Animal Behaviour (4 Years) MSci
Penryn Campus, United Kingdom
MSci Animal Behaviour (Hons)
University of Exeter
Animal Behaviour
MSci Animal Behaviour at the University of Exeter
The MSci Animal Behaviour at the University of Exeter is a four-year integrated masters programme that encompasses all aspects of behaviour in wild, domestic, and captive animals. It covers the evolution and adaptive function of behaviour in the wild, its physiological and neuronal control, and how animals develop socially and cognitively through experience.
The programme mirrors the BSc Animal Behaviour during the first three years, then adds a fourth year featuring an intensive research project, an advanced statistical modelling module, and a literature review. You will also complete a two-week intensive field course that further develops your scientific field-research, debating, and presentation skills.
Delivered by internationally recognised, research-active staff in the Centre for Ecology and Conservation on the Penryn Campus in Cornwall, the programme provides extensive fieldwork opportunities in the UK and international locations. The Centre hosts a thriving group of scientists who run field research projects across the globe, from Uganda to Australia.
Key Programme Highlights
- Integrated masters-level research project in your fourth year, aligned with a leading research group
- Extensive fieldwork in the UK and international locations, including residential field courses
- Taught at the eco-friendly Penryn Campus in Cornwall, surrounded by inspiring natural habitats
- Interdisciplinary approach covering evolution, ecology, genetics, neuroscience, and conservation
Curriculum and Modules
The MSci Animal Behaviour programme is structured across four years, building from foundational zoology and ecology in the first year through to advanced independent research in the fourth year. You will study a mix of compulsory and optional modules each year, with compulsory residential field courses in the second, third, and fourth years.
Introduction to Animal Behaviour
30 creditsGain a broad grounding in the scientific study of animal behaviour, covering major milestones in behaviour research and exploring current topics of outstanding interest.
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
30 creditsExplore evolutionary approaches to the study of behaviour, focusing on how natural selection shapes the behaviour and life histories of animals in their natural environment.
Behavioural Development and Neuroethology
30 creditsDiscover how behaviour is influenced by genes and the environment in which an animal develops, and how behaviour is regulated by hormones and neuronal mechanisms.
Residential Field Course
30 creditsGain practical experience of research in the wild through residential field courses in the UK and overseas, developing observational and data collection skills in natural habitats.
MSci Research Project
60 creditsUndertake an intensive, independent research project in your fourth year, focused on a specialised area aligned with one of the Centre for Ecology and Conservation's leading research groups.
Advanced Statistical Modelling and Literature Review
30 creditsBuild essential high-level research skills through advanced statistical analysis methods and a comprehensive literature review module supporting your research project.
Elective and Optional Modules
Admission Requirements
Admission to the MSci Animal Behaviour programme is competitive and based on academic merit. International applicants should apply through Uni4Edu, which will guide you through the entire application process and ensure all requirements are met.
Academic Requirements
- A-Level Typical OfferContact Uni4Edu for current entry requirements and equivalent qualifications
- Required SubjectsBiology at A-Level (or equivalent) is typically required
- International BaccalaureateContact Uni4Edu for the current IB points requirement
- GCSE RequirementsAcceptable passes in English and Mathematics at GCSE level or equivalent
- Deferred EntryGap year applicants are welcome and considered equally
English Language Requirements
- IELTSContact Uni4Edu for the minimum overall and component scores required
- TOEFL iBTContact Uni4Edu for the minimum score accepted
- Pre-sessional EnglishINTO University of Exeter offers pre-sessional English courses for international students
Required Documents
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
The University of Exeter offers significant funding opportunities for international students. With GBP 7 million available for international students applying for the 2026/27 academic year, there are several scholarship options to help support your studies. Contact Uni4Edu for guidance on eligibility and the application process.
Exeter Excellence Scholarship (Undergraduate)
GBP 3,000 or GBP 5,000 per year (recurring tuition fee reduction)A merit-based scholarship recognising outstanding academic achievement for international fee-paying students. The tuition fee discount continues at the same value for every eligible year of study. Can be combined with certain regional scholarships up to a maximum of GBP 10,000 per year.
Regional Scholarships (Country-Specific)
Varies by country and regionThe University of Exeter offers additional scholarships for students from specific countries and regions, including China, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Turkey. These may be combined with the Exeter Excellence Scholarship.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the MSci Animal Behaviour programme are well prepared for careers in research, conservation, and related fields. The integrated masters qualification provides advanced research skills that are highly valued by employers and academic institutions. The University of Exeter is ranked 8th in the UK for graduates most sought after by top employers.
Potential Career Roles
Typical Employers and Organisations
Rankings and Recognition
The University of Exeter is a Russell Group university consistently ranked among the top institutions in the UK and globally. It has achieved Triple Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 and was named University of the Year in the UK Social Mobility Awards 2025.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Life Sciences | THE World Rankings by Subject | 101-125 |
| Arts and Humanities | QS World Rankings by Subject | #90 |
| Biological Sciences | Complete University Guide (UK) | Contact Uni4Edu for current data |
| Environment and Ecology | Queen's Anniversary Prize | Prize Winner (2020) |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
Similar Programmes
Bachelor's Degree
36 months
Animal Management (Bioveterinary Science) BSc
Writtle University College, Chelmsford, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
February 2026
Gross Tuition
16700 £
Master's & Postgraduate
24 months
Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences (MS)
University Of Arizona, Tucson, United States
Earliest Intake
May 2026
Gross Tuition
32065 $
Bachelor's Degree
48 months
Animal Sciences- Animal Industry Emphasis (BS)
University Of Arizona, Tucson, United States
Earliest Intake
May 2026
Gross Tuition
39958 $
Bachelor's Degree
48 months
Zoology (with Foundation Year) BSc (Hons)
Prifysgol Bangor University, Bangor, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
May 2026
Gross Tuition
19000 £
Bachelor's Degree
48 months
Animal Behaviour (with Professional Placement) BSc
University of Exeter, Cornwall, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
January 2026
Gross Tuition
31200 £
Uni4Edu AI Assistant
