Animal Behaviour (with integrated year in industry) at Aberystwyth University

How and why do animals behave as they do? Animal behaviourists use rigorous, scientific methods to answer such questions. The scientific study of animal behaviour provides amazing insights into the ways in which animals survive and reproduce within their dynamic environment is essential for the successful conservation and management of rare and endangered species; and is key to improving the welfare of captive and domestic animals. This variant of our Animal Behaviour scheme includes an integrated year in industry between the second and fourth years of study. A year of work experience will greatly enhance your employment prospects, and provide a head start to your career in Animal Behaviour!

Why study BSc Animal Science at Aberystwyth University? 

• You will be taught and mentored by enthusiastic teaching staff that conduct research across the spectrum of animal species and behavioural responses.

• All students will have access to fantastic laboratories & equipment, including radio-tracking equipment, nest boxes, laboratories & aquaria, plus a historic specimen collection. Amazing local habitats including coastlines, estuaries, woodlands, and hills, allowing access to species such as red kites, chough, grey seals, bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises. And if you still have more appetite for field work, you can take the residential field course in animal behaviour too.

• Undertake an integrated year in industry that is assessed and will count towards your final degree classification.  Note that students must organise their work experience under the guidance of our Director for Employability and that it must be relevant to Animal Behaviour. If students cannot secure a placement they are required to transfer to BSc Animal Behaviour C120.

• Although work experience may not be paid. Students will pay a discounted fee during your year in industry.

What professions do our students go into?

Many of our students go on to postgraduate study at Masters or PhD level, aiming for careers in pure or applied science, or science communication. Others have gone on to careers as scientific animal technicians and medical laboratory assistants. During their studies, many of our students have volunteered for conservation projects such as the Pine Martin Recovery Project and Iberian Lynx captive breeding program, or for organisations such as the RSPB.

Your year in industry:

Make no mistake, you will develop confidence and gaining experience in the industry will stimulate your enthusiasm for the subject.

Completing a year in industry will allow you to:

• Apply the learning from your course to the work environment;
• Make industry contacts;
• Develop practical skills related to your area of study;
• Apply your practical skills and technical knowledge after returning to study;
• Enhance your CV and better prepare yourself for a job after graduating.

Students on this scheme should note that the department institute does not have automatic placements for every applicant. You will be responsible for finding securing the work experience, however, you will have the assistance of our institute Work Experience Coordinator and our dedicated careers advisor (James Cuffe, jpc11@aber.ac.uk). If you fail to find work experience you will be able to convert your course to the three-year version of your subject.