Animal Welfare Science, Ethics & Law

Student Experience

Breadth of the programme: Animal Welfare is a very broad and applied field and the programme aims to provide coverage of all the different aspects of the topic which are often treated separately.  Science is an essential skill in order to have a good understanding of welfare but we appreciate that applicants may come from diverse backgrounds and therefore the course includes a rigorous training in science communication, experimental design, data analysis and interpretation. The programme also includes teaching by practitioners and visits to organisations with first-hand experience of applied welfare problems. The programme also attempts to cover the entire spectrum of animal welfare, including zoos, farms, laboratory animals and wildlife.

Career development: Students are exposed to potential work places and can make valuable contacts with professionals in the welfare community. Where possible this is a two-way exchange in which communities are offered help with any issues they have and for which assistance may be provided in finding a solution (e.g. through independent research projects, supervised by university staff). This is also an option open to other courses and could benefit the students in the long-term as well as give the university valuable connections with the wider community.

That is what current students think of the programme:

‘It is unique among similar masters courses that we are able to chose from a variety of different courses according to our interests.’

‘It is a young science especially for wild animals for which I strongly belief more research is needed… All the professors behind this course are very experienced and have managed to give us plenty of their knowledge.’

‘Having talks from outside speakers (SSPCA etc.) is definitely beneficial as it gives you a first-hand account of animal welfare in action.’

‘…actual professionals that have been through different experiences teach us. This not only gives us more of a complete view of the area of study, but also helps us understand the different areas that we can pursue.’