BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Training with Canine (Clinical) (with Foundation Year)

Develop the skills and expertise to transform your passion for training animals into a fulfilling career with this Animal Behaviour and Training with Canine (Clinical) degree. Access our 70-species animal collection and benefit from our connections with animal trainers, scientists and behaviourists across the UK.

Around 57% of all UK households (16.2 million) are home to pets, numbering up to 38 million animals*. With around 12 million dogs and 11 million cats, as well as many more animals, including those held in zoological collections, skills and expertise in animal behaviour and training are in high demand.

Key Information

Course Duration: 4 or 5 years full time; part-time available

UC UCAS Code: CF6C

Part or Full Time: Full Time / Part Time

Level of Study: Undergraduate Degrees

Placement Year: Optional

Typical Offer: 32-48 UCAS tariff points or equivalent

Course information

Download Programme Specification

You’ll gain an in depth understanding of the key topics in the field of animal behaviour and training. Core subjects will range from management and training of the animal, to the physiology of animal behaviour. You will engage in practical activities across a wide range of species including not only dogs but many of the other animals held within our 70 species collection. Your studies will prepare you for entering a diverse animal sector, from running your own private enterprise to large charitable and commercial organisations. You will be able to engage in activities training animals for standard husbandry and management right up to supporting the wellbeing and recovery of animals displaying problematic behaviours.

Your engagement with industry placements and real-world case studies throughout the three years, as well as the clear focus on how to communicate effectively with animal caregivers, will prepare you well for your future career. By tailoring your industry placement and research project on dogs you will be able to focus your award on the area you wish to specialise in.

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.

*UK Pet Food 2023

Recognised by the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC)

This programme has been formally recognised with the Animal Behaviour & Training Council (ABTC) Programme Recognition Committee to deliver the academic elements necessary for an individual to achieve ABTC recognition as:

Animal Trainer (AT) – during year 1
Animal Training Instructor (ATI) – during year 2
Animal Behaviour Technician (ABT) – during year 2
Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB) – during year 3

An individual who has met the ABTC knowledge and understanding (academic) requirements, and who wishes to be ABTC registered will then need to undertake an assessment of the performance criteria via an ABTC Practitioner Organisation. Students will be supported with this process throughout their study.

Find out more about the benefits of becoming an ABTC practitioner.

UCAS tariff points | 32-48 UCAS tariff points.
A Levels | EE-DD or equivalent from at least one full A Level.
Vocational Awards | PPP in an Extended Diploma.
Access | 32-48 UCAS tariff points in an Access to Higher Education Diploma.
International Baccalaureate | 32-48 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, to include one Higher at H3 or above.
Scottish Highers | 32-48 UCAS tariff points from at least one Higher. You must have completed two years study at Higher Level.
Irish Leaving Certificate | 32-48 UCAS tariff points from at least one Higher.
T Level | An overall grade of Pass.

Additional Information

In addition to the above, we require a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9-4 (A*-C), to include English and Maths. We will consider equivalencies including but not limited to functional skills level 2, Irish Ordinary level, National 5s, IB standard level.

We will consider combinations of level three qualifications.

We welcome applications from individuals with equivalent, non-UK qualifications and mature students (over 21). We may interview as part of the application process.

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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. Many of our students secure graduate roles with their work placement employers.

Work placements and experience

These form part of your core modules in years one and two, alongside an optional integrated placement year. In year one you will gain experience working within the commercial facilities that we have here on site at Hartpury (e.g. the Animal Collection). In the second year, we’ll support you to secure a placement with a UK-based or international employer, to match your interests and career goals, and you’ll undertake coursework relating to this. Placements can be paid or unpaid, depending on position. Students have worked with organisations such as the Blue Cross, West Midlands Safari Park, Guide Dogs for the Blind and BSAVA.

Our commercial canine and equine therapy centres also offer opportunities for students to gain further industry experience ready for their careers – either on work placements or as part of voluntary roles. Alongside this, we’ll encourage you to find a voluntary role with a local organisation such as an animal rescue shelter, clinical animal behaviourist, wildlife rehabilitation centre or a zoo.

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 visits to places such as Cotswold Wildlife Park, Crufts and Guide Dogs for the Blind. Extra fees are required – please see the fees tab.

Our students have heard from a range of guest lecturers, which have included dog training professionals and zookeepers.

Graduate destinations

As an Animal Behaviour and Training (Clinical) graduate, you could go on to work in zoos, charities, animal rescue centres, boarding kennels or laboratories. You may work as a trainer or join behaviour teams, and progress on to:

Clinical animal behaviour work
Animal training
Service dog handling
Animal warden/officer
Assistance work
Rescue and rehabilitation

You’ll also have the transferable skills you need for other graduate careers and may go on to establish your own business. Our careers team can support you to find and prepare to secure your perfect role.

Success Stories

We're committed to supporting you to fulfil your unique potential.

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 (Innovation, Careers and Enterprise) 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, as well as supported work placement learning as part of many courses.

Your career

Each year of 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

*UK Pet Food 2023

Recognised by the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC)

Animal Trainer (AT) – during year 1
Animal Training Instructor (ATI) – during year 2
Animal Behaviour Technician (ABT) – during year 2
Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB) – during year 3

Find out more about the benefits of becoming an ABTC practitioner.

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff points | 32-48 UCAS tariff points.
A Levels | EE-DD or equivalent from at least one full A Level.
Vocational Awards | PPP in an Extended Diploma.
Access | 32-48 UCAS tariff points in an Access to Higher Education Diploma.
International Baccalaureate | 32-48 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, to include one Higher at H3 or above.
Scottish Highers | 32-48 UCAS tariff points from at least one Higher. You must have completed two years study at Higher Level.
Irish Leaving Certificate | 32-48 UCAS tariff points from at least one Higher.
T Level | An overall grade of Pass.

Additional Information

In addition to the above, we require a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9-4 (A*-C), to include English and Maths. We will consider equivalencies including but not limited to functional skills level 2, Irish Ordinary level, National 5s, IB standard level.

We will consider combinations of level three qualifications.

We welcome applications from individuals with equivalent, non-UK qualifications and mature students (over 21). We may interview as part of the application process.

Employability

Your career

Work placements and experience

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 visits to places such as Cotswold Wildlife Park, Crufts and Guide Dogs for the Blind. Extra fees are required – please see the fees tab.

Our students have heard from a range of guest lecturers, which have included dog training professionals and zookeepers.

Graduate destinations

Clinical animal behaviour work
Animal training
Service dog handling
Animal warden/officer
Assistance work
Rescue and rehabilitation

How you'll study

We're committed to supporting you to fulfil your unique potential.

Your support network

Academic support

Your learning experiences

Your career

Modules

What you'll study

YYou’ll gain an in depth understanding of the key topics in the field of animal behaviour and training. Core subjects will range from management and training of the animal, to the physiology of animal behaviour. You will engage in practical activities across a wide range of species including not only dogs but many of the other animals held within our 70 species collection. Your studies will prepare you for entering a diverse animal sector, from running your own private enterprise to large charitable and commercial organisations. You will be able to engage in activities training animals for standard husbandry and management right up to supporting the wellbeing and recovery of animals displaying problematic behaviours. Your engagement with industry placements and real-world case studies throughout the three years, as well as the clear focus on how to communicate effectively with animal caregivers, will prepare you well for your future career. By tailoring your industry placement and research project on dogs you will be able to focus your award on the area you wish to specialise in.

Module credits

On successful completion of your modules you’ll gain academic credit that accumulates towards your award. The marks you gain in your second and third years may contribute towards your final degree classification.

Compulsory Modules

Academic Literacy for University Studies

Understand and explore topics including the scientific method and enquiry, team working, research skills, and effective time management.

Professional Development in Practice

An opportunity to explore graduate destinations associated with your programme of study, building a portfolio of experiences aiding your professional development.

Exploring Current Concepts

Develop understanding and knowledge of literature reviews including constructing a rationale and summarising and presenting relevant information to suit a purpose, subject and audience.

Animal Studies

Study the fundamentals of animal care, husbandry and management for maximising animal health and welfare.

Biological Principles for Land-Based Scientists

Through the study of fundamental biological aspects, gain an understanding of how organisms come about and how they function and operate for survival and performance.

This year will focus on fundamental topics, including animal behaviour and animal health. You’ll develop essential transferable and practical skills, and gain the underpinning knowledge required to study the rest of your degree. Content of this year has been aligned to the ABTC level of Animal Trainer.

Compulsory Modules

Introduction to Animal Learning and Training

Develop knowledge of the foundation principles relating to animal learning and training.

Animal Health and Disease

Learn how diseases affect animals and how to apply informed decision making to maintain health across a range of animals.

Professional and Academic Skills in Animal Biology

Develop key academic and professional skills and the personal attributes needed to be successful in a career in the animal industry.

Anatomy and Physiology

Introduction to basic veterinary anatomy and physiology, including the different bodily systems and the interactions between them.

Professional Practice in the Animal Sector

Develop key academic and vocational skills and the personal attributes needed to be successful in a career in the animal industry. This module includes a requirement to undertake work experience with a pre-approved provider.

Animals in Society

The study of interactions and relationships between humans and animals.

You’ll learn about concepts such as the physiology of animal behaviour. You’ll also explore themes such as management and training of the animal and understanding problematic animal behaviour, allowing you to develop your interests at a higher level. Content of this year has been aligned to the ABTC levels of Animal Trainer Instructor and Animal Behaviour Technician.

Compulsory Modules

Management and Training of the Animal

Monitor and manage training, health and welfare across a range of species.

Physiology of Animal Behaviour

Gain a fundamental knowledge of how physiology controls the behaviour of vertebrate animals.

Understanding and Preventing Problematic Animal Behaviour

Explore problematic animal behaviours and the many approaches to managing them.

Professional Skills for Veterinary Paraprofessionals

Develop important communication skills essential for working in the animal sector. This module includes a requirement to undertake work experience with a pre-approved provider. Students on this programme must undertake a placement working with dogs.

Research Methods for Agricultural and Animal Scientists

This module introduces students to the process of academic research, methods of research and analysis, helping to prepare them for reading research literature and conducting research projects in the future.

Optional integrated placement year

An optional integrated placement year between your second and final years gives you the opportunity to put your knowledge and skills into practice and gain valuable industry experience.

Level Six (final year)

Your final year will expose you to contemporary challenges in the area of animal behaviour and more advanced theory and practice, including gaining an insight into managing clinical case studies which will support you in your future career.

You’ll undertake a substantial research dissertation project, enabling you to experience the responsibility of planning, implementing and reporting on a specialist topic. Content of this year has been aligned to the ABTC level of Clinical Animal Behaviourist.

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. Students on this programme must conduct a project related to canine behaviour.

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

Module credits

Level three foundation year (year one)

Compulsory Modules

Academic Literacy for University Studies

Understand and explore topics including the scientific method and enquiry, team working, research skills, and effective time management.

Professional Development in Practice

An opportunity to explore graduate destinations associated with your programme of study, building a portfolio of experiences aiding your professional development.

Exploring Current Concepts

Develop understanding and knowledge of literature reviews including constructing a rationale and summarising and presenting relevant information to suit a purpose, subject and audience.

Animal Studies

Study the fundamentals of animal care, husbandry and management for maximising animal health and welfare.

Biological Principles for Land-Based Scientists

Through the study of fundamental biological aspects, gain an understanding of how organisms come about and how they function and operate for survival and performance.

Level four (year two)

Compulsory Modules

Introduction to Animal Learning and Training

Develop knowledge of the foundation principles relating to animal learning and training.

Animal Health and Disease

Learn how diseases affect animals and how to apply informed decision making to maintain health across a range of animals.

Professional and Academic Skills in Animal Biology

Develop key academic and professional skills and the personal attributes needed to be successful in a career in the animal industry.

Anatomy and Physiology

Introduction to basic veterinary anatomy and physiology, including the different bodily systems and the interactions between them.

Professional Practice in the Animal Sector

Animals in Society

The study of interactions and relationships between humans and animals.

Level five (year three)

Compulsory Modules

Management and Training of the Animal

Monitor and manage training, health and welfare across a range of species.

Physiology of Animal Behaviour

Gain a fundamental knowledge of how physiology controls the behaviour of vertebrate animals.

Understanding and Preventing Problematic Animal Behaviour

Explore problematic animal behaviours and the many approaches to managing them.

Professional Skills for Veterinary Paraprofessionals

Research Methods for Agricultural and Animal Scientists

Optional integrated placement year/Level Six (final year)

Optional integrated placement year

An optional integrated placement year between your second and final years gives you the opportunity to put your knowledge and skills into practice and gain valuable industry experience.

Level Six (final year)

Compulsory Modules

Animal and Agriculture Dissertation

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. You’ll be expected to dedicate at least two to three hours of independent study per each contact hour. Your course may also include work placement learning as part of some modules.

Year	Contact learning	Placement learning	Independent learning
Level three foundation (year one)	24%	0%	76%
Level four (year two)	24%	1%	75%
Level five (year three)	21%	7%	72%
Placement year - optional	1%	80%	19%
Level six (final year)	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 in a variety of ways including in sessions, on written assessments and in tutorials.

Year	Written exam	Practical exam	Coursework
Level three foundation year (year one)	24%	38%	38%
Level four (year two)	0%	81%	19%
Level five (year three)	6%	19%	75%
Optional integrated placement year	0%	0%	100%
Level six (final year)	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

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.

Work placements

Whilst on external work placement you will need to consider your transport to and from the organisation as well as your accommodation needs if you choose a placement away from your home. Opportunities may require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which you'll need to pay for.

Optional field trips (up to circa £150)

You're 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.

Resource library

Accommodation

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.

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.

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.

TEF Gold

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

Teaching quality

Ranked in the top 10 universities for teaching quality (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2025).

Graduate employability

97% of our graduates are in employment, further study or other purposeful activity (Graduate Outcomes, 2024).

Academic support

We’re a top 10 university for academic support (NSS 2024, UK universities).

Commercial businesses, specialist equipment

Animal facilities

Success stories

Skai's story

Success Stories

Skai's story

“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

Turn your passion into your career

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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.

Related courses

Explore our animal degrees

Course

BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Training (Clinical)

Develop the skills and expertise to transform your passion for training animals into a fulfilling career with this Animal Behaviour and Training (Clinical) degree. Access our 70-species animal collection and benefit from our connections with animal trainers, scientists and behaviourists across the UK.

University

3 or 4 years full-time; part-time available

Full Time / Part Time

Undergraduate Degrees

Course