The programme offers you an overview of the field of animal behaviour as well as deep insight into current research advances. You will gain skills and experience in methods and analytical techniques, opening up a wide variety of career possibilities.

You will study how animals communicate, the social structure of animal communities, how animals form pairs and reproduce, how animals acquire and use information and solve problems, and how competition and co-operation arise. In addition, you will learn how behaviour develops during the life of the individual and the influence of learning and experience of behavioral development.

Finally, we will discuss the genetic background, evolution (both at the micro- and macro-evolutionary scale) and function of behaviour. Knowledge of animal behaviour is important in many fields of biology, including ecology, evolutionary biology, neurobiology and conservation biology. Animal behaviour also has applications outside of the scientific sphere. For instance, one important application for animal behaviour concerns the requirements of ethical treatment of animals and animal well-being.

Reasons to choose the Master in Animal Behaviour:

• Broad education in Animal Behaviour suitable for diverse careers involving animals
• Excellent opportunities for practical studies in the laboratory and at Tovetorp research station
• Flexible programme allows you to create your own direction based on your interests

Programme overview:

The compulsory courses within the Master’s programme in Animal Behaviour will give you a strong foundation in the study of animal behaviour, including mate choice, animal cognition and human behaviour.

The elective and optional courses create flexibility in the programme allowing you to adapt your studies to your chosen career path. You are required to choose at least 7,5 credits of the elective courses listed below (updated each year). You can also include at least 22,5 credits of optional courses, these are any course that is not compulsory or elective and can be in other subjects or taken at another university.

During the compulsory independent project, the degree project, you will apply the knowledge and skills you have developed, in conducting a scientific study within the field of animal behaviour.

Career opportunities:

A Master's degree in Animal Behaviour opens up a diverse range of career opportunities. Completion of the Master’s program gives you eligibility for PhD studies.

Beyond being an important academic subject, an Animal Behaviour degree is highly relevant in careers where an understanding of animal behaviour is important, including animal parks and zoos, animal husbandry and within animal welfare and environmental agencies.