Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare Master of Science - MSc (UG)

Do you want to take your knowledge of animal behaviour and welfare to the next level? Do you want to develop the skills to undertake robust animal welfare assessments? Do you want a comprehensive and critical understanding of the ethical, legal and welfare issues related to animal welfare? Then our unique Master’s programme will equip you with the knowledge and skills to stand out in an increasingly populated field.

What will I study?
Full Time (credits)
· Research Methods (20)
· Animal Behaviour Theories (20)
· Health, Welfare and Ethics (20)
· Animal Welfare Across Contexts (20)
· Applied Animal Welfare (20)
· Human-Animal Interactions and Psychology (20)
· Independent Research Project (60)

Part-time Year 1 (credits)
· Research Methods (20)
· Animal Behaviour Theories (20)
· Health, Welfare and Ethics (20)
· Applied Animal Welfare (20)

Part-time Year 2 (credits)
· Animal Welfare Across Contexts (20)
· Human-Animal Interactions and Psychology (20)
· Independent Research Project (60)

Learning and Teaching Approach
This programme is delivered with a variety of learning and teaching approaches to include all students’ learning styles and preferences.

For all modules, theory lectures are delivered that aim to deliver the core content and provide the underpinning knowledge. Using the webinar software, staff are able to monitor engagement to ensure participations.

To complement all theory lectures, students have asynchronous seminars that are used to reinforce concepts delivered theoretically. Online webinars focus on facilitating a student centred approach to enhance the independent learning that takes place outside of the webinar lecture sessions.

What is the contact time?
Part Time:
Two modules studied per semester except for the final semester when the focus in on the completion of the independent research project.
This represents approximately three hours of live webinars per week plus a similar amount of time dedicated to directed tasks and tutorials. Evening webinars normally take place between 6pm and 9pm but the number of evenings per week and days on which they occur is yet to be confirmed for the 2026-27 academic year.

Full Time:
Four modules studied in the first semester; two in the second semester alongside completion of the independent research project.
This represents approximately six hours of live webinars per week plus a similar amount of time dedicated to directed tasks and tutorials. Evening webinars normally take place between 6pm and 9pm but the number of evenings per week and days on which they occur is yet to be confirmed for the 2026-27 academic year. Additional to this you will book individual tutorials with your Programme Leader. You will have four individual tutorials in an academic year. Attendance may be required at several block sessions throughout the year. Some sessions are online only while others may require your attendance in person at University Centre Bishop Burton. These dates for the 2026-27 academic year are yet to be finalised. You are expected to complete a significant amount of private study in addition to class time and directed study (approximately 20 - 40 hours per week).

What kind of job could I get when I graduate?
Graduates can go into management positions in: zoo keeping and education, welfare science, welfare assessment and consultation, environmental enrichment co-ordinator, education and lecturing, animal rescue and rehabilitation.