Applications for this course are now closed

If you would still like to be considered for 2020 entry, please fill in our expression of interest form. You will then be placed on a waiting list in case we’re able to re-open the course and make further offers.

Alternatively, you can apply for 2021 entry from the 1 October 2020.

Your course during COVID-19

Whilst things will not be the same when you join us in September, this course page is intended to give you insight into what to expect from your course and your learning experience for the duration of your degree.

We have updated all course information where there are specific changes in the first semester.

Facilities

Most of our student services are now available online. As COVID-19 restrictions lift, we'll be opening up our on-campus facilities as soon as it is safe to do so, so that you can get the best out of your studies.

Your learning experience

Your teaching will be a mixture of online and in-person on-campus teaching. In semester one, as a result of physical distancing requirements, all lecture materials will be delivered online along with many tutorials, workshops and labs.

Our aim, if Government guidance allows us, is to deliver up to three hours of labs, seminars and tutorial teaching in-person on campus where this is possible and safe to do so. We'll review this regularly and plan to return to full in-person, on-campus teaching in semester two if restrictions allow.

If you’re studying for an MRes, MMus or MLitt programme, the number of hours may vary from this. For more information, please contact your supervisor or academic school.

Assessment

In semester one, we will not be running face-to-face, on-campus examinations. We will instead use different approaches to assessment. These will test and support your learning.

Field trips

We will be running some but not all of our planned field trips. Some of those that do run, will be run virtually. For those that do not run, we will be offering alternative learning activities. These learning activities will give you the opportunity to achieve the same learning.

Work placements

There may be some restrictions on work placement opportunities. 

Further information

Our COVID-19 Study page gives more information about your Newcastle University 2020 study experience.

Terms and conditions and student complaints

The University has terms and conditions which create a positive environment for learning and academic achievement.

Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commitments outlined are subject to the guidelines that may be in place at the time.

About this course

The study of animal behaviour is an exciting and theoretically rigorous area of the biological sciences with possible applications in:

• conservation
• animal welfare
• biomedical science
• agriculture

The Centre for Behaviour and Evolution at Newcastle University brings together world experts in:

• behavioural ecology
• comparative cognition
• neuroethology
• animal welfare

Experts at Newcastle have discovered, among other things, that:

• bees learn better when exposed to caffeine
• starlings who were hungry as babies become heavier as adults
• mice have pain faces

You can also be part of this exciting research community. The course is designed for graduates with a BSc in the life sciences, psychology or anthropology. It can be taken either as a stand-alone qualification or as an entry route onto a PhD.

Module changes

Course content changes 

The information above is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Optional module availability

Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

Careers Service

Our award-winning Careers Service will help you to explore your options and make informed choices to achieve your career goals.

Work experience

Work experience placements are a great way to develop relevant skills to excel in your chosen career.

Find out about paid and unpaid work experience options and other ways you can add to your degree.

Find out more about our tuition fees, including how to pay them and available discounts.

EU students starting at Newcastle in 2020 will pay the UK (Home) tuition fee for the full duration of their course.

Funding opportunities

Pre-sessional English Language courses are not accepted as an alternative entry to this course.

You may need an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate. You'll need to get this before you can get your visa or study on this programme. We'll let you know about the ATAS requirement in your offer letter.

Applications for this course are now closed

If you would still like to be considered for 2020 entry, please fill in our expression of interest form. You will then be placed on a waiting list in case we’re able to re-open the course and make further offers.

Alternatively, you can apply for 2021 entry from the 1 October 2020.

You are NOT required to submit a research project proposal for MRes programmes in the Faculty of Medical Sciences as part of your online application.

Start dates

The course starts in September. 

We suggest international students apply at least two months before the course starts. This is so that you have enough time to make the necessary arrangements.

Deposit