Animal Science

Pet behaviour and welfare is a field that sits at the junction of animal science, psychology, and ethics, asking how companion animals think, feel, and experience the world, and what that understanding requires of the people who keep, care for, and work with them. As public understanding of animal sentience has grown and the pet care industry has expanded significantly, the demand for professionals with rigorous training in animal behaviour and welfare has increased across veterinary practice, animal care, policy, and advocacy.

At Anglia Ruskin University, this part-time Animal Science degree with a specialism in Pet Behaviour and Welfare gives you a scientifically grounded education in how companion animals behave, what factors influence their wellbeing, and how practitioners can assess and improve welfare outcomes. You will study animal cognition, learning theory, behavioural assessment, welfare science, and the relationship between humans and their companion animals, developing both theoretical knowledge and the practical skills needed to work in professional settings. The programme is delivered part-time, offering flexibility for students who are working or have other commitments alongside their studies.

Graduates from programmes in animal behaviour and welfare pursue careers across a range of settings. Roles in companion animal behaviour consultancy, animal training, rescue and rehoming organisations, veterinary nursing, zoo and wildlife management, pet industry companies, and animal welfare advocacy are among the most common. Local authorities, government agencies, and charities concerned with animal welfare also recruit from this background.

Academic and research roles are available for those who go on to postgraduate study in animal behaviour, anthrozoology, or welfare science. The field is growing in professional recognition, and graduates with a scientific grounding in behaviour and welfare are increasingly sought after across the sector.