BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour Bachelor's degree at the University of St Andrews
BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour at University of St Andrews covers core theory, research and methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills development.
About this course
Animal Behaviour BSc - Subjects - University of St Andrews Animal Behaviour BSc (Honours) 2026 entry Register your interest How to apply UCAS code C121 Course start September 2026 Duration Four years full time School School of Biology Why study this course? From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of St Andrews. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Agriculture & Animal Science, see the sections below.
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
First year 2 modules
- Biology 1Compulsory
Module details
This module provides an introduction to molecular and cellular biology. It covers cell diversity and the origins of life, evolution, cellular structures and fundamental processes.
- Biology 2Compulsory
Module details
This module provides an introduction to the diversity of life on Earth and addresses key elements of organismal, behavioural and ecological aspects of life.
Second year 5 modules
- Research Methods in BiologyCompulsory
Module details
This module will help students develop essential academic and transferable skills, with major emphasis on problem solving. It will provide an introduction to the scientific method, experimental design, understanding and presenting data.
- Evolutionary BiologyCompulsory
Module details
Gives an overview of the history and major principles of modern evolutionary biology.
- Vertebrate ZoologyCompulsory
Module details
Explores the diversity of vertebrate animals, providing a detailed look at the defining characteristics of the body plans and lifestyles of the key vertebrate group.
- ZoologyCompulsory
Module details
This module explores the astonishing diversity of invertebrate and vertebrate animals. We will look at the key features of the groups, common functional requirements, taxonomy and evolutionary relationships.
- Animal BehaviourCompulsory
Module details
Covers the four ways in which we explain behaviour in a range of animals, including examples from all major taxa and from all habitats.
Third year 4 modules
- Animal Behaviour: A Quantitative ApproachOptional
- Ecosystems and ConservationOptional
- EvolutionOptional
- Genes, Cells and DevelopmentOptional
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 combines science with practical experience in understanding and working with animals. You'll start with foundational modules in animal science, farm systems and hands-on husbandry skills. As you progress into your second year, you'll study animal nutrition and health, environmental management, and data technologies in agriculture. From year three onwards, a course like this normally moves towards specialist options, such as livestock production, equine science, animal behaviour and welfare, agronomy, agri-tech and farm placements, alongside farm business management and a final dissertation or industry project. Throughout, you'll develop both theoretical knowledge and practical competence in animal management and agricultural practice.
Who it's for
This course suits students interested in understanding animal behaviour through rigorous study and practical application. You'll need to meet the university's standard entry requirements for science-based degrees. The course combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on research experience, preparing you for careers in wildlife management, conservation, research, or related fields within agriculture and animal science.
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 undertaking further study. Graduate earnings data shows starting salaries (at 15 months) typically range from £22,000 to £27,000 nationally. After 5 years, this rises to £22,525–£31,800. These figures reflect national outcomes; individual outcomes vary.
University & format
The University of St Andrews is a public university founded in 1413, located in Scotland. This BSc (Hons) in Animal Behaviour is studied full-time over four years, taught in English. The degree is a nationally recognised UK degree-awarding body qualification. The course begins in September, with UCAS code C121. The university is.
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.
Entry & how to get in
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.
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 C121). 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. Set under Scotland's student-finance system; the provider's page is authoritative.
Check fees at University of St Andrews →If you normally live in Scotland
For eligible Scottish-domiciled students at an eligible Scottish provider, SAAS can pay tuition directly. Living-cost support can combine bursary and loan and depends on household income and student circumstances. Students from elsewhere use their home funding body.
Check the current amounts with SAAS →Paying for it
- SAAS tuition payment: paid directly to the university for eligible Scottish-domiciled students, applied for through SAAS.
- Living-cost support: a mix of bursary and loan from SAAS, depending on household income.
- Repayment: only above the Scottish repayment threshold, and written off at the end of the plan term.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
Scotland runs its own system through SAAS; check saas.gov.uk for current rates.
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.
- 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.
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 NottWho studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of St. Andrews
Agriculture, food and related studies across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
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 St Andrews from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £33,250 / 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 St Andrews’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 St Andrews and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of St Andrews
Common questions
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates earn?
What will it cost me?
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