MSc Animal Behaviour and Evolution
Manchester, United Kingdom
DURATION
1 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
EUR 22,500 / per year
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Introduction
From evolutionary development to environmental stimuli, animal behaviour is shaped by a range of factors. This master's course is your chance to explore them in detail – not only developing your understanding of the theoretical principles of behaviour but also learning how to harness these principles to tackle real-world animal welfare and conservation issues.
It’s an area that covers a diverse range of disciplines, from a strong numerical approach in the classroom to a practical approach in the lab and in the field. The course is built around strong core modules that address the interaction between environment, experience, and physiology in the development and dynamics of animal behaviour.
Features and Benefits
- Strong industry links – To ensure your learning is relevant and impactful, we work closely with a range of organisations across the UK including the RSPCA, Chester Zoo and Knowsley Safari Park, along with overseas bodies such as the Kenya Wildlife Service.
- Professional study environment – We’ve invested over £115 million to transform the way we teach and the way our students learn. The new Dalton building is equipped with dynamic learning spaces, world-class teaching and research facilities and collaborative study zones. This means you’ll graduate with the skills and experiences employers look for.
- Expert teaching – Learn from a passionate community of teaching staff who bring extensive experience of field research into the classroom to shape your studies.
- Overseas fieldwork opportunities – Gain unrivalled practical experience in ecological and data collection techniques in some of the most famous wildlife sites in the world, including the Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti National Park.
- Recognised for research excellence – 100% of our research impact in Ecology and Environment is world-leading or internationally excellent and we are ranked 5th in the UK for impact in Environmental Science (REF 2021). You’ll work in association with these staff projects at the cutting edge of discovery to hone your research skills.
- Flexible learning – Thanks to evening lectures and an online learning platform, our flexible approach to your learning means you’re able to make more time for research, lab work and independent study.
Admissions
Curriculum
Course information
The MSc in Animal Behaviour and Evolution addresses the interaction between environment, experience, and physiology in the development and dynamics of animal behaviour. From evolutionary development to environmental stimuli, animal behaviour is shaped by a range of factors. This masters course is a chance to explore them in detail – not only developing an understanding of the theoretical principles of behaviour, but also learning how to harness these principles to tackle real-world animal welfare and conservation issues.
You’ll have the opportunity to conduct both laboratory studies and field work to ensure you graduate with real-world experiences. To boost your employability and/or set you up for further study, the programme features a strong numerical and research-oriented approach. There are core modules in Statistics and Research Design, Practical Techniques and Analysis in Animal Behaviour, Bird Evolution, Behaviour and Conservation and Behavioural Biology. During the field course module, you’ll gain valuable practical experience in ecological and data collection techniques. This module could take you to visit some of the most famous wildlife sites in the world, while your masters-level dissertation could also involve international travel for gathering data and conducting research.
Core Modules
- Animal Behaviour and Evolution Research Dissertation
- Animal Behaviour Field Course
- Behavioural Biology
- Biodiversity, Natural Capital and Ecosystem Services
- Bird Evolution, Behaviour and Conservation
- Genetics for Conservation Management
- Practical Techniques and Analysis in Conservation Biology
- Statistics and Research Design
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Career prospects
The practical nature of our course prepares you for a wide range of career paths including animal management, conservation, teaching, environmental education and more. You could go on to work for a variety of organisations, from charities and wildlife parks to ecological and environmental consultancy.
By the time you leave us, you’ll be equipped to pursue a career with organisations like environmental consultancies, government research and advisory bodies, zoos and NGOs, or to continue your studies to the Ph.D. level. This course is also a valuable option if you’re already in a relevant role, with many students taking our master's course as part of their professional development.
Program delivery
Study
- Full-time 30% lectures, seminars or similar; 0% placement; 70% independent study
Assessment
- Full-time 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination
Program Admission Requirements
Show your commitment and readiness for Grad school by taking the GRE - the most broadly accepted exam for graduate programs internationally.