BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare (Top-up)

Name: BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare (Top-up)
Price: -80008000 £

Animal Behaviour and Welfare

Elevate your knowledge of animals to degree-level and develop expertise greatly needed by the animal industry today. This programme will strengthen your knowledge and scientific skills, enabling you to pursue employment that prioritises animal welfare. Supported by a talented team of lecturers and unique experiences at our award-winning estate, you’ll graduate equipped to ensure animals lead the best lives possible.

Activate Learning is an Office for Students (OfS) approved (fee cap) provider of Higher Education with an OfS approved Access and Participation Plan.

Activate Learning is proud to be a partner institution of The Open University who are the awarding body for this qualification.

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Awarding body

Course overview

Application codes

Course Code

DG02HF0A005P

Institution Code

O25

Date, fees & location

Start date

September 2025

Location

Merrist Wood College

Fees

Full-time: £8,000 per year (Total £8,000). Part-time: £4,000 per year (Total £8,000)

Timetable

Duration

Full-time: 1 Year. Part-time: 2 Years.

Study mode

Full-Time

Attendance

Full-time: 18 Sept 2025-12 June 2026
Part-time: 18 Sept 2025-11 June 2027

Days of week

Full-time: Tuesday and Wednesday. Part-time: Tuesday

Time

9am-4pm

Delivery

On Campus: Merrist Wood College and University Centre, Holly Lane, Worplesdon, Surrey, GU3 3PE

Award

Course award

On successful completion, you will be awarded a BSc (Hons) in Animal Behaviour and Welfare (Top-Up) from The Open University.

Description & Modules

Animals are critical to our world as we know it. The food chain supports ecosystems and environments. And in communities across the world, animals bring happiness and companionship. But they can’t tell us what they’re thinking.
Our purpose is to be a voice for animals, and we’re dedicated to understanding what they think and feel. This is something we’re passionate about. The animal, environmental and sustainability sectors are also growing rapidly, and there’s a growing need for more people to have skills in this area. Embarking on the BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare degree programme is your opportunity to turn your love of animals into expertise that will help you make a positive impact on the world.

This course is taught at Merrist Wood College and University Centre, a 400-acre estate with ancient woodland, wetlands, livestock, threatened species, a farm, an equine centre, and our Animal Management Centre, which has an animal activities licence to support students’ training. This is your live classroom for real-world learning, and we seize every opportunity to help you apply your knowledge in practice. Our lecturers have also worked and volunteered extensively in the animal industry, bringing valuable knowledge that will enhance your learning experience. With guest lectures, work placement opportunities, and the possibility of travelling internationally, this course will set you up for the future.    
Following on from the Foundation Degree (FdSc) Animal Behaviour and Welfare, the BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare degree is a top-up programme that can be completed in one year (full-time) or two years (part-time). During this programme, you will deepen your knowledge of the concepts in animal welfare and learn about the fast-growing area of animal cognition. You’ll also design and implement practical experiments in animal behaviour and complete a research project on a topic of your choice.

Student wellbeing is a priority at Merrist Wood, and we provide dedicated extra support to enable each and every student to overcome personal obstacles and thrive. You’ll also benefit from small class sizes, exclusive access to the Higher Education Student Centre, and being around like-minded people in our inclusive community.

Being part of Activate Learning – one of the largest education providers in the South East – means you’ll benefit from a wide range of resources and regular investment in our facilities. Our approach is multi-award-winning, and we’ve achieved everything from the Silver rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) assessment, to awards for our use of digital technologies. You’ll also get to use a range of technology such as camera traps, drones and artificial intelligence (AI), which can all be brilliant non-invasive monitoring tools for animals.

Merrist Wood is a place to learn, grow and innovate. If you want to be a voice for animals, the Animal Behaviour and Welfare BSc (Hons) Degree will help you develop knowledge, practical skills and expertise sought-after by employers in our fast-changing world.

Highlights:

Gain a BSc (Hons) in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, validated by The Open University, and strengthen your employment options in a competitive and growing industry.
Develop and complete your own research project on an animal-related topic that interests you, that could link with your future career ambitions.
Learn from lecturers who have real industry experience, and benefit from guest lectures and opportunities to visit a variety of organisations and centres that work with animals. To find out more, please click here.
Access the on-site Animal Management Centre, home to hundreds of species and a desert biome, a tropical biome, a nocturnal room and a large husbandry room. Our animal activities licence supports and enhances student learning.
Study in the stunning surroundings of the 400-acre Merrist Wood estate, which also provides further practical learning opportunities.
Gain additional support for your personal needs and access our academic student support tutor, available to all students on this course.
Benefit from a consolidated timetable over two days, so you can also work and manage your home life while studying.
This course is also available as a part-time study option.

Modules

The table below provides a summary of which modules are delivered at each level for both full-time and part-time modes of study. All modules are compulsory.

Module Title	Level	Full-time	Part-time
Module Title	Level	1^st year	1^st year	2^nd year
Practical experiments in animal behaviour	6	X	X
Animal cognition	6	X	X
Concepts in animal welfare	6	X		X
Research project	6	X		X

Practical experiments in animal behaviour (30 credits)

This module will engage you in a range of practical experiments to develop an understanding of techniques used to analyse animal behaviour. Learning will be interactive and hands-on in approach to all phases of scientific investigation, including design, implementation and reporting. Practical experiments will relate to a range of biological concepts and processes, and will explore how animals respond to varying environmental conditions. You will study a range of species, using wild and captive vertebrates and invertebrates, following ethical guidelines, for example, as stipulated by The Society of Biology and the Field Studies Council. Where relevant, students will observe animal behaviour via video clips and use non-invasive methods.

Animal cognition (30 credits)

This module explores what and how animals think and is the subject of increased focus within the wider topic of animal behaviour. In this module, you will explore the developing scientific evidence for cognitive abilities, some of them previously thought to be uniquely human, and apply them across a wide range of taxonomic classes. You will study a range of methods to identify and interpret animal cognitive processes and explore the complex approach to comparative cognition across different species. Key topics include animal intelligence, problem solving, memory, social learning, communication, deceptive and co-operative behaviour. You will also explore deeper cognitive functions of the animal mind, such as consciousness and self-awareness and consider the role that emotions and personality may play in behaviour. This module considers the importance of experimental design in the study of animal cognition, and you will be able to apply theoretical concepts by replicating and designing experiments to test cognitive processing in a range of animals.

Concepts in animal welfare (30 credits)

This is a rapidly developing area of research and is increasingly informing and influencing legislation and policy worldwide. The range of topics covered in this module will allow you to engage in discussion and debate, and to consider the science and ethics of animal welfare in an objective way. This module aims to develop your understanding of the influencing factors upon welfare by exploring positive and negative welfare states and scrutinising how physiological, behavioural and emotional factors impact on quality of life. Scientific methods for the assessment of welfare will be investigated and applied to a research project during the module.

Research project (30 credits)

This module provides the opportunity to design and undertake an investigation in a topic that matches your interests, opportunities and abilities. Working independently, you will explore original ideas, demonstrate genuine thinking and research skills, and develop an interesting question that is capable of in-depth investigation. You will learn and practice the research process through taught sessions. You will explore relevant literature in an organised and systematic way, fine-tune your research topic and create a research question or hypothesis which can be tested. You will then choose the most appropriate method to gather the evidence and devise the most effective data collection tools, which are valid and reliable in gathering the required evidence. You will process and analyse this material through the development of independent critical thinking skills and present findings in accordance with established academic practice. Support will be given by the module leader and/or learning coaches through a structure of lessons and supervisory meetings. Clear guidelines, processes and assessment criteria will be provided, supported by a research project handbook.

Ready to start your application? For guidance on how to apply for your course, please click here.

Teaching & Learning

Your timetable

If you are studying full-time, your timetable will be over two consecutive days of the week.

If you are studying part-time, your timetable will be on one day per week.

Your timetable is spread over one academic year starting in September and ending in June, and consisting of 32 weeks of teaching with study breaks in October, December, February, April, and May.

Teaching and Independent study hours

Each module includes 90 hours of scheduled teaching which consists of lectures, practical activities, workshops and tutorials which all students are expected to attend.

In addition, students are expected to undertake 210 hours of independent study which may consist of reading, research, report writing, practical experiments, work-based learning, and other activities related to assessment. In total, each module equates to 300 learning hours.

Over the duration of an academic year, your total teaching contact time will equate to approximately 360 hours if you are studying full-time (180 part-time) and you will be expected to undertake 840 hours of independent study (420 part-time).

As you continue to move through your programme of study, a greater emphasis will be placed on the importance of engaging in independent study.

Teaching strategies

Throughout your programme you will experience a range of teaching strategies to support your learning, these will include lectures, workshops, seminars, practical sessions, and tutorials. The teaching strategies will vary for each module depending on the content and learning outcomes, which are detailed in each module descriptor.

In addition, you will also benefit from industry speakers, which in the past have included:

Animal Science academics
Canine Behaviourists
Animal Trainers
Wildlife Officers
Zoo Vets
Surrey Police Wildlife Officers

We also embed trips, excursions and visits where appropriate in your programme. In the past, these have included:

Chessington Zoo
Birdworld
The Knepp Estate
ZSL – London Zoo & Whipsnade Zoo
UK Wolf Trust
Petworth Park
Pirbright Vet Labs (Institute Animal Health)
Laverstoke Park
Shamwari Private Game Reserve in South Africa

Assessment

A range of different assessment methods have been developed to assess your knowledge, understanding, practical skills and transferable skills such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving. Assessment methods will vary according to the learning outcomes for each module, but will include essays, reports, examinations, presentations, practical demonstrations, collaborative group projects and posters.

The majority of assessment will be through coursework (80-90%), with 10-20% being assessed through examinations.

The balance of assessments for each module is detailed in the module descriptors, but normally includes at least two assessments which are individually weighted, for example, the Research Project module has two assessments:

Assessment task	Weighting
Project proposal	15%
Dissertation	85%

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Entry Requirements

Each application will be considered on an individual basis, following the principle of widening access to those who might not meet the traditional academic entry criteria. As such, it is anticipated that applicants will come from a diverse range of backgrounds.

Our Admissions policy, which can be accessed here outlines our commitment and responsibilities to applicants and our Admissions Procedure for Higher Education, which can be accessed here clarifies the application and enrolment process.

All applicants are also advised to read our Higher Education Terms and Conditions, which can be accessed here and provide information and references to relevant policies and procedures which apply to applicants and enrolled students.

Typical Entry Requirements

Normally, students applying for the BSc in Animal Behaviour and Welfare would be expected to have completed either a Foundation Degree in a related subject area, such as Foundation Degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, or an equivalent Higher National Diploma (HND).

Activate Learning is not currently accepting International applicants.

Mature Students

Activate Learning welcomes applications from mature students who may not meet our typical entry requirements, but who now wish to take the opportunity to develop their knowledge and practical skills. We are committed to supporting you throughout the application process and view our interview process as an opportunity to get to know applicants.

Normally, the requirement for mature students would be:

a minimum of the equivalent of four years of relevant work experience and a current role in an appropriate workplace setting; and,
evidence of ability to study at academic level 6; and,
evidence of support/recommendation from your employer.

Recognition of Prior Learning

If you don’t meet the typical entry requirements, but would still like to be considered for entry, you should complete the application form and include details of any relevant experience and/or prior certificated learning you may have. A member of the programme team will contact you to discuss your prior learning and determine whether an offer can be made.

For further details of our Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and Procedure, please click here.

Fees and Funding

Fee Breakdown

Home/EU* Fee for September 2025 entry: £8,000 per year ‍(full-time) £4,000 per year (part-time)

Please note: Tuition fees are published for the first year of entry and will remain the same for continuing students e.g. if you are studying a BSc (Hons) part-time across two years, the tuition fee will remain the same for both years.

Paying your tuition fees

The most common way to pay tuition fees is through accessing a student loan which can be done by making an application to the Student Loans Company

For additional information about fees and how to pay click here. We offer financial support to help with the cost of studying at college, for students who need it most, for more information please click here.

Students who are self-funded can pay their tuition fees through an instalment plan which consists of four equal payments over the academic year. Please see our Tuition Fee policy for further details.

*Fee information for European Union (EU) students: If your course starts on or after 1 August 2021, you will no longer be eligible for financial support from Student Finance England unless you meet one of the following criteria:

you are able to benefit from the citizens’ rights agreements
you are an Irish national living in the UK or Republic of Ireland – benefits of Irish nationals under Common Travel Area guidance arrangement will continue

If you have any queries related to funding, please email adviceandadmissions@activatelearning.ac.uk

Additional Costs associated with your Course

While tuition fees cover the core aspects of your education, we also provide the essential resources that you will requires for your studies. Should you wish to purchase additional materials, the suggested costs are listed below.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Certain courses, particularly those involving practical work or fieldwork, may require specific PPE such as a polo shirt (approx. £15), cargo trousers (approx. £14), fleece/hoody (approx. £20) and waterproof jacket (£38), as well as your own suitable footwear. During your first week at Induction, you will have the opportunity to purchase branded versions of these clothing items. Should you choose to supply your own, please avoid bright or vivid tones, colours/patterns that some animals may find challenging, such as red.

Laptop/Computer: We have desktop computers readily available for you to use on campus in our Higher Education hub and accessible library. However, owning your own reliable laptop or computer is also very useful for completing coursework, accessing online resources, and participating remotely in any virtual elements. We recommend budgeting for this expense if you do not already own one. The average cost of a laptop is £500 – £800.

Non-mandatory Field Trips, Conferences, and Excursions: During your studies, there may be non-mandatory field trips or excursions which include local, national or international travel to enhance your learning through practical experience. Any non-mandatory field trips (local or further afield) will incur additional expenses for travel, accommodation, and fees, which will be communicated to you at the earliest possible opportunity, to ensure you have ample time to prepare and budget.

These costs are subject to change each year; however, we are always exploring ways to reduce the cost of extra-curricular opportunities. A recent example was our visit to Shamwari Private Game Reserve in South Africa which cost £2,639 and included accommodation, flights, meals and excursions.

Textbooks and Course Materials: Every module has an associated reading list. Much of this literature, as well as other relevant resources, is available through your course content, online, or through our library. However, you may also wish to purchase specific textbooks or materials to enhance your learning experience. If you were to purchase 3-4 core texts for your course (new), you would realistically expect to spend £50-75.

Consumables: We want to ensure you have all the specialist equipment you need for your studies, such as conservation technologies for research or dissertation modules. Sometimes, this equipment requires consumables such as disposable batteries or SD cards. We do our best to provide these items, and we’ll always lend you consumables whenever possible. However, we strongly encourage you to purchase your own if needed.

‍Vaccination: You are advised to ensure that anti-tetanus protection via a course of injections or booster is up to date prior to the commencement of the course. These are available free of charge via the NHS.

Campus accommodation: Whether you are seeking newfound independence or aiming to avoid a long commute, we offer students the option to live in our catered accommodation (7 nights catered across the full academic year is typically £6,350) or self-catered accommodation (typically £ 4,390 across the full academic year). You can find out more about our halls of residence, facilities, and fees here.

Activate Learning offers a range of bursaries and funds to help support students during their studies. For further details, including eligibility and how to apply, please click here.

BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare (Top-up)

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