Course Structure

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Introduction

Animal Behaviour is the scientific study of what animals do, from single-celled organisms, invertebrates to vertebrates. It is one of the most exciting and interesting scientific disciplines, expanding rapidly over recent decades. Animal behaviour is key to understanding evolutionary processes, and there is a growing need to understand behaviour due to the impact of an increasing human population.

In addition, an understanding of animal behaviour is of fundamental importance to safeguard animal welfare. Thus, the study of animal behaviour provides the foundation for successful conservation and to increase and regulate the welfare of both domestic and wild animals. The course covers a wide range of animals, from insects to primates, taking in companion and farm animals. Thus, there is something of interest for everyone.

Throughout the course students will get fundamental training in Animal Behaviour, Animal Welfare, Experimental Design, Statistics, and Presentation Skills to succeed on the competitive job market. The content provided during the course will also be useful for those who wish to pursue a PhD in Behaviour, Behavioural Ecology, Conservation, Evolutionary Ecology, and Animal Welfare.

The course also offers the opportunity to undertake a work placement with a variety of organizations subject to availability of placements. The School of Biological Sciences has provided work placement opportunities to students for more than 10 years, through a dedicated team of Career and Work Placement Officers that work for our School.

The work placement module is optional: students will have the option to either complete the module Professional Development and Work Placement, or the module Research Project: Animal Behaviour and Welfare.

The structure and contents of the programme are detailed below and please note this is a full time program that needs your full attention:

Animal Behaviour (30 CATS). This module provides an introduction to the scientific study of animal behaviour. Topics include communication, contests, social learning, movement etc.

Animal Welfare (30 CATS). This module provides an introduction into the formal study of animal welfare including farm animal welfare and veterinary welfare issues.


Foundations for Research in the Biosciences (20 CATS). This module will provide you with the underpinning of research such as the scientific method, ethics in research, scientific communication, and impact of your research.

Key Skills in Animal Behaviour and Welfare (20 CATS). This module will introduce you to the principles, which will allow you to conduct animal behaviour and welfare research successfully. This module will improve your skills in terms of study design and statistical analysis and it will also improve your oral and written presentation skills.

Literature Review: Animal Behaviour (20 CATS). You will write an in-depth quality review in an area of Behaviour or Welfare to improve your writing skills.

One of the following:

Research Project: Animal Behaviour and Welfare (60 CATS). Projects run usually from April/ May to August (inclusive) and allows a substantial piece of research to be produced and written in good publishable style.

Professional Development and Work Placement (60 CATS). Work placement usually take place from April/ May until the end of August, and are undertaken in an organisation chosen among industry, the public sector and on governmental organizations in the area of animal behaviour and welfare. During the work placement, you will increase your ability to relate academic theory to the work environment, develop identified work related skills (cognitive, transferable and subject specific skills), enhance your career knowledge, be able to critically evaluate your learning from the placement to demonstrate its value to your future.

Contact Teaching Hours

Medium Group Teaching

15 (hours maximum)

Teaching Times

Teaching is across a combination of morning and afternoon classes, primarily on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Thursday and Fridays are used for reading and preparing assignments.

Learning and Teaching

Learning opportunities associated with this course are outlined below:

• -

  At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.
  
  On the MSc in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, we do this by providing a range of different learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives. This approach will equip you for life and work in a global society and you will make use of innovative technologies and a world class library, which will enhance your development.
  
  Teaching is across a combination of morning and afternoon classes, primarily on Mondays to Thursdays. Fridays are used for reading and preparing assignments. Research projects are carried out full-time from April to August. Work placements start at the end of the second semester.
  
  Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course include; lectures, practical experiences, E-Learning technologies, self-directed study and added value qualifications to enhance employability.

Assessment

Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:

• The award of the MSc in Animal Behaviour and Welfare is based on continuous assessment of coursework and assessment of modules based solely on submitted work related to private, individual study.
  
  The MSc with Distinction will be awarded when the three following conditions are met: an overall average of 70+ is achieved; a mark of 70+ is achieved in the Research Project: Animal Behaviour and Welfare or in the Professional Development and Work Placement; an average of 65+ is achieved in the other modules.

Modules

• Year 1

  Core Modules

  Animal Behaviour (30 credits)

  ×

  Animal Behaviour

  Overview

  Behavioural development, perceptual systems, motivation; information gathering and processing; preferences and requirements; models and behaviour; animal behaviour and conservation;physiological stress in natural situations.

  Learning Outcomes

  Students should expand their knowledge and experience of animal behaviour with an understanding of current theories and theoretical and practical knowledge of alternative approaches and methodologies.

  Skills

  Aural, oral and written communication.

  Coursework

  67%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  33%

  Credits

  30

  Module Code

  BIO8308

  Teaching Period

  Autumn

  Duration

  6 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Animal Welfare (30 credits)

  ×

  Animal Welfare

  Overview

  Ethical aspects of animal research; models and behaviour; animal welfare of farm and zoo animals; physiological stress in natural situations.

  Learning Outcomes

  Students should expand their knowledge and experience of animal welfare with an understanding of current theories and theoretical and practical knowledge of alternative approaches and methodologies.

  Skills

  Aural, oral and written communication.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  30

  Module Code

  BIO8309

  Teaching Period

  Autumn

  Duration

  6 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Foundations for Research in the Biosciences (20 credits)

  ×

  Foundations for Research in the Biosciences

  Overview

  How to write a research proposal, how to search literature database, how to generate ideas, the scientific method, Experimental design, introduction to statistics, Ethics in research, Impact in research, how to communicate science.

  Learning Outcomes

  Students completing this module should understand the process by which scientific research is developed through the construction of a research proposal. They should understand the process of generating ideas, formulating and testing hypotheses, the role of data analysis and statistics in experimental design, the ethical implications of research and how to develop the impact of their research on society.

  Skills

  Experimental design; selection of appropriate statistical tests; introduction to commonly used computer packages; time management; project planning; synthesis and collation of literature from electronic sources; personal development and planning; presenting and communicating scientific results.

  Coursework

  0%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  100%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  BBC8042

  Teaching Period

  Autumn

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Literature Review: Animal Behaviour and Welfare (20 credits)

  ×

  Literature Review: Animal Behaviour and Welfare

  Overview

  Prepare a review of the literature in the field related to your project or selected research area, using primary scientific literature.

  Learning Outcomes

  Students should be able to access a wide range of primary scientific literature; gain subject-specific knowledge; be able to read, comprehend, interpret and integrate scientific literature; organise a scientific topic under a series of sub-headings or categories; report in writing on a scientific topic.

  Skills

  Literature searching; referencing of literature; scientific writing; presenting an argument; independent learning skills.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  BIO8304

  Teaching Period

  Full Year

  Duration

  24 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Key Skills in Animal Behaviour and Welfare (20 credits)

  ×

  Key Skills in Animal Behaviour and Welfare

  Overview

  Introduction to the scientific method, measuring behaviour, statistical analysis (including a practical), scientific writing, scientific presentation, understanding primary literature, and delivering presentations.

  Learning Outcomes

  A student completing this module should have a good knowledge of (i) the scientific method, (ii) experimental design, (iii) how to apply basic statistical tests, and (iv) how to present scientific results in oral and written form through group discussions and oral presentations.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  BBC8052

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Optional Modules

  Research Project: Animal Behaviour and Welfare (60 credits)

  ×

  Research Project: Animal Behaviour and Welfare

  Overview

  Research project carrying out scientific research at an appropriate level for a Masters degree i.e. professional scientific research; preparation and presentation of written and oral reports.
  
  Students may avail of the Science Shop for Research Projects titles and of the Making the Most of Masters initiative of the Graduate School which provides opportunities for masters' students to undertake Work Based projects.

  Learning Outcomes

  After completion of the research project students will have gained experience in scientific research at a level appropriate to the Masters degree i.e. professional scientific research; they will have gained experience in data collection and analysis and they will be able to contribute to design and communicate scientific research in a written form.

  Skills

  Communication of scientific research; problem solving; independent learning.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  60

  Module Code

  BBC8002

  Teaching Period

  Summer

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Professional Development and Work Placement (60 credits)

  ×

  Professional Development and Work Placement

  Overview

  Most MSc students graduating in Ecological Management and Conservation find employment in conservation, education or Government sectors. Students will complete a work placement that generally begins at the end of the second semester. These placements can either be carried out at the host institution or remotely. Work placement providers will be drawn from environmental charities, environmental consultancies, NGOs, Government Departments (e.g. Environment of Agriculture), research institutes, zoological gardens, museums, educational bodies, TV and radio broadcasting or other related areas (organised by the student with support of the career services in the School of Biological Sciences).

  Learning Outcomes

  Awareness of professional standards and employability requirements. Upon completion of placements students should be able to evaluate critically, identify best practice and understand changes, opportunities and challenges in the host organization. Students will have had the opportunity to apply and develop knowledge and skills in order to conduct original research relevant for the host organisation.

  Skills

  Students will acquire transferable skills that will directly improve their employability including adherence to professional standards (working with and shadowing professionals in the field or throughout an assignment) and reflective skills (demonstrating an evaluation of the use of knowledge or the application of techniques in an applied context). Written and oral communication skills. Students will be able to critically analyse, synthesise and summarise academic and professional information, use initiative to independently plan and execute tasks at a professional level, conduct critical self-analysis to develop own learning, develop research and employability skills.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  60

  Module Code

  BIO8205

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

Entrance requirements

Graduate

Normally a 2.2 Honours degree or above, in a relevant area of science (including psychology), or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. We welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds, thus applicants who do not meet the above academic requirements but hold a degree (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) and can demonstrate appropriate experience, will be considered on an individual basis.

External medical or veterinary students wishing to intercalate must have successfully completed the third/fourth year of their course. Applicants must have passed all relevant assessments for the year in which they are applying. External intercalating applicants should also ensure they have the permission of the Head of Undergraduate Medical/Veterinary Education or equivalent from their home University.

Intercalating medical students from within Queen's University Belfast will also be considered if they have successfully completed the third/fourth year of their course at first attempt and achieved at least a lower second class honours standard. Intercalating applicants from Queen's University Belfast should ensure they have permission to intercalate from their Director for Medical Education.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 31st July 2024 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.

Please note: A deposit will be required to secure a place on this course.

International Students

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English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

Career Prospects

Introduction

Current graduates have taken up further PhD study both here at Queen’s and further afield. Others have gone on to work in both the private (Sea Watch Foundation, Dogs Trust, ISPCA) and public sector (DOE Marine Division, NISRA) here in Northern Ireland and internationally (Canada, Thailand, and Italy).

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1	£8,800
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2	£8,800
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1	£8,800
EU Other 3	£25,800
International	£25,800

¹EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

² EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

³ EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees.

Additional course costs

Terms and Conditions for Postgraduate applications 

1.1  Due to high demand, there is a deadline for applications. 
1.2  You will be required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the course.
1.3  This condition of offer is in addition to any academic or English language requirements.

Read the full terms and conditions at the link below:
https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/MHLS/terms-and-conditions/

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply now

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Download a prospectus