Applied Animal Welfare Science Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

The BSc (Hons) Applied Animal Welfare Science programme has been designed to address the growing need for graduates with interdisciplinary expertise in animal welfare, behaviour, ethics, sustainability, and evidence-based management across animal-related sectors. The course combines contemporary welfare science with practical application, preparing students to evaluate, monitor, and improve animal welfare across captive, managed, agricultural, laboratory, companion, and free-ranging animal populations.

The curriculum is structured around a clear developmental progression across three levels of study. Year 1 establishes core scientific foundations in animal biology, welfare science, behaviour, taxonomy, laboratory methods, and professional skills, enabling students to develop fundamental knowledge and practical competencies. Year 2 advances into the measurement, management, and ethical evaluation of welfare through applied welfare monitoring, welfare technologies, anthrozoology, population management, and policy analysis, supported by research methods and data-driven assessment skills. Year 3 focuses on the integration and application of advanced welfare science to complex real-world challenges, including affective states, cognition, One Health and sustainability, intervention planning, and evidence-based welfare improvement strategies, culminating in an independent research project.

The programme places strong emphasis on applied learning, critical thinking, scientific literacy, and employability. Students will engage with contemporary welfare assessment frameworks, emerging technologies, behavioural and physiological monitoring methods, ethical and legislative debates, and interdisciplinary approaches linking animal welfare with environmental sustainability and public health. Practical, scenario-based, and research-informed learning opportunities are embedded throughout the programme to support the development of professional and analytical skills relevant to industry and postgraduate study.

Graduates will be equipped for careers within animal welfare organisations, zoological collections, conservation, animal management, welfare auditing, policy and advocacy, research, rehabilitation, education, and related animal industries. The programme also provides a strong foundation for progression into postgraduate study and specialist professional training within the fields of animal welfare science, behaviour, conservation, and One Health-related disciplines.