Studying animal behaviour abroad

What is animal behaviour?

Animal behaviour is the study of how and why animals act in certain ways. It looks at how they live, move, feed, and communicate. It also studies how animals interact with each other, their surroundings, and with people.

This subject is a mix of biology, psychology, and ecology. As a student, you will learn to watch animals closely, record what they do, and understand why they behave that way. You may work outdoors in nature, in a research centre, or in an animal care facility.

Why study animal behaviour abroad?

Studying abroad lets you see animals and environments that you cannot find in your home country. You could watch elephants in Africa, study whales in Canada, or work with wildlife rescue teams in Australia.

You will learn different research methods, experience new cultures, and gain skills that can help you find work anywhere in the world.

What you will study

An animal behaviour degree usually combines classroom learning with fieldwork. You will study topics such as:

• Ethology – the study of animals in their natural environment.
• Behavioural Ecology – how animals adapt their behaviour to survive.
• Animal Cognition – how animals think, learn, and solve problems.
• Conservation Biology – how to protect animals and their habitats.
• Physiology and Behaviour – how the body affects behaviour.
• Research Skills – how to collect, record, and analyse information.
• Fieldwork and Placements – practical experience in zoos, wildlife parks, or research projects.

Many courses include trips or work placements so you can practise your skills in real situations.

Related subjects you might also like:

• Zoology
• Marine Biology
• Psychology
• Ecology
• Veterinary Medicine

Accreditation

At undergraduate level, you may receive a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Animal Behaviour, Zoology, or a similar subject. Some universities offer a Bachelor of Arts (BA) with a broader mix of topics.

At postgraduate level, you can study for a Master of Science (MSc) or Master of Research (MRes) in Animal Behaviour, often with a special focus such as Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare. If you want to work in academic research, you may go on to a PhD.

Some jobs may also need extra training in animal handling, rescue work, or research ethics.

Careers

A degree in animal behaviour can lead to many different career paths. You might work as a wildlife conservationist, protecting endangered species and their habitats through fieldwork, research, and community engagement.

Some graduates become animal welfare officers. In this role, you make sure animals in farms, shelters, or zoos are treated humanely and in line with legal standards.

Research is another option. Animal behaviour specialists often work in universities, research centres, or field stations to study species and develop strategies for their conservation.

Others take on positions as zoo or aquarium curators. This involves managing the care of animals, designing suitable habitats, and creating educational programmes for visitors.

If you want to work directly with animals, you could become an animal trainer or behaviourist. These roles involve teaching pets, service animals, or wildlife to perform certain tasks or adapt to specific environments.

Beyond these paths, graduates may also find opportunities as environmental educators, ecological consultants, or documentary researchers. Many work for government agencies or non-profit organisations that focus on wildlife protection and environmental sustainability.