Master’s Programme in Animal Behaviour

Entry requirements

General entry requirements

Specific entry requirements: Admission to the programme requires a Bachelor's degree in Biology or equivalent.

Months of entry

August, September

Course content

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.

Our Master’s Programme in Animal Behaviour will provide you a deep understanding of why animals behave the way they do. You will gain a solid theoretical foundation combined with advanced methodological skills, preparing you to analyse complex behavioural phenomena across species.

You will study how animals sense the world and how they communicate, the social structure of their communities, how they form pairs and reproduce, how they 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 on behavioural development. Finally, you will understand how genetic background, selection, and culture influence the evolution of behaviour (both at the micro- and macro-evolutionary scale).

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 covering animal sensory biology, cognition, social and sexual behaviour, communication, and behavioural ecology
• Hands-on training in laboratory methods, fieldwork, and advanced statistical analysis
• Extensive opportunities for conducting research projects in the laboratory and at Tovetorp research station
• Flexible structure with space for electives and optional courses to tailor the programme to your interests
• An international learning environment with close connections to cutting-edge behavioural research