Animal Behaviour & Welfare

Animal Behaviour is the scientific study of what animals do, from single-celled organisms, invertebrates to vertebrates. It is one of the most exciting and interesting scientific disciplines, expanding rapidly over recent decades. Animal behaviour is key to understanding evolutionary processes, and there is a growing need to understand behaviour due to the impact of an increasing human population.



In addition, an understanding of animal behaviour is of fundamental importance to safeguard animal welfare. Thus, the study of animal behaviour provides the foundation for successful conservation and to increase and regulate the welfare of both domestic and wild animals. The course covers a wide range of animals, from insects to primates, taking in companion and farm animals. Thus, there is something of interest for everyone.



Throughout the course students will get fundamental training in Animal Behaviour, Animal Welfare, Experimental Design, Statistics, and Presentation Skills to succeed on the competitive job market. The content provided during the course will also be useful for those who wish to pursue a PhD in Behaviour, Behavioural Ecology, Conservation, Evolutionary Ecology, and Animal Welfare.



The course also offers the opportunity to undertake a work placement with a variety of organizations subject to availability of placements. The School of Biological Sciences has provided work placement opportunities to students for more than 10 years, through a dedicated team of Career and Work Placement Officers that work for our School.



The work placement module is optional: students will have the option to either complete the module Professional Development and Work Placement, or the module Research Project: Animal Behaviour and Welfare.

Core Modules

Animal Behaviour (30 credits)

Animal Welfare (30 credits)

Key Skills in Animal Behaviour and Welfare (30 credits)

Literature Review: Animal Behaviour and Welfare (30 credits)



Optional Modules

Research Project: Animal Behaviour and Welfare (60 credits)

Professional Development and Work Placement (60 credits)

Entrance requirements

Graduate

Normally a 2.2 Honours degree or above, in a relevant area of science (including psychology), or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. We welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds, thus applicants who do not meet the above academic requirements but hold a degree (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) and can demonstrate appropriate experience, will be considered on an individual basis.



External medical or veterinary students wishing to intercalate must have successfully completed the third/fourth year of their course. Applicants must have passed all relevant assessments for the year in which they are applying. External intercalating applicants should also ensure they have the permission of the Head of Undergraduate Medical/Veterinary Education or equivalent from their home University.



Intercalating medical students from within Queen's University Belfast will also be considered if they have successfully completed the third/fourth year of their course at first attempt and achieved at least a lower second class honours standard. Intercalating applicants from Queen's University Belfast should ensure they have permission to intercalate from their Director for Medical Education.



International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region at https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/your-country/



English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).



International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.



For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.



If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally not later than 31st July 2026. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.



Please note: A deposit will be required to secure a place on this course.

1 year full-time.

Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27

Career Prospects

Current graduates have taken up further PhD study both here at Queen’s and further afield. Others have gone on to work in both the private (Sea Watch Foundation, Dogs Trust, ISPCA) and public sector (DOE Marine Division, NISRA) here in Northern Ireland and internationally (Canada, Thailand, and Italy).