University of Exeter United Kingdom

BSc Animal Behaviour

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The BSc Animal Behaviour at the University of Exeter offers you a deep dive into the fascinating world of animal actions and interactions, exploring the 'how' and 'why' behind behaviours across diverse species. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of how current and past environments, ecology, and gene-environment interactions shape behaviour, and why variation exists among individuals and species. This undergraduate degree is ideal for students passionate about zoology, ecology, and evolutionary biology, providing a robust scientific foundation for understanding the animal kingdom.

Studied full-time on campus over three years, this programme immerses you in practical learning, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation. You will experience residential field courses in the UK and international locations, such as the Azores or Costa Rica, to study animal behaviour and conservation in real-world habitats. In your final year, you will undertake a significant research project alongside academic staff, tailoring your degree to your specific interests. You will graduate with the analytical skills and practical experience to pursue careers in conservation, research, wildlife management, and related scientific fields.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BSc Animal Behaviour program provides a comprehensive study of animal life, starting with foundational concepts in ecology, evolution, and genetics. Students will delve into diverse animal life and biological processes before progressing to advanced topics in behavioural ecology, population dynamics, and conservation science. The curriculum culminates in a significant research project and specialized modules, including extensive field courses in various global locations, allowing for in-depth exploration of animal behaviour and ecology in real-world environments.

1 Year 1

Ecology and conservation Compulsory
Animal diversity Compulsory
Evolution and genetics Compulsory
Life processes

2 Year 2

Analysis of biological data Compulsory
Scotland field course [See note a above] Compulsory
Biosciences Penryn virtual field course [See note a above] Compulsory
Scillies St Agnes field course [See note a above] Compulsory
Scillies St Mary's field course [See note a above] Compulsory
Behavioural ecology Compulsory
Population and community ecology
Wildlife disease
Introduction to ecological consultancy
Evolutionary ecology
Conservation science
Biology and ecology of marine vertebrates
Wildlife exploitation
GIS for wildlife mapping
Adaptations to life on earth

3 Final year

Research project Compulsory
Ecology, behaviour, and conservation in wild places: The forests and oceans of Yukon and Alaska Compulsory
Azores field course Compulsory
Northern Spain field course Compulsory
Tropical biodiversity and conservation: Costa Rica field course Compulsory
Alpine ecology field course Compulsory
Pyrenees field trip Compulsory
Global research skills virtual field course [See note b above] Compulsory
Literature review in evolution and ecology [See note b above] Compulsory
Preparing to graduate Compulsory
Living in groups
Sensory ecology
Science in society
Animal life histories
Ecological responses to climate change
Evolutionary biology of health and disease
Animal migration
Animal cognition
Primate biology and conservation
The complexity of human societies
Human behavioural ecology
Literature review in evolution and ecology
Major transitions in evolutionary history
Global research skills virtual field course
The genome: Applications, evolution and ecology
Symbiosis in marine systems

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 42,173.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 42,173.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 42,173.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 126,519.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Food & Groceries USD 2,417.00 - USD 4,833.00
Transport USD 806.00 - USD 1,611.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,128.00 - USD 2,095.00
Estimated Total USD 4,351.00 - USD 8,539.00

Living cost estimates are based on Penryn Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

92%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Accreditation & Assessment ServicesAdult & Continuing EducationAgricultural Research & DevelopmentCrop Production & FarmingEnvironmental & Sustainability ServicesHealthcare ConsultingMedia Planning & BuyingNetworking & Internet ServicesSocial Media & Community ManagementTax & Legal Compliance

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Amazon

Amgen

AstraZeneca

Deloitte

Environment Agency

GSK

John Lewis Group

NHS

Why Study BSc Animal Behaviour at University of Exeter

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Exeter in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about BSc Animal Behaviour at University of Exeter

Can I work while studying?

During the course, you can work up to 20 hours per week while studying. In breaks, you can work full-time without a separate permit.

What English language score do I need for this course?

For English proficiency, you can choose from various tests. For instance, a minimum IELTS overall score of 6.5 or a TOEFL overall score of 90 is required.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Potential job titles include Animal Behaviorist, Wildlife Biologist, Zookeeper, and Conservation Officer.

What will I actually study in this course?

This program explores animal behavior in wild, domestic, and captive settings. You'll engage in fieldwork both locally and internationally, gaining hands-on experience in natural habitats.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The BSc Animal Behaviour course starts in September each year. Make sure to apply ahead of this intake for the best chances of acceptance.
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