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Bsc Hons Canine Training And Performance

Animal Behaviour and Training with Canine (Clinical) (Top-up Level 6)

BSc (Hons) Top-up Level 6

You’ll join the final year of the BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Training with Canine (Clinical) course building on your previous knowledge. Top-up courses are equivalent to the final year of an undergraduate degree and allow you to 'top-up' an existing qualification into a full honours degree.

Now is an exciting time to join the animal training and performance industry. The global pet care market is booming and the growth rate for jobs within the animal sector is increasing rapidly. There’s a huge demand for talented graduates with a passion for animal training.

Key Information

Course Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 year part-time
Part or Full Time: Full Time / Part Time
Level of Study: Top-up Level 6
Typical Offer: A pass at Foundation Degree or HND in a programme recognised to ABTC Level 5 Animal Behaviour Technician

Course information

Turn your passion for animal training into a rewarding career with our Animal Behaviour and Training  with Canine (Clinical) degree. You’ll work with our 70-species animal collection, gaining hands-on experience and connecting with leading trainers, scientists, and behaviourists across the UK. There may also be opportunities to learn from inspirational guest speakers.

This course and its training are underpinned by the strictest ethics and supported by the latest scientific evidence. You’ll learn from the latest advances in the field and use industry-standard technologies. You’ll develop the expertise to make a real difference in the lives of animals and their owners.

Academic requirements 

  • A pass at Foundation Degree or HND in a programme recognised to ABTC Level 5 Animal Behaviour Technician
  • We welcome students with equivalent qualifications; please contact us to discuss 

 

Non-academic options 

  • Direct entry into Level 6 can be subject to interview and approval of prior content covered 
  • Previous learning towards a university-level qualification or relevant work experience may count as credit for this course 

 

International students 

  • We welcome applications from international students and accept international qualifications at equivalent levels to the above 
  • You may also need to evidence proficiency in English language 

 

Please contact us for further information.

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Your career

Industry opportunities on this course are diverse to ensure you develop the skills, experience and connections needed for your graduate career.

Field trips and guest lecturers

Field trips and industry professionals in lectures form an important part of your learning, enabling you to experience different businesses, careers and best practices.

Recent field trips have included to places such as Crufts, Guide Dogs for the Blind and Cotswold Wildlife Park. Extra fees are required – please see the fees tab for more information.

Recent guest lecturers have included dog training professionals, animal biomechanics researchers and zookeepers.

Graduate destinations

You may go on to work within zoos, charities, animal rescue centres, boarding kennels and laboratories. You’ll also have the transferable skills you need for other graduate careers. Our careers team can support you to find and prepare to secure your perfect role.

You may go on to work as a trainer or join behaviour teams, and progress on to:

  • Service dog handling
  • Animal warden/officer
  • Performance analyst for competitive sports (such as agility, cani-cross)
  • Assistance work
  • Rescue and rehabilitation
  • Clinical animal behaviourist
Success Stories

Your support network

You'll benefit from a strong support network from day one to be the best you can be. This will range from your personal tutor and specialist academic support team (our Achievement and Success Centre) to dedicated wellbeing and employability (Employability, Skills and Careers) centres.

Academic support

You’ll have your own personal tutor while you’re here who will support you to succeed in your studies. You’ll also have access to our academic and wellbeing support teams who run regular workshops and one-to-one sessions on campus and online.

Alongside this, we have a comprehensive bank of online study skills resources to help you make the most of your qualification.

Your learning experiences

You'll experience a range of teaching methods to strengthen your digestion of topics, including lectures, workshops and practical sessions.

Your career

Your course will be made up of two semesters, within which you’ll study compulsory and optional modules on different industry-focused topics, enabling you to develop your own unique portfolio of knowledge, skills and experience, ready for your career. The course is taught in English.

Course information

Overview

Turn your passion for animal training into a rewarding career with our Animal Behaviour and Training  with Canine (Clinical) degree. You’ll work with our 70-species animal collection, gaining hands-on experience and connecting with leading trainers, scientists, and behaviourists across the UK. There may also be opportunities to learn from inspirational guest speakers.

This course and its training are underpinned by the strictest ethics and supported by the latest scientific evidence. You’ll learn from the latest advances in the field and use industry-standard technologies. You’ll develop the expertise to make a real difference in the lives of animals and their owners.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements 

  • A pass at Foundation Degree or HND in a programme recognised to ABTC Level 5 Animal Behaviour Technician
  • We welcome students with equivalent qualifications; please contact us to discuss 

 

Non-academic options 

  • Direct entry into Level 6 can be subject to interview and approval of prior content covered 
  • Previous learning towards a university-level qualification or relevant work experience may count as credit for this course 

 

International students 

  • We welcome applications from international students and accept international qualifications at equivalent levels to the above 
  • You may also need to evidence proficiency in English language 

 

Please contact us for further information.

Employability

Your career

Industry opportunities on this course are diverse to ensure you develop the skills, experience and connections needed for your graduate career.

Field trips and guest lecturers

Field trips and industry professionals in lectures form an important part of your learning, enabling you to experience different businesses, careers and best practices.

Recent field trips have included to places such as Crufts, Guide Dogs for the Blind and Cotswold Wildlife Park. Extra fees are required – please see the fees tab for more information.

Recent guest lecturers have included dog training professionals, animal biomechanics researchers and zookeepers.

Graduate destinations

You may go on to work within zoos, charities, animal rescue centres, boarding kennels and laboratories. You’ll also have the transferable skills you need for other graduate careers. Our careers team can support you to find and prepare to secure your perfect role.

You may go on to work as a trainer or join behaviour teams, and progress on to:

  • Service dog handling
  • Animal warden/officer
  • Performance analyst for competitive sports (such as agility, cani-cross)
  • Assistance work
  • Rescue and rehabilitation
  • Clinical animal behaviourist

How you'll study

Your support network

You'll benefit from a strong support network from day one to be the best you can be. This will range from your personal tutor and specialist academic support team (our Achievement and Success Centre) to dedicated wellbeing and employability (Employability, Skills and Careers) centres.

Academic support

You’ll have your own personal tutor while you’re here who will support you to succeed in your studies. You’ll also have access to our academic and wellbeing support teams who run regular workshops and one-to-one sessions on campus and online.

Alongside this, we have a comprehensive bank of online study skills resources to help you make the most of your qualification.

Your learning experiences

You'll experience a range of teaching methods to strengthen your digestion of topics, including lectures, workshops and practical sessions.

Your career

Your course will be made up of two semesters, within which you’ll study compulsory and optional modules on different industry-focused topics, enabling you to develop your own unique portfolio of knowledge, skills and experience, ready for your career. The course is taught in English.

Modules

What you'll study

This course builds on the knowledge you have gained in previous studies, to reach the level of a BSc (Hons) degree. 

You'll be exposed to contemporary challenges in the area of animal behaviour and advanced theory and practice, including gaining an insight into managing clinical case studies which will support you in your future career.

Engagement with practical activities, and real-world case studies throughout the course will prepare you for a future career in a diverse sector - from routine training for husbandry right through to managing animals with problematic behaviours.

This course and its training are underpinned by the strictest ethics and supported by the latest scientific evidence. You’ll learn from the latest advances in the field and use industry-standard technologies.

 

Module credits

On successful completion of your modules, you’ll gain academic credit that accumulates towards your award. The marks you gain over the course of your programme will contribute towards your final degree classification.

You’ll advance your understanding of the key principles in animal training and behaviour. You’ll be exposed to contemporary challenges in the subject area, for example, in animal behaviour and advanced theory and practice, including gaining an insight into managing clinical case studies which will support you in your future career.

You’ll also undertake a substantial research dissertation project, enabling you to experience the responsibility of planning, implementing and reporting on a specialist topics.

Content of the course has been aligned to the ABTC level of Clinical Animal Behaviourist, building on knowledge and skill at Animal Behaviour Technician level.

Compulsory Modules

Animal and Agriculture Dissertation

This module involves independent research and analysis in an animal or agriculture‐related field with one-to‐one support from an academic.

Advanced Animal Training

Learn about the theoretical and practical methods used in the advanced training of animals and the coaching of trainer, client and animal.

Anthrozoology

The study of human-animal interactions, exploring the impact animals have on our lives, and the impact we have on theirs.

Cognitive Ethology

Develop the ability to critically evaluate the evidence supporting cognitive abilities in non-human animals.

Clinical Case Studies for Veterinary Paraprofessionals

Develop your ability to plan interventions to improve the wellbeing of animals and their caregivers through the exploration of real-world clinical case studies.

Modules

Overview

What you'll study

This course builds on the knowledge you have gained in previous studies, to reach the level of a BSc (Hons) degree. 

You'll be exposed to contemporary challenges in the area of animal behaviour and advanced theory and practice, including gaining an insight into managing clinical case studies which will support you in your future career.

Engagement with practical activities, and real-world case studies throughout the course will prepare you for a future career in a diverse sector - from routine training for husbandry right through to managing animals with problematic behaviours.

This course and its training are underpinned by the strictest ethics and supported by the latest scientific evidence. You’ll learn from the latest advances in the field and use industry-standard technologies.

 

Module credits

On successful completion of your modules, you’ll gain academic credit that accumulates towards your award. The marks you gain over the course of your programme will contribute towards your final degree classification.

Level Six (year one)

You’ll advance your understanding of the key principles in animal training and behaviour. You’ll be exposed to contemporary challenges in the subject area, for example, in animal behaviour and advanced theory and practice, including gaining an insight into managing clinical case studies which will support you in your future career.

You’ll also undertake a substantial research dissertation project, enabling you to experience the responsibility of planning, implementing and reporting on a specialist topics.

Content of the course has been aligned to the ABTC level of Clinical Animal Behaviourist, building on knowledge and skill at Animal Behaviour Technician level.

Compulsory Modules

Animal and Agriculture Dissertation

This module involves independent research and analysis in an animal or agriculture‐related field with one-to‐one support from an academic.

Advanced Animal Training

Learn about the theoretical and practical methods used in the advanced training of animals and the coaching of trainer, client and animal.

Anthrozoology

The study of human-animal interactions, exploring the impact animals have on our lives, and the impact we have on theirs.

Cognitive Ethology

Develop the ability to critically evaluate the evidence supporting cognitive abilities in non-human animals.

Clinical Case Studies for Veterinary Paraprofessionals

Develop your ability to plan interventions to improve the wellbeing of animals and their caregivers through the exploration of real-world clinical case studies.

The modules contain a mixture of scheduled learning – lectures, workshops and practical sessions – alongside independent learning. Students are expected to dedicate at least two to three hours of independent study per contact hour.

Year Contact learning Placement learning Independent learning
Level six (year one) 17% 0% 83%

You'll be assessed through a mixture of written exams, practical exams and written assignments. Many of the modules will be marked based on a mixture of assessment types, whilst others will be based solely on one type of assessment. Feedback will be given via a mixture of written bullet point-style feedback and/or oral feedback.

Year Written exam Practical exam Coursework
Level six (year one) 13% 23% 64%

Each year of this course is taught over two semesters, normally consisting of 12 weeks of scheduled teaching and then assessment weeks, with an overview below:

  • Scheduled teaching takes place between 8.30 to 20.30 Monday to Friday
  • Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities
  • Work placements may entail different days and hours
  • Part-time students may need to attend learning activities five days each week, depending on modules selected
  • Timetables are available during enrolment week
View term dates

Please visit our student finance page for information on tuition fees and student loans, as well as non-repayable grants, bursaries and scholarships, eligible to different groups, to support with study costs.

Clothing and footwear (circa £100)

You’ll need to purchase appropriate clothing and footwear before you enrol, or during enrolment week. We’ll let you know exactly what you need to purchase in your enrolment guide – everything is available from our supplier’s online shop for approximately £100.

Optional field trips (up to circa £200)

Students are encouraged to engage in various trips and visits as part of the programme. While many of these are included in the course fees, there is the opportunity to engage in optional trips with additional costs involved.

Accommodation and living costs

Please visit our student accommodation page for details.

Fees & Finance

Our Resource Library is where you'll find all the essential details about Hartpury University's courses. It includes Programme and Module Specifications, along with Course Information Sheets for every course. You can easily download a complete revision history for each of these, clearly showing the dates changes were made.

Course Information Sheets: These are PDF versions of the course webpages. They provide an overview of the course, what to expect during your studies, and the topics covered.

Programme Specifications: These are detailed, validated documents containing academic specifics for each programme. They include descriptions of the programme, its aims, learning outcomes, year and module structure, as well as teaching, learning, and assessment strategies.

Module Specifications: Each Programme consists of several Modules. Our Module Specifications outline the topics covered and the expected outcomes for students studying each Module.

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Settle into an accommodation option to suit your taste and budget – at Hartpury University, undergraduate students can choose to live on-campus surrounded by Gloucestershire’s beautiful countryside or off-campus in the heart of Gloucester City centre. Enjoy the best of both worlds.

Hartpury University Accommodation

Finance

We can help you understand how it all works, and what you need to do next. Find out everything you need to know about tuition fees, student loans and bursaries and scholarships. In 2021/22, we provided assistance to over 1/3 of our students through bursaries, scholarships and grants, totalling a little under £1million.

Hartpury University Finance

Support

When you become a student at Hartpury, you become part of our community. As a small university, we provide personalised support based on your individual requirements and aspirations. Our teams cover wellbeing, achievement and success, learning support, careers, and more. From wellbeing, safety and employability, to finance, accommodation and IT, our staff will answer your questions or get you set up with someone who can.

Hartpury University Student Support
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Specialist University of the Year

Hartpury University has been named Specialist University of the Year 2026 – a major national recognition of its exceptional teaching, facilities, and student experience (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2026).

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TEF Gold

Our undergraduate provision has been awarded Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold in all aspects - Overall, Student Experience, and Student Outcomes.

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Graduate employability

95% of graduates are in employment, further study or other purposeful activity (Graduate Outcomes 2025).

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We’re a top 10 university for academic support (NSS 2025, UK universities).

Skai Walker
“It's amazing that Hartpury offers the opportunity to work with different species as part of the degree. As part of the course, I did a 40-hour internship in the Animal Collection. I’ve been getting hands on with exotic animals – meerkats, skunks and prairie dogs. ”
Skai Walker
BSc (Hons) Human-Animal Interaction

Get in touch

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Meet our academic team

Get to know our dedicated and passionate teaching staff who’ll help you achieve your very best. We’re proud to have been awarded Gold in all three areas of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF): Overall, Student Experience, and Student Outcomes. This places Hartpury University in the top 15% of published institutions in England. Plus, we're ranked sixth in the UK for Teaching Quality, in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

Important information

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes are reviewed and developed regularly. Changes or cancellation of courses may be necessary to ensure alignment with emerging employment areas, to comply with accrediting body requirements, revisions to subject benchmark statements or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make necessary changes and will notify all offer-holders of changes as and when they occur.