Bachelor of Applied Science (Animal Behaviour and Welfare)

Summary

With animal behaviour and welfare becoming a high-demand field, there’s never been a better time to start this unique qualification.

The programme dives into everything from health and husbandry to conservation and behaviour modification. You’ll explore the complex world of human-animal interactions, preparing you for a rewarding career in the animal care sector.

Highlights

• A holistic approach that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills to evaluate the welfare, behaviour, and training needs of wild, exotic, and companion animals
• Practical experience in simulated and real-world situations
• Visits to various animal welfare organisations and voluntary groups; you may even be able to undertake part of your studies at one of their sites
• A chance to complete a research project in an area of your interest to develop the skills you’ll need for a career in your chosen field
• Relevant and current teaching: our lecturers keep up with industry trends through links with zoos in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, and Christchurch, the Department of Conservation, MPI (Ministry of Primary Industries) Biosecurity, and the SPCA
• A teaching team of highly qualified and experienced animal behaviour experts, animal trainers, animal welfare scientists, and veterinarians

Double major

Can’t choose between animal welfare and the environment? Study a double major, you’ll gain a unique edge that employers value. This pathway is a great way to diversify your skills, giving you a wider range of career options across New Zealand’s environmental and animal care sectors.

We highly recommend choosing a double major to broaden your expertise and capabilities.  Diversifying your studies in this way gives you a significant edge, making you more competitive in the job market.

Where from here

Upon completing this programme, you can go on to further study in Master of Applied Science (Biodiversity Management)

Career Options

• Animal behaviour and/or welfare consultant
• Animal handler
• Animal welfare inspector
• Animal welfare scientific officer
• Welfare education officer

Annual Tuition Fees

Domestic/NZ students

$8,500

(Approximate fees only - includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy. Your final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. View options for funding your study and fees-free eligibility)

International students

$26,415 (NZD) (approximate fees for 120 credits) Save upto $2,000 (NZD) with Unitec International Study Grant 2026.Terms and conditions apply.

Semester Dates

Sem 1 2026: 23 Feb – 28 Jun

Sem 2 2026: 20 Jul – 22 Nov

For course and class timings, refer to the specific course webpage.

For StudyLink purposes, please ensure your application states your earliest course start date.

For course and class timings, refer to the specific course webpage.

For StudyLink purposes, please ensure your application states your earliest course start date.

Downloads and resources

Programme regulations - Bachelor of Applied Science (Animal Behaviour and Welfare) Student regulations Order a personalised brochure Scholarships and awardsStudent LifeFor Māori studentsFor Pacific studentsFor International students