Your career
Industry opportunities on this course are diverse to ensure you develop the skills, experience and connections needed for your graduate career.
Course information
Turn your passion for animal training into a rewarding career with our Animal Behaviour and Training (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.
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 (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.
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.
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)
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
TEF Gold
Our undergraduate provision has been awarded Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold in all aspects - Overall, Student Experience, and Student Outcomes.
Graduate employability
95% of graduates are in employment, further study or other purposeful activity (Graduate Outcomes 2025).
Academic support
We’re a top 10 university for academic support (NSS 2025, UK universities).
“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
"Hartpury is a great place to be if you have a passion for animals. There’s so many opportunities on offer to suit different interests. I’m a dog person but being able to experience lots of different things, from the Equine Therapy Centre to the farm, was great for my development."
Lauren Branfield, Trainee Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, Guide Dogs for The Blind
"Hartpury is a great place to be if you have a passion for animals. There’s so many opportunities on offer to suit different interests. I’m a dog person but being able to experience lots of different things, from the Equine Therapy Centre to the farm, was great for my development."
Lauren Branfield, Trainee Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, Guide Dogs for The Blind
Get in touch
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.
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