MA Migration Studies
The MA in Migration and Refugee Studies at Sussex is a one-year full-time or two-year p...
MRes Animal Behaviour
Falmer
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MRes Animal Behaviour program at the University of Sussex is a postgraduate course designed for those with a strong interest in animal behaviour, evolutionary biology, and the sciences of animal cognition. The program is particularly suited for students who wish to pursue research careers in animal behaviour or conservation, and it prepares graduates for roles in academia, research organizations, and environmental NGOs. Students will engage in advanced studies that combine theoretical knowledge with practical research skills, focusing on how animals interact with their environment, their social structures, and the evolutionary processes that shape their behaviour. The course includes a substantial research project, where students work alongside leading researchers in animal behaviour, contributing to ongoing studies and learning from real-world data collection.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the MRes Animal Behaviour program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of animal behaviour, combining both theoretical and practical elements. The core modules cover topics such as behavioural ecology, evolutionary biology, and cognitive ethology. Students explore the evolutionary and ecological processes that shape animal behaviour, learning about the biological and environmental factors that influence behaviour patterns. The program also includes advanced research methods, including observational studies, statistical analysis, and experimental design, allowing students to gain expertise in designing and conducting independent research projects. In addition to these core modules, students undertake a substantial independent research project, which forms a key component of the MRes. This project is conducted under the supervision of experienced faculty members and offers students the chance to explore a specific area of interest in depth. The research may involve fieldwork, laboratory experiments, or a combination of both, depending on the student’s chosen topic. The curriculum ensures that students graduate with a strong foundation in animal behaviour theory, research methodology, and practical experience, making them highly competitive for roles in academia, conservation, and animal welfare.
Research Focus: The University of Sussex has a strong research focus on animal behaviour, evolutionary ecology, and conservation biology. The MRes Animal Behaviour program is deeply embedded in the university’s research community, which is known for its expertise in studying the behavioural ecology of various animal species, including primates, birds, marine life, and invertebrates. Research at Sussex focuses on understanding the adaptive significance of animal behaviour, how behaviours evolve in response to ecological pressures, and the role of animal cognition in these processes. Students on the MRes program are encouraged to actively engage with ongoing research projects, often contributing to the collection and analysis of data, as well as exploring emerging questions in animal behaviour science. The program benefits from strong links with international research networks and conservation organizations, providing students with opportunities to contribute to real-world studies and conservation efforts.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is an important aspect of the MRes Animal Behaviour program at Sussex, as students have the opportunity to collaborate with external organizations and contribute to field-based research. The university has established partnerships with a range of research institutions, wildlife conservation organizations, and environmental NGOs. These partnerships provide students with unique opportunities for internships, research placements, and fieldwork experiences. Additionally, Sussex’s proximity to a variety of natural habitats, including coastal regions and forests, allows students to engage in field studies that provide hands-on learning experiences in animal behaviour and ecology. The program also benefits from guest lectures and seminars by leading professionals from the animal behaviour and conservation sectors, offering students valuable insights into the practical applications of their studies.
Global Perspective: The MRes Animal Behaviour program at the University of Sussex offers students a global perspective by providing opportunities to engage with animal behaviour research and conservation efforts on an international scale. The university’s research in animal behaviour extends to a variety of global contexts, including studies in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, where students can participate in fieldwork or collaborate with international researchers. The program emphasizes the importance of understanding animal behaviour within the context of global environmental challenges, such as habitat loss, climate change, and human-wildlife conflict. Sussex’s international collaborations ensure that students have access to cutting-edge research and can contribute to global discussions on conservation and animal welfare. This global outlook prepares graduates to work in diverse settings, whether in international conservation organizations, global research institutions, or academic roles around the world.
Location
Falmer
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 25000
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 65% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 95.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 67.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Sussex offers a range of scholarships and financial support for international students to help make studying in the UK more accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, support for underrepresented groups, and the ambition to help students thrive in their studies.
Sussex International Scholarships: The University offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students, including the Sussex Excellence Scholarships.These awards typically cover a portion of the tuition fees and are available for students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.
Postgraduate Scholarships: International postgraduate students can benefit from the Sussex Graduate Scholarship, which provides a discount on tuition fees for eligible students with strong academic records.This scholarship is available for a variety of postgraduate programs and is aimed at supporting students who wish to advance their studies in the UK.
Chevening Scholarships: The University of Sussex is a partner in the Chevening Scholarship program, which is the UK government’s global scholarship program.Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding individuals from around the world who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK.
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships: The University of Sussex is involved in several Erasmus Mundus programs, offering scholarships for international students from EU and non-EU countries.These scholarships support students pursuing joint Master’s degrees across European universities.
Specific Country Scholarships: The University also offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular regions, such as Africa, India, and China.These awards are often designed to make studying at Sussex more accessible for students from those regions.
Graduates of the MRes Animal Behaviour program at the University of Sussex are equipped with the expertise needed to pursue careers in a variety of fields, from academia and research to wildlife conservation and environmental consultancy. The program’s strong research focus and industry partnerships ensure that students graduate with the skills necessary to work in both practical and theoretical roles.
Academic Researcher / PhD Candidate: Many graduates choose to pursue further studies and research in animal behaviour, often by undertaking a PhD. As an academic researcher, graduates can continue to explore questions about animal cognition, behaviour, and ecology, and contribute to the scientific community through publications and conferences.
Wildlife Conservationist: With a strong focus on conservation biology and animal behaviour, MRes graduates can work as wildlife conservationists. They may be involved in protecting endangered species, managing wildlife reserves, and working with NGOs or government agencies to develop strategies for conservation and biodiversity preservation.
Field Researcher: Graduates may pursue careers as field researchers, collecting data on animal behaviour in natural environments. These roles are often based in remote locations or nature reserves, where researchers study species in the wild, observe animal interactions, and gather insights for conservation and management efforts.
Animal Welfare Officer: Animal welfare officers work to ensure the health and well-being of animals in various environments, including zoos, aquariums, and animal shelters. They may also work with regulatory bodies or NGOs to improve animal protection laws and practices.
Environmental Consultant: MRes graduates with an interest in applying their skills to environmental management may choose to work as environmental consultants. In this role, they assess and advise organizations on how to manage animal populations, their habitats, and biodiversity in the context of human development, climate change, and other environmental factors.
Zoologist / Ethologist: Zoologists and ethologists study animal species and their behaviours, focusing on aspects like reproduction, feeding habits, and social structures. Graduates can work in research institutions, museums, or environmental agencies, contributing to the understanding of animal behaviour and ecology.
Animal Behaviour Specialist in Zoos and Aquariums: Many zoos and aquariums employ animal behaviour specialists who help design enrichment programs, improve animal welfare, and study animal behaviour in captivity. Graduates can work with animal care teams to ensure that animals are engaged in activities that promote natural behaviours.
Conservation Biologist: Conservation biologists use their knowledge of animal behaviour, ecology, and evolutionary biology to protect species and ecosystems. Graduates can work with governments, NGOs, or international organizations to develop conservation strategies aimed at preserving biodiversity.
Government or NGO Advisor: Graduates with an MRes in Animal Behaviour may work as advisors to governmental bodies or non-governmental organizations, offering expertise on animal welfare, conservation policies, and research funding related to wildlife protection.
Public Engagement and Education: Graduates can work in museums, aquariums, or nature reserves to educate the public about animal behaviour and conservation. They may develop educational programs, give presentations, or contribute to media outreach, raising awareness about the importance of protecting wildlife and understanding animal behaviour.
Veterinary Researcher: MRes graduates with a keen interest in veterinary science may pursue careers in veterinary research, focusing on the study of animal health, behaviour, and welfare. This may involve working with veterinary clinics, research labs, or animal hospitals to develop new treatments and care methods.
Policy Advisor for Environmental Agencies: MRes Animal Behaviour graduates with an interest in policy can work as advisors to governmental and non-governmental agencies, helping to shape policies that affect wildlife conservation, animal welfare, and environmental protection.
