Animal Behaviour and Welfare

Animal behaviour and welfare is the scientific study of how and why animals act as they do, and what conditions allow them to live well. Drawing on biology, ethology, psychology and ecology, the discipline asks fundamental questions about cognition, communication, social structures, survival strategies and the relationship between humans and the animals they keep, manage or encounter in the wild. Understanding animal welfare has become increasingly important as public expectations, legislation and agricultural and conservation practices have evolved.

At the University of Lincoln, you will explore the mechanisms and functions of behaviour across a range of species, considering both evolutionary pressures and immediate causes. You will study how animals learn, form social bonds, communicate and respond to stress, and how welfare science translates this understanding into practical standards for captive and managed populations. The programme runs over three years and includes a sandwich year, a work placement and a year abroad, so you will have structured opportunities to apply your learning in professional contexts, whether in zoos, sanctuaries, research institutions, farms or conservation projects.

The year abroad adds an international dimension, allowing you to observe and work with species and environments you would not encounter at home.

The programme develops your skills in observation, experimental design, data collection and analysis, and scientific writing. You will learn to think critically about research evidence, evaluate welfare indicators and communicate findings clearly to different audiences. Fieldwork and practical sessions are central to the learning experience, giving you direct experience of working with animals alongside rigorous academic study.

Graduates pursue careers in animal welfare inspection and enforcement, zoo and wildlife management, conservation, veterinary nursing, research, education and policy. Some go on to postgraduate study in animal science, conservation biology, veterinary science or related fields. The combination of behavioural science and welfare expertise is valued by a wide range of employers, from wildlife NGOs and government agencies to agricultural organisations and companion animal services.