Veterinary Degrees Online

Applicants are normally required to have three A levels, but we also welcome applications from candidates with other qualifications of equivalent standard and from students with other competencies. If you have any questions about whether specific qualifications or subject combinations are acceptable, please contact the Admissions Tutor for your degree.

We welcome applications from students with overseas or alternative UK qualifications of equivalent standard, including European, French and International Baccalaureates, German Abitur, Scottish Advanced Highers, Irish Leaving Certificate, and Advanced Placements (USA). Please supply full details direct to the Admissions Tutor.

Supplementary information should not be sent to UCAS.

Non-UK applicants must be able to demonstrate a competence in English language through IELTS or equivalent. Applicants whose first language is not English are informed that native language A levels will only be regarded as additional qualifications.

Applications from school leavers who wish to take a gap year are welcome. Applicants must state in their UCAS personal statement how they propose to spend their time.

Candidates who are unsuccessful cannot be reconsidered for entry within the same cycle but may reapply the following year without prejudice to the new application.
Biochemistry/Biotechnology

Minimum entry requirements are AAB at A2 level (340 points). These must include chemistry and at least one other science subject (biology is preferred but not mandatory) or mathematics at grade A. The ideal combinations would be: chemistry and two further science subjects; or chemistry and one further science subject and mathematics; but other combinations are considered. General studies will not be accepted at any level. Other qualifications, such as Key Skills or Critical Thinking, while useful, will not count towards an offer. Two AS levels may be acceptable in place of a third A level. This is in addition to grade C or above in GCSE mathematics, chemistry, biology (or combined sciences), and English language (or an overall score of 7.0 in IELTS with 7.0 in all elements). For Research Abroad options, foreign language to GCSE or AS level is beneficial. For International Baccalaureate we ask for 38 overall with grade 6 in chemistry, grade 6 in biology at Higher level, and grade 5 in Subsidiary level English. BTEC qualifications (with distinction) will also be considered.
Biology

Minimum entry requirements are AAB at A2 level in any order (340 points). These must include biology and either chemistry, mathematics or physics. General studies will not be accepted at any level. Other qualifications, such as Key Skills or Critical Thinking, while useful, will not count towards an offer. Two AS levels may be acceptable in place of a third A level. This is in addition to grade C or above in GCSE mathematics, chemistry, biology (or combined sciences) and English language (or an overall score of 7.0 in IELTS with 7.0 in all elements). For the Year in Europe or Year in Research (if taken abroad) options, candidates must have a relevant foreign language to GCSE (minimum grade C) or AS level. For Languages for Science degrees (C1R1, C1R2, C1R4) a minimum grade B in the relevant foreign language must be achieved to at least AS level (or equivalent). For International Baccalaureate we ask for 38 overall with grade 6 in biology and grade 6 in chemistry or mathematics required at Higher level and grade 5 in Subsidiary level English.

Course overview
This diverse degree course combines elements of BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour, which deals with how and why animals behave as they do, with the study of psychology, which deals with the complex issues surrounding human behaviour.

Animal behaviour is one of the most dynamic areas of contemporary scientific research. Anglia Ruskin University’s role as a leader in this field means you will be studying this subject in a vibrant learning environment and will be taught by leading researchers. The link with psychology lies in the premise that certain aspects of human behaviour can be understood in similar terms.

The main aims of this degree are:
to provide you with a broad knowledge base that includes the social and ethical implications of Animal Behaviour and Psychology to equip you with the analytical and scientific skills necessary to test new ideas and critically review results.
This course provides insights into many areas of particular relevance to today’s world, such as wildlife conservation, how animals adapt to changing conditions, and how human psychology is affected by modern life.

When you graduate you will be able to:
analyse scientific data and evaluate reports in different disciplines
combine insights from both psychology and animal behaviour to throw light onto contemporary issues
undertake field investigations of living systems in a responsible, safe and ethical manner.
This course allows you to combine the study of two disciplines which, although very different, will often illuminate each other. Being both practical and academic, this course will also prepare you for a career in a range of fields.
Module Guide
Year one core modules
Animal Behaviour in Context
Core Biology
Introduction to Animal Behaviour & Welfare
Social and Developmental Psychology
Fundamentals of Cognitive Psychology
Key Skills for Psychology
Year two core modules
Practical Biology
Preparation for Research
Research Techniques for Psychology
Concepts in Animal Behaviour
Year three core modules
Advanced Topics in Behavioural Ecology
Behavioural Ecology
Plus, if taking Animal Behaviour Major Project:
Animal Behaviour Major Project
or, if taking Psychology Major Project:
Professional and Historical Issues
Psychology Major Project
Associated careers

The Animal Behaviour pathway is designed to provide you with the specialised skills required to work as a professional in the discipline of Animal Behaviour. The pathway provides excellent general training as a scientist, enabling you to work in the field or in the laboratory for a wide range of organisations. Potential employers include: government agencies, environmental consultancies, wildlife conservation organisations, educational and research establishments. The course may also lead on to further postgraduate study and a research career
Assessment

This course uses a wide range of methods of assessment including essays, practical reports, computer based assessments, presentations, debates, steeplechase tests, reviews of scientific papers and examinations. The weighting of different assessment methods varies between modules and levels of study.