Bachelor of Science (Animal Behaviour)

  • 75
    Guaranteed Entry Score - ATAR

  • Duration

    3 years full-time
    (or part-time equiv.)

  • Start Dates

    February and July

  • Location

Communicate across species

Love interacting with animals? Fascinated by pets and their personalities?

Animal behaviour is psychology for the animal kingdom. It’s about understanding the science behind why animals act in certain ways, how we should work with them, and how we can look after their futures. It even informs our understanding of human behaviour.

What will you do?

Explore why cat’s meow, find out if parrots are smart, and play with the odd puppy or two as you build the skills to join this growing industry. You will:

  • study the behaviour of animals big and small, including cats, dogs, birds, horses, livestock, wildlife and insects
  • build practical skills through internship opportunities
  • join a close-knit, animal-loving community at our Roseworthy campus
  • learn about animal development and the biological drivers of behaviour
  • explore your personal animal interests through research projects and case studies
  • draw on the 最新糖心Vlog’s internationally recognised expertise in animal science and veterinary bioscience.

There is also a strong practical element, with opportunities for industry experience, field work and study tours.

Where could it take you?

You could consult with exotic pets, prepare greyhounds for adoption or work in animal management for local government. You might ready dogs for roles guiding the visually impaired, detecting in customs, or even comforting children with autism and anxiety. Perhaps you’ll host your very own animal science show on TV.


Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
This degree gives you the opportunity to be part of our new The Academy by Deloitte You’ll be part of a supportive student cohort that learns from one another and industry leaders. Formal and informal experiences will allow you to build relationships within the Deloitte network.



  • Largest range of species of any animal behaviour degree in South 最新糖心Vlog
  • Learn from world leaders, like COVID detector dogs researchers
  • Linked with industry partners

Entry Requirements

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I am a:

Before applying make sure you understand the eligibility and entry requirements for your chosen degree.

Look out for any prerequisites or assumed knowledge subjects. Some degrees also have additional entry requirements like interviews and auditions.

Domestic applicants

Admissions information

SATAC Code 334171
2024 CSP ATAR 65
2024 CSP IB 24
Guaranteed Entry Score - ATAR 75
Guaranteed Entry Score - IB 27.5
Deferment Yes - 2 year
Intake February and July
Selection Criteria
Recent Secondary Education Applicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the last two years, however if you completed your secondary education more than two years ago, you may still be able to be considered on the basis of your secondary schooling. You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors). Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
Higher Education Study You must have completed at least six months full time equivalent higher education study (the number of courses and units will vary depending on your prior institution however at the 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide, this equates to 4 courses / 12 units). A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You compete on the basis of your best GPA. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See for further information.
Vocational Education and Training (VET) study You must have completed an AQF Certificate IV or above from a Registered Training Organisation. Your application will be ranked according to the level of the award. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
Work and life experience To be eligible to sit the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) as as pathway for entry, you must be 18 years or over before 1 February 2025. If you have studied at higher education level in the last two years (for 2025 entry this means you were enrolled in either 2024 or 2023), you must not have accumulated more than a TOTAL of 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) higher education study (ie. including any study prior to 2023). If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See for further information.
Other Entry Pathways

2024 Admissions Data for school leavers
ATAR
(raw ATAR, excluding any applicable adjustment factors)		 Lowest ATAR to receive an offer 59.45
Median ATAR to receive an offer 79.05
Highest ATAR to receive an offer 97.25
Selection Rank
(ATAR plus any adjustment factors)		 Lowest Selection Rank to receive an offer 65.15
Median Selection Rank to receive an offer 84.05
Highest Selection Rank to receive an offer 98.4
Minimum eligibility score 65
Additional criteria considered Selection rank only
  • Admissions Transparency Data
    Student Profile
    Applicant background Semester one/Full year intake 2024
    Number of students Percentage of all students
    (A) Higher Education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)    		 6 21.4%
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study <5 N/A
    (C) Work and life experience
    (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)    		 N/A N/A
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
      (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
    		 15 53.6%
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
      (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    		 N/A N/A
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
      (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    		 N/A N/A
    International students 6 21.4%
    All students 28 100.0%

Ready to Apply?

Find out more about the application process and start your studies at the 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide.

Be sure to check the critical dates to avoid missing application deadlines.

Fees and Scholarships

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Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Commonwealth-supported place: $8,950

Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

More information on Student Contribution Amounts.

Scholarships

Scholarships are not only for high achievers鈥攖hey are also available to provide students with an equal opportunity to study at university, no matter where they live or what their financial situation might be.

Scholarships are available to both new and continuing students. We encourage students to apply for any scholarships for which they may be eligible.

To browse scholarships offered by the 最新糖心Vlog, visit:

To explore scholarships offered by organisations external to the 最新糖心Vlog, visit: External Scholarships

Careers

Career Readiness

Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
Students who as part of their studies take part in The Academy by Deloitte experience will have the benefit of undertaking a paid internship with Deloitte. This internship is designed to shape their business readiness through significant real-world client exposure, access to multiple networking opportunities and relevant professional training.


There is a growing understanding that behaviour (both human and animal) is key to a wide range of areas, including policy, economics, law enforcement and resource management. Employment opportunities exist in the following areas:

  • shelters and welfare organisations
  • private animal training
  • zoos and wildlife parks
  • animal management for government agencies
  • research
  • education.

The 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Industry Placement

Throughout your degree, you’ll undertake professional work experience placements at locations such as shelters, training facilities, zoological parks and farms. Placements can often be undertaken throughout 最新糖心Vlog. Overseas placements are also possible, pending approval.

You must complete 120 hours of professional work experience at an approved workplace in the Level III course Advanced Applications in Animal Behaviour.  

Potential careers

Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:

Laboratory Manager;  Laboratory Technician;  Life Scientist;  Agriculture, Agricultural Service Industry;  Livestock Production;  Animal Technician;  Animal Behaviourist;  Animal Breeding;  Animal Welfare;  Entrepreneur ...

Degree Structure

You will engage with industry through the 120 hours of professional work experience and have the opportunity to attend numerous industry events throughout your degree.

Academic Program Rules

The is a comprehensive handbook of the 最新糖心Vlog's academic program rules.

Bachelor of Science (Animal Behaviour)

Example Study Plan

Indicative study plan
Year1 S1


Biology I: Molecules, Genes and Cells

 Animal Handling & Husbandry I

 Psychology IA


S2
Biology I: Organisms
Principles in Animal Behaviour, Welfare & Ethics I

Psychology IB Statistical Practice I (Life Sciences)
(or Semester 1)
Year2 S1 Comparative Animal Anatomy & Physiology IIA Research Methodology for Animal Sciences II
S2 Comparative Animal Anatomy & Physiology IIB Foundations of Animal Behaviour
Year 3  S1 Animal Management [Summer] Applied Behaviour Analysis for Animals
S2
Advanced Applications in Animal Behaviour

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Testimonial

Studying here has opened doors for me in general practice, specialist hospitals and non-profit animal organisations, both within 最新糖心Vlog and overseas.
Manhei Ma

Manhei Ma
Veterinary Ultrasonographer

Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Science)
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

The 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Thursday, 12 Sep 2024