example, with insects, reptiles, birds and mammals.
This MBio programme includes an additional research-intensive final year, which can lead to further research and employment opportunities. It is informed by academics who are considered to be at the forefront of their respective fields in welfare assessment, animal management, evolutionary biology, and animal cognition. This includes leading experts Professor Daniel Mills, who specialises in clinical animal behaviour; Professor Anna Wilkinson, who specialises in animal cognition; and Professor Oliver Burman, who specialises in assessment of animal welfare.
Subject area ranked 1st overall in the UK*
Optional overseas field trip to locations around the world
Optional study abroad year
Taught by experienced research-active staff
Fully-funded residential field trip in the UK
Available with a Science Foundation Year
*Guardian University Guide 2025 (out of 18 ranking institutions)
In the first year, students can develop a solid foundation in animal anatomy and physiology, cell biology, genetics, captive animal management, and animal behaviour. These themes are developed further in the second year through the study of specialist subjects dealing with animal behaviour, health, and disease.
In the third year, core modules focus on pure and applied aspects of animal behaviour and welfare. Students also undertake a supervised, independent research project.
During the final year, students participate in an MBio research project. The project provides the opportunity to contribute to high-impact research across a variety of research areas. Final year modules also focus on developing research skills further with workshops in research techniques. These combine demonstrations with hands-on work in-lab or in-field. Students will also have the opportunity to develop their ability to communicate scientific knowledge effectively, in different contexts, different formats and to different recipients.
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.
An optional year abroad is available for full-time students between the second and third years. A Study Abroad Tuition Fee is payable to the University of Lincoln during this year for students joining in 2025/26 and beyond. No extra tuition fee is payable to the host university, but students are expected to cover their own travel, accommodation, and living costs. Travel grants and an overseas rate maintenance loan may be available for eligible students from Student Finance. The University’s Global Opportunities Team can provide further support and guidance.
The way students are assessed on this course may vary for each module. Examples of assessment methods that are used include coursework, such as written assignments, reports or dissertations; practical exams, such as presentations, performances or observations; and written exams, such as formal examinations or in-class tests. The weighting given to each assessment method may vary across each academic year.
There is an optional overseas field trip in the third year. This will provide the opportunity to do research in a novel environment and to study local plants and animals. Destinations may vary, but have previously included the cloud forests of Ecuador and Molise in Italy.
Optional field trips may incur additional costs, including flights. Students may also be required to pay for overnight stays, local travel, and food close to the destination if their flights arrive the day before the team are scheduled to meet.
Students may bring personal items of clothing and travel equipment, some of which may be specialised for the environment they are travelling to, and recommended medicines and travel toiletries such as anti-malaria medication, vaccinations, insect repellent and sunscreen. These costs will depend on what you choose to bring.
Alongside a fully funded residential field trip in the UK, students on this course can take part in an optional overseas field trip in the third year.
Destinations may vary, but have previously included the cloud forests of Ecuador and Molise in Italy.
On each trip students are introduced to local flora and fauna, present a group project, and complete an identification test of plants, vertebrates, and invertebrates.
This course is informed by academics who are considered to be at the forefront of their respective fields in welfare assessment, animal management, evolutionary biology, and animal cognition. These include Professor Daniel Mills, Professor Anna Wilkinson, Professor Oliver Burman, and Dr Jonathan Cooper.
Our research work is read widely by the scientific community as well as informing the Government, animal welfare sector, and animal industry regarding animal protection. Research projects have included leading work with cats, dogs, rabbits, horses, reptiles, and parrots, both at the University of Lincoln and working with research partners. Students at Lincoln have conducted project work on a wide range of zoo based species in partnership with local zoos, including polar bears, hunting dogs, tigers, meerkats, and primates.
As well as informing teaching by providing deeper understanding of how animals see the world, our engagement with animal welfare research and legislation provides insights into how to bring about meaningful, scientifically valid improvements in animal protection and the practical and effective management of animals in our care.
My degree prepared me for my job at a major UK dog rescue charity as it provided me with up-to-date training techniques, the confidence to apply these techniques, and animal welfare knowledge.
Sophie Bromley
BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare
Graduates have gone on to work in both practical and research roles that involve the management, welfare, training, and conservation of companion, farm, and wild animals.
112 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels or equivalent qualifications to include 40 points from Biology or Psychology.
BTEC Extended Diploma in Animal Management/Applied Science*: Distinction, Merit, Merit.
(*dependent on modules studied).
BTEC Diploma in Applied Science accepted alongside other qualifications.
Please contact our Admissions team for further information (dmissions@lincoln.ac.uk.
T Level in Science: Merit
(Health or Health Science are not accepted).
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points, including 40 points from 15 credits in Biology or Psychology.
International Baccalaureate: 29 points overall to include a Higher Level 5 in Biology or Psychology.
GCSE's: Minimum of three at grade 4 or above, which must include English, Maths and Science. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.
The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and do accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, EPQ etc.
We may also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.
Non UK Qualifications:
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/
EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.
For applicants who do not meet our standard entry requirements, our Science Foundation Year can provide an alternative route of entry onto our full degree programmes:
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/course/sfysfyub/lifesciences/
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If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk
Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.
For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. To help support students from outside of the UK, we are also delighted to offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.
The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to visit us in person. We offer a range of opportunities across the year to help you to get a real feel for what it might be like to study here.
