Animal Behaviour (with Professional Placement) BSc
Penryn Campus, United Kingdom
Animal Behaviour (with Professional Placement) BSc (Hons)
University of Exeter
Animal Behaviour / Biological Sciences
Program Overview: Animal Behaviour (with Professional Placement) BSc
The Animal Behaviour (with Professional Placement) BSc at the University of Exeter is a four-year undergraduate programme that combines rigorous scientific study of animal behaviour with a full year of professional work experience. Based at Exeter's modern, eco-friendly Penryn Campus in Cornwall, you will study aspects of behaviour in wild, domestic, and captive animals while benefiting from one of the UK's most stunning natural environments as your extended classroom.
This programme helps you understand the 'how' and 'why' of natural behaviour, exploring how current and past environments and ecology influence behaviour, how behaviour is shaped by underlying gene-environment interactions, and why variation exists among individuals and species. You will experience extensive fieldwork in the UK and at international locations, gaining hands-on research skills that set you apart.
In your third year, you will undertake a self-organised professional placement with an organisation relevant to your degree, such as consultancies, charities, NGOs, research institutes, or universities. The placement year contributes to your final degree classification, and the words 'with Professional Placement' will appear on your degree certificate, signalling your real-world experience to future employers.
Key Program Highlights
- Extensive fieldwork in the UK and international locations, including opportunities such as field trips to Costa Rica and other biodiversity hotspots
- A dedicated professional placement year with support from academic staff and established links to local, national, and international organisations
- Research-led teaching from leading scientists at the Penryn Campus, where students actively participate in data collection and research teams
- Study at an eco-friendly campus in Cornwall, one of the UK's most biodiverse and inspiring regions, with close links to organisations such as the British Trust for Ornithology and Cornwall Wildlife Trust
Curriculum and Modules
The programme is structured across four years, with core and optional modules building from foundational biological sciences to advanced animal behaviour topics. In your first year you gain a broad grounding in ecology and evolution, while second and third academic years allow increasing specialisation. The third year is spent on professional placement, and the final year includes an independent research project and compulsory field course.
Ecology and Evolution
30 creditsAn introduction to the fundamental principles of ecology and evolutionary biology, providing the scientific foundation for understanding animal behaviour in natural environments.
Animal Behaviour and Welfare
15 creditsExplores the key concepts of animal behaviour science and welfare, examining how animals interact with their environment and the ethical considerations in studying and managing animal populations.
Field Course (Residential)
15 creditsA compulsory residential field course providing hands-on experience studying habitats and biodiversity, developing practical field-research and data collection skills in real-world settings.
Molecular Ecology and Evolution
15 creditsCovers molecular techniques used to study ecological and evolutionary questions, including population genetics, phylogenetics, and gene-environment interactions that underpin behavioural variation.
Professional Placement Year
120 creditsA full academic year spent working with an approved organisation relevant to your degree. You will apply academic knowledge in professional settings, develop transferable skills, and complete associated coursework assessed by your module convenor.
Research Project in Animal Behaviour
30 creditsAn independent research project undertaken with a member of academic staff in your final year, allowing you to design, conduct, and present original research in your chosen area of animal behaviour.
Elective Modules
Admission Requirements
The University of Exeter seeks students with strong academic backgrounds in the sciences. Applicants should demonstrate a genuine interest in biological sciences and animal behaviour. All applications for this programme are processed through Uni4Edu, who will guide you through every step of the admissions process.
Academic Requirements
- A-Level Typical OfferABB-AAB, including a Grade B in a required science subject such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, or Maths
- BTEC Extended DiplomaDDM-DDD in relevant subjects such as Applied Science, Animal Management, Agriculture, or Marine Biology
- International BaccalaureateContact Uni4Edu for current IB point requirements and required Higher Level subjects
- Year 1 Progression to PlacementAn average mark of at least 60% in Year 1 is required to progress to the Professional Placement year
- General StudiesGeneral Studies is not included in any offer
English Language Requirements
- IELTSContact Uni4Edu for the current minimum overall and component scores
- TOEFL iBTContact Uni4Edu for the current minimum score requirements
- PTE AcademicContact Uni4Edu for the current minimum score requirements
Required Documents
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
The University of Exeter invests significantly in scholarships for international students. For the 2026/27 academic year, the university has more than GBP 7 million in scholarships available for international fee-paying students. Contact Uni4Edu for full details on eligibility and how to apply for the following opportunities.
Exeter Excellence Scholarship (Undergraduate)
Up to GBP 10,000 (tuition fee reduction spread across the duration of the degree)Recognises outstanding academic achievement and ambition among international undergraduate students. Applicants must hold an offer and demonstrate academic merit, career ambition, and social responsibility. A separate application is required.
Global Excellence Scholarship
Up to GBP 10,000 (tuition fee reduction)Designed to support high-achieving international students wishing to develop their academic potential and contribute to the university community. Some country-specific awards may be combined with this scholarship in the first year.
Beacon Scholarship
Full funding (covers tuition and living costs)Offered in partnership with the Beacon Equity Trust for students with leadership potential from eligible countries including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, and South Africa. Candidates must be nominated by their School Head and hold an offer of admission.
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 from the Animal Behaviour programme at Exeter develop highly transferable skills including analytical problem-solving, teamwork, data analysis, and scientific communication. The professional placement year further enhances employability by providing real-world experience. University of Exeter graduates are ranked among the top 10 most targeted by the UK's leading employers.
Potential Career Roles
Typical Employers
Rankings and Recognition
The University of Exeter is a Russell Group institution consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK and worldwide. It achieved Triple Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 and was named University of the Year in the UK Social Mobility Awards 2025. Exeter has also received the Queen's Anniversary Prize four times, including for Ecotoxicology and Pollution Research in 2020.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Life Sciences | THE World University Rankings by Subject | 101-125 |
| Biological Sciences | Complete University Guide | Contact Uni4Edu for current data |
| Arts and Humanities | QS World University Rankings by Subject | #90 (2025) |
| Environment / 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.
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