BSc (Hons) Animal Welfare Science Bachelor's degree at the University of Chester
BSc (Hons) Animal Welfare Science at University of Chester covers core theory, research and methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills development.
About this course
Explore animal behaviour, biology, welfare and conservation on the Animal Behaviour BSc (Hons) at the University of Chester, developing practical skills with a wide range of species. From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Animal Welfare Science is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Chester, based in Chester Parkgate Road/Kingsway/Riverside/Queen's Park Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Agriculture, food and related studies graduates from this provider, 75% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 30% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £22,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Agriculture & Animal Science, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 75% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 86% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Foundation Year 3 modules
- Introduction to Scientific Principles40 credits
Module details
Core topics in Chemistry and Biology that will provide a solid foundation for students to build on in Terms 2 & 3 in their course-specific modules. Laboratory sessions will underpin topics and maths skills will be integrated throughout the module.
- Animal Biology40 credits
Module details
Build upon core biological topics from Term 1 with a focus on non-human animals. Laboratory sessions and digital activities will align with the topics in the lectures and workshops. A thread of Animal Behaviour will run throughout the module, along with 'field' activities which will develop observation and recording skills.
- Animals in the Anthropocene40 credits
Module details
Explore the relationships between animals and their changing environments, beginning with foundational principles of ecology and the benefits that ecosystems provide to humanity. Investigate various ways humans impact the environment, discussing how these changes affect animal populations and biodiversity. Culminates with study of conservation strategies.
Year 1 11 modules
- Science of LifeCore40 credits
Module details
Essential concepts and skills that form the backbone of a degree in biological sciences. Through theory and practical sessions, this module will guide you through every level of biological organisation, from the smallest cellular structures to an introduction to animal behaviour and ecology.
- Exploring and Researching Life SciencesCore40 credits
Module details
Fundamentals of scientific research, including how to develop research questions, work with relevant literature, understand basic statistical concepts and communicate research findings. Key biological topics, such as advanced physiology and genetics, will be covered, emphasising the connection between theory and practical, hands-on experience. Topics specific to Animal Welfare Science include behaviour, husbandry, training applications and field techniques.
- Animal Husbandry and WelfareCore20 credits
Module details
Understanding of animal husbandry and the role it plays in maintaining good animal health, welfare, and production. Explore the ethical and social impacts of animal use across different systems and consider how we can monitor welfare including legal frameworks and welfare standards. Develop and enhance knowledge of animal housing; animal nutrition, including basic nutrition calculations; animal reproduction; and disease management.
- Project Based Learning in BiosciencesOptional20 credits
Module details
Opportunity to gain further practical skills and develop your own projects. Explore various experimental methods through subject-specific workshops in the laboratory or field. Working in groups, apply skills and previous training in formulating research questions, to conduct your own study.
- German: Communication in PracticeOptional20 credits
Module details
Further develop grammar, vocabulary and expression and apply these to real world situations. Work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and develop oral and written communication skills at Post-A level.
- French: Communication in PracticeOptional20 credits
Module details
Further develop grammar, vocabulary and expression and apply these to real world situations. Work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and develop oral and written communication skills at Post-A level.
- Spanish: Communication in PracticeOptional20 credits
Module details
Further develop grammar, vocabulary and expression and apply these to real world situations. Work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and develop oral and written communication skills at Post-A level.
- Chinese: Intermediate Language DevelopmentOptional20 credits
Module details
Further develop grammar, vocabulary and learning conventions for spelling and pronunciation. Work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and develop oral and written communication skills at an intermediate level.
- French: Intermediate Language DevelopmentOptional20 credits
Module details
Further develop grammar, vocabulary and learning conventions for spelling and pronunciation. Work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and develop oral and written communication skills at an intermediate level.
- Spanish: Intermediate Language DevelopmentOptional20 credits
Module details
Further develop grammar, vocabulary and learning conventions for spelling and pronunciation. Work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and develop oral and written communication skills at an intermediate level.
- Subsidiary Language for BeginnersOptional20 credits
Module details
Opportunity to study a new language from scratch and introduces you to basic grammar, vocabulary and cultural contexts. Apply the language to practical situations using both oral and written skills.
Year 2 3 modules
- Concepts and Methods in Welfare AssessmentCore40 credits
Module details
Develop your understanding on the science of animal welfare, in particular, on the wide variety of methods available for welfare assessment. Equip you with theoretically informed practical skills to assess animal welfare in a variety of real life settings. Case studies will be used for you to demonstrate your ability to assess animal welfare in the role of an animal welfare officer/advisor.
- Animal Health and WelfareCore20 credits
Module details
Develop your understanding and knowledge about the biological links between animal health and welfare. Build on your understanding of disease and develop an ability to investigate animals for signs of disease across a variety of species. Further develop your understanding on clinical features of common infectious and non-infectious diseases, where you will be placed in the role of an animal health and welfare advisor to solve real world case scenarios.
- Animal Minds, Physiology and BehaviourCore20 credits
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This course centres on animal behaviour, biology, welfare and conservation, helping you develop practical skills with a wide range of species. You'll usually begin with foundational animal science and applied biology, alongside practical husbandry and farm skills. In Year 2, you'll progress to nutrition and health, environmental management, and data and technology in agriculture. Year 3 introduces specialist options such as livestock production, equine science, animal behaviour and welfare, agronomy, agri-tech and farm placements, alongside farm business management and a dissertation or industry project. Throughout, hands-on work with animals and land complements classroom learning.
Who it's for
The course welcomes students with A-levels or equivalent qualifications. Most accepted students over recent years held A-levels or equivalent, typically with a UCAS tariff of 112–127 points. You should have a genuine interest in animal welfare and be prepared for both theoretical study and hands-on practice in this specialism.
Careers & job market
Across Agriculture and Animal Science courses nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those working, 40% are in highly skilled roles or pursuing further study. National Graduate Outcomes data shows starting salaries (at 15 months) typically range from £22,000 to £27,000, rising to £22,525–£31,800 after five years. Earnings vary by role and sector. The University of Chester holds Silver status for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
University & format
The University of Chester offers this BSc (Hons) degree as a full-time, 3-year programme taught in English across multiple campuses (Parkgate Road, Kingsway, Riverside, Queen's Park). Chester is a university established in 1839 and recognised as a UK degree-awarding body. The qualification holds Silver status in the Office for Students' Teaching Excellence Framework (2023).
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
Work placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 96% |
| an Access course | 4% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code D390). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at University of Chester →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Agriculture & Animal Science graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £22,000 | £18,000 – £26,000 | 20 |
| 3 years after | £18,500 | £14,500 – £21,000 | 105 |
| 5 years after | £21,500 | £18,500 – £26,000 | 110 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in agriculture & animal science · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Agriculture & Animal Science nationally
National figures for Agriculture & Animal Science graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Agriculture & Animal Science courses at the same study level.
Compared with 285 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Animal care and control servicesSOC 2020 612 · 40% of published destinations · ASHE median £23,997
- Managers, directors and senior officialsSOC 2020 1 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £51,733
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsSOC 2020 31 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,828
- Skilled trades occupationsSOC 2020 5 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,241
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
- Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 45; response rate: 60%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Is BSc (Hons) Animal Welfare Science worth it?
Weigh it carefully. On these figures graduates of BSc (Hons) Animal Welfare Science earn close to non-graduate pay, so on cost alone the course is slow to pay off.
Cumulative earnings vs. going straight to work at 18, counting tuition and 3 years of wages given up while studying. The model remains below break even after 30 years. This is a simplified gross-earnings comparison, not a forecast of cash loan repayments.
Model: this course’s own median graduate earnings (Graduate Outcomes / LEO) above the £24,000 non-graduate baseline (ONS), net of £9,790/yr over 3 years (published course home fee). Eligible England-domiciled students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan; repayments are 9% only on income above the threshold, with anything left written off after 40 years. That makes the cash flow different from conventional commercial debt. Opportunity cost assumes £18,000 gross earnings forgone in each study year; figures are nominal and exclude tax, living costs, investment returns and loan interest. A simplified estimate. Earnings and actual fees vary by graduate, provider, fee status and UK nation.
Job market & outlook
How Agriculture & Animal Science graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Agriculture & Animal Science graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Agribusiness & food producers
- DEFRA & agencies
- Estates & farms
- Animal & wildlife charities
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Agriculture & Animal Science graduates.
Agriculture Litigation Solicitor – Rural & EstatesBirketts LLPAgriculture TrainerRise Technical RecruitmentAgriculture Legal Director & Partner – HybridErrington LegalAgriculture & Estates Lawyer - Suffolk / NorfolkBWF Legal RecruitmentAgriculture ManagerMarks and SpencerAgriculture Lawyer - BristolChadwick NottIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
Published home tuition is £9,790/year for this course. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
75% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £22,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 7.9 out of 10: NSS 76.1% · in work or study 75% · continued 86%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
University of Chester
Agriculture, food and related studies across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Chester Parkgate Road/Kingsway/Riverside/Queen's Park Campus
1,406 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Agriculture & Animal Science right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to University of Chester from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £14,950 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check University of Chester’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with University of Chester and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Chester
BSc (Hons) Animal BehaviourBSc (Hons) · University of ChesterBSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour (including a Foundation Year)BSc (Hons) · University of ChesterBSc (Hons) Animal Welfare Science (including a Foundation Year)BSc (Hons) · University of ChesterBSc (Hons) Bioveterinary ScienceBSc (Hons) · University of Chester
Common questions
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