MSc Clinical Animal Behaviour

Clinical Animal Behaviourists work on veterinary referral, helping the owners of companion animals resolve behavioural problems through diagnosis of the problem behaviour and application of individual behaviour modification programmes.

This Master’s degree follows an evidence-based approach, which aims to develop students’ theoretical knowledge and practical skills for the management of problem behaviour in companion animals. It is headed by a team of experts, including Europe’s first veterinary behaviour professor, European and Royal College of Veterinary Surgeon's specialist Professor Daniel Mills.

Teaching is informed by research and practice, and students have the opportunity to gain experience through real cases in the School of Life Sciences’ veterinary behaviour clinic. The curriculum is closely aligned to the research conducted in the School’s Animal Behaviour Cognition and Welfare Group. Students are encouraged to develop research skills and may have the opportunity to work alongside academics on high profile projects, many of which are funded by research councils, charities, and commercial bodies.

This programme has accreditation for the theoretical component of the clinical companion animal behaviourists accreditation process from the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.

Our graduates are provided the opportunity to develop their practical, critical, and independent thinking skills alongside specialist knowledge of the development, diagnosis, and management of behavioural disorders and conflicts in companion animal species, in particular dogs and cats.