University of Exeter United Kingdom

MSci Animal Behaviour

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon January 2027

Course Overview

The MSci Animal Behaviour at the University of Exeter offers you a comprehensive exploration into the 'how' and 'why' of animal actions, examining how environments and genetics shape behaviour and why variations exist across species. This undergraduate degree is ideal for students passionate about understanding behaviour in wild, domestic, and captive animals, providing a robust foundation in ecology, evolution, and genetics. You will delve into key areas such as behavioural ecology, animal cognition, and conservation science, preparing you for advanced study and research in this dynamic field.

This full-time, four-year on-campus programme immerses you in extensive fieldwork, both within the UK and internationally, allowing you to study animals in their natural habitats. You will develop critical skills in data analysis, research design, and scientific communication, culminating in a substantial research project in your final year. You will graduate with the expertise and practical experience needed to pursue diverse career paths in wildlife conservation, animal welfare, research, and related scientific industries.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This MSci program provides a comprehensive exploration of animal behaviour, integrating foundational ecological and evolutionary principles with advanced research methodologies. Students will delve into topics such as animal diversity, behavioural ecology, and conservation science, undertaking extensive fieldwork in diverse global environments. The curriculum culminates in a significant research project, equipping graduates with the analytical and practical skills necessary for careers in animal behaviour research, conservation, and related scientific fields.

1 Year 1

Ecology and Conservation Compulsory
Animal Diversity Compulsory
Evolution and Genetics Compulsory
Life Processes Optional

2 Year 2

Analysis of Biological Data Compulsory
Behavioural Ecology Compulsory
Scotland Field Course Compulsory
Biosciences Penryn Virtual Field Course Compulsory
Scillies St Agnes Field Course Compulsory
Scillies St Mary's Field Course Compulsory
Population and Community Ecology Optional
Wildlife Disease Optional
Introduction to Ecological Consultancy Optional
Evolutionary Ecology Optional
Conservation Science Optional
Biology and Ecology of Marine Vertebrates Optional
Wildlife Exploitation Optional
GIS for Wildlife Mapping Optional
Adaptations to Life on Earth Optional

3 Year 3

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
Global Research Skills Virtual Field Course Compulsory
Literature Review in Evolution and Ecology Compulsory
Preparing to Graduate Compulsory
Living in Groups Optional
Sensory Ecology Optional
Science in Society Optional
Animal Life Histories Optional
Ecological Responses to Climate Change Optional
Evolutionary Biology of Health and Disease Optional
Animal Migration Optional
Animal Cognition Optional
Primate Biology and Conservation Optional
The Complexity of Human Societies Optional
Human Behavioural Ecology Optional
Major Transitions in Evolutionary History Optional
The Genome: Applications, Evolution and Ecology Optional
Symbiosis in Marine Systems Optional

4 Year 4 (MSc Biology)

Academic Research Project Compulsory
Rewilding the United Kingdom Compulsory
Literature Review in the Life Sciences Compulsory
Applied Data Analysis Compulsory
Global Challenges Field Course (MSc) Compulsory

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
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 42,173.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 168,692.00

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

Corporate Finance & TreasuryCorrections & RehabilitationEnvironmental & Sustainability ConsultingHealth Technology & Digital HealthHydropower & Alternative RenewablesLivestock & Animal HusbandryMusic & Performing ArtsNuclear EnergySoftware Development & EngineeringSpecial & Inclusive Education

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Amazon

Amgen

AstraZeneca

Deloitte

Environment Agency

GSK

John Lewis Group

NHS

Why Study MSci Animal Behaviour at University of Exeter

What makes this program stand out

January 2027 Closing soon

Next intake is in January 2027

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 MSci Animal Behaviour at University of Exeter

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time. No separate work permit is needed, but self-employment is not allowed.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To apply, you'll need to meet specific English proficiency scores depending on the test. For example, a TOEFL overall score of 90 or an IELTS overall score of 6.5 is required.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Potential job titles include Animal Behaviorist, Wildlife Biologist, Conservation Officer, Research Scientist, and Animal Welfare Consultant.

What will I actually study in this course?

Overview

  • Our MSci provides an opportunity to work on a project focused on a specialised area aligned with one of our leading research groups
  • Study aspects of behaviour in wild, domestic and captive animals
  • Understand the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of natural behaviour: how current and past environments and ecology influence behaviour, how behaviour is shaped by underlying gene-environment interactions, and why we see variation among individuals, species and species

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The MSci Animal Behaviour program has an intake in January. Make sure to prepare your application ahead of this date.
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