22Jun
PostgraduateCourse summary
Degree Programme at a glance The PgDip in Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare is open to applicants who are due to graduate or have graduated in a related subject area. Alternatively, you may be employed within the animal industry with significant experience and would like to develop higher level skills relating to clinical behaviour in animals. If you're interested in further study but you don't have time for a full Masters and you're not keen on writing another dissertation a diploma (PgDip) could be the perfect qualification for you. PgDip are Masters-level qualifications equivalent to two thirds of a Masters with no need to undertake a dissertation. Animal welfare is increasingly becoming a focus in all animal related industries, with demand for clinical behaviourists and trainers across the UK and internationally. You will explore the theoretical concepts associated with animal learning processes and appraises these in relation to behaviour modification and training practices. As well as gain a theoretical understanding and practical awareness of animal ethology and relationship between companion species and behaviour. Key organisations such as the RSPCA and the Dogs Trust are requiring more behaviour and welfare specialists as the industry moves towards increased regulation. Additionally, on the course you will gain an appreciation of how scientific research is conducted and reported in the field as well as undertaking statistical analysis to test data. This is an advanced course for students who want to develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the animal behaviour and welfare community, combining classroom and vocational learning. Postgraduate diplomas are beneficial because they: • give you the opportunity to obtain a postgraduate qualification without the financial or time commitments of a full Masters degree • allow you to kick-start a career in a professional area. • give you specialist knowledge, for example to progress to a Masters or PhD • improve your career prospects and increase your earning potential. Additional key reasons to study: Assessments are designed in relation to tasks you would be expected to perform in employment. University Centre Askham Bryan can offer you a flexible way to gain a postgraduate qualification. *This Postgraduate programme will be delivered one day per week, alternating between on site face to face delivery at the UCAB York campus and online delivery each week (one day on campus, one day online etc). Online delivery will still be taught content.
Modules
Applied Learning Theory This module facilitates an exploration of the theoretical concepts associated with animal learning processes and appraises these in relation to behaviour modification and training practices. It is intended to support individuals working in practice and those who are working towards becoming a professional companion animal trainer and/or behaviourist. Research and Analysis This module will ensure students can produce work that is of a level 7 standard as well as further their skills in quantitative data analysis. Students will gain an appreciation of how scientific research is conducted and reported in their field. Methods of evaluating what students read and how information from the literature is synthesised and assembled to give new insights will be considered. Software to analyse quantitative data will be introduced to the students. Students will be encouraged to find out about statistical tests themselves to continue life-long learning. This will help them complete research projects during their degree and in their future careers. Applied Ethology This module provides the learner with an in-depth theoretical understanding and practical awareness of both non-companion and companion animal ethology and allows them to explore the relationship between these groups of species and behaviour. Learners will develop skills in recording and analysing animal communication. Animal Welfare Science This module aims to allow students to critically think about animal welfare in a range of situations. Students will be asked to identify a range of welfare concerns and to think deeply about the impact these concerns have on the animals and our interactions with them. Throughout the module, students will assess animal welfare issues and appraise a range of animal welfare assessments that can be used to identify poor welfare. Animal Ethics This module will provide students with the chance to explore and understand a developing field of attitudes to animals and ethics. It is intended to allow students to develop critical thinking of how animals are seen and used in society by a wide range of people and how this impacts on welfare and behaviour. The module will arm students with the ability to challenge perceptions of how society views animals in a range of contexts. This module is intended to be current and relevant with strong links to animal care industries. Animal Health, Physiology and Behaviour Students will widen their understanding of the role of animal health and physiology on animal behaviour. Students will explore how common conditions and medical diagnosis techniques influence and contribute to behaviour disorders. Reproductive and digestive physiology will be examined with a links to the endocrine and nervous systems as well as a range of different therapies including the role of psychopharmacological intervention in the treatment of common behavioural disorders. Principles and Practices in Behaviour Consultations Recognising normal behaviour for a particular animal allows a practitioner to be able to assess whether an animal is displaying abnormal behaviour or exhibiting normal behaviour in an inappropriate context. This module intends to provide the students with deeper understanding and underpinning knowledge of human-animal interactions in relation to behaviour consultation. Behaviour Modification and Therapy This module will provide students with an understanding of how problem behaviours would develop in animals. Differentiating factors of various problem behaviours will be explored as well as a variety of different therapy options. It is intended to allow students to practice skills required to explore the history of an animal and be able to diagnose and develop structured treatment regimes in order to improve behaviour and welfare.
Assessment method
Assessments have been designed to give students the opportunity of performing tasks that they would be asked to do in employment. There is a range of assessment methods used including reports, case studies, presentations and exams. Typically each module involves two assessments.
Entry requirements
Applicants would typically have a BSc (Hons) or BA (Hons) at a 2.1 classification or above in a related subject. Applicants with a BSc (Hons) or BA (Hons) 2.2 classification as above, postgraduate diploma in a related subject and/or with relevant industry experience may also be considered. References will be requested.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £5330 | Whole course |
| Northern Ireland | £5330 | Whole course |
| Scotland | £5330 | Whole course |
| Wales | £5330 | Whole course |
Additional fee information
Please note that the fee status of each applicant will be assessed prior to any offer being made (Home Fee or Overseas/International Fee). Where required further information may be requested to ensure the correct fee status is allocated. For further information about on studying in the UK and fee status, please visit UKCISA.
Provider information
University Centre Askham Bryan
Askham Bryan
York
YO23 3FR