Key information
Start dates
March
July
Animal behaviour is more than a passion - it’s a career
Animal behaviour offers a wide range of career opportunities. With the increasing focus on animal welfare and conservation, the demand for skilled animal behaviour experts is on the rise.
Wildlife Conservation Officer
Protect species through science!
Wildlife conservation officers work on the front line of environmental protection. You'll track populations, assess threats, and help manage landscapes for biodiversity.
Your understanding of animal behaviour gives you the edge in designing species-specific interventions.
Animal Behaviourist
Whether working in zoos, with companion animals, or in research, behaviourists study how animals respond to environments, training, stress and enrichment.
It’s a mix of observation, science and care.
Sources: Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024 | Seek Australia, 2024
Zoo or Sanctuary Technician
Support animal care, enrichment and behavioural monitoring in wildlife facilities. Great for students who love hands-on work.
Animal Welfare Officer
Monitor and improve the wellbeing of animals in farming, labs, shelters or captivity. Ideal for students who care deeply about ethics and standards.
Field Ecologist
Conduct species surveys, behavioural observations and conservation research in the field. A strong fit for those who love data and the outdoors.
With further postgraduate study and work experience, careers could include:
- animal management for government agencies.
- research
- education
Learn from the experts.
Our incredible teaching and professional staff are experts in their fields and well-connected to the industry.
Frequently asked questions.
Over the years, many questions have been asked by students before. For the quickest answers view our frequently asked questions or browse the full list @ Ask Flinders.
It’s similar, but this degree focuses specifically on behaviour—why animals act the way they do, and how that knowledge can be used in conservation, welfare, and research.
Yes! Field trips, lab work and the final-year project/placement all give you hands-on experience observing and analysing animal behaviour.
This is not a pathway to become a vet. It’s a science degree focused on understanding and analysing behaviour in animals—not diagnosing or treating disease.
Some data analysis is included, but it's applied to animal behaviour—so you’ll see how it directly supports your scientific understanding.
- Applications are completed via SATAC
- Visit: satac.edu.au
The table below shows ATAR and Selection Rank data for students offered a place wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR commencing in Semester 1, 2025. It is limited to applicants that have recently completed secondary education (within the last two years). Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.
Notes:
<5 – less than 5 ATAR based offers made
N/A – This course uses additional selection criteria and therefore Selection Rank is not published
| ATAR-based offers only across all offer rounds | ATAR - Excluding adjustment factors | Selection Rank - ATAR plus any adjustment factors |
|---|---|---|
| Highest rank to receive an offer | 95.20 | 99.95 |
| Median rank to receive an offer | 76.17 | 80.42 |
| Lowest rank to receive an offer | 57.75 | 61.00 |
| Applicant background (Semester 1, 2025) | Number of students | Percentage of all students |
|---|---|---|
| Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | 44 | 37% |
| Vocational education and training (VET) study | 5 | 4% |
| Work and life experience | <5 | <5 |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | 28 | 24% |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test) | <5 | <5 |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration pathways) | 17 | 14% |
| International Students | 18 | 15% |
| All students | 118 | 100% |
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South Australia 5042
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