A degree programme with an international reputation and respected teaching staff, offering graduates career advancements in animal behaviour and welfare community. This programme is delivered in collaboration with SRUC (Scotland’s Rural College), the Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education (JMICAWE) and Edinburgh Zoo giving students the benefit of a world-leading teaching team.This is an on-campus degree programme based at the Easter Bush Campus. For students looking to pursue distance learning you might be interested in the online MSc International Animal Welfare, Ethics and Law. Why study this programme? International reputation This was the first animal welfare MSc offered in the UK, established in 1990. The programme was initiated by Professor David Wood-Gush, one of the first scientists to investigate the effects of factory farming on animals. Set up in collaboration with SRUC, the Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education and Edinburgh Zoo, the programme is taught by academics and experts from across these organisations. Today, the MSc has a strong international reputation and the support of well-known animal welfare organisations in the UK and Europe, including: The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA)The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA)The Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW)World Animal ProtectionThe Brooke Teaching This programme provides you with a thorough overview of the current key issues in animal behaviour and welfare. You will gain an understanding of animal welfare issues in a broad range of contexts through practical visits to zoos, labs, abattoirs, markets and farms. Career prospects The MSc provides a strong basis for a career in animal behaviour and welfare. The degree is a respected qualification that will enhance your career prospects, providing a route to an international network of animal welfare and behaviour professionals. Each year a cohort of 20 - 30 students join the programme from locations across the globe, meaning you will be exposed to a broad range of perspectives. We also welcome a number of guest lecturers with respected reputations from within the international community.Such a diverse learning environment provides a great opportunity for networking within the community. Our graduates have gone on to work in a number of different sectors. Qualification MSc, PGDip, PGCert Entry requirements Degree requirements You will need at least a 2:1 or its equivalent at undergraduate level in a relevant discipline. These include: Animal ScienceBiologyPsychologyVeterinary ScienceZoology However, candidates with a relevant background and alternative qualifications may be accepted onto the programme, and are encouraged to contact us for further details.International students A 2:1 is equivalent to GPA of 3.25. If you are unsure of your degree classification, Edinburgh Global provides information by country. Entry requirement guidance by country English language requirements You must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies, regardless of your nationality or country of residence.English language testsFor 2021 entry we will accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:IELTS Academic: total 7.0 (at least 6.5 in each module)TOEFL-iBT (including Special Home Edition): total 100 (at least 23 in each module). We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirementsCAE and CPE: total 185 (at least 176 in each module)Trinity ISE: ISE III with a pass in all four componentsYour English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL or Trinity ISE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.For more information, please see the degree finder page.Immigration advice Edinburgh Global provides detailed information on the visa application process. Visa application advice at Edinburgh Global Learning outcomes We aim to give you a scientific background and approach that will have a wide range of applications both in research and practical environments. Aims We aim to enhance knowledge and understanding in the scientific study of animal behaviour and animal welfare. We will teach you how to apply this scientific approach effectively both in research and practice, alongside developing interpersonal and problem-solving skills. An MSc in Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare will provide you with a solid grounding in the discipline that can be applied to: researchanimal managementanimal careproductioninspection, assessment and preparation of legislation You will also benefit from the knowledge and experience of professionals working throughout the international animal behaviour and welfare community. In addition to the core teaching team, we invite many guest lecturers from worldwide organisations and institutes. Learning outcomes On this degree you will have the opportunity to: demonstrate a critical understanding of the principal theories, principles and concepts in animal behaviour and animal welfare.plan and execute a significant project of research on applied animal behaviour or animal welfare by applying knowledge and a range of specialised techniques.critically review, consolidate and synthesise knowledge to address contemporary issues in animal welfare.communicate about animal welfare and animal behaviour, using appropriate methods, to a range of audiences with different levels of knowledge/expertise.exercise substantial autonomy and initiative in your own work and make informed judgements, on your own or collectively, on challenging animal welfare issues. Structure The programme has two elements, a taught component (120 credits) and a dissertation project (60 credits). The MSc is a one year course for full-time students. It is also a possible to complete the MSc over a period of two or three years. Please note that candidates that require a Tier 4 Visa, do not have the 2 or 3 year flexible option and must study full time. Timetable – Full time optionSeptember to December Weeks 1-5Teaching block oneWeek 6Revision breakWeeks 7-11Teaching block twoWeek 12RevisionWeek 13-14ExamsJanuary to August Weeks 1-5Teaching block threeWeek 6Revision breakWeek 7 ExamsWeek 8TeachingWeek 9Assignments and presentationsWeek 10 onwardsDissertation projectPart-time study Two year option Year oneTeaching blocks one and two (September - December) No classes (January - August)Year twoNo classes (September - December) Teaching block three (January - March) Dissertation project (March - August) Three year option Year oneTeaching blocks one and two (September - December) No classes (January - August)Year twoNo classes (September - December) Teaching block three (January - March)Year threeDissertation project (part-time over 12 months, September- August) Content You will take five courses to complete the taught component of the degree. The taught component of the degree consists of five courses and is worth 120 credits. Each course contains a mixture of lectures, seminars, practicals and visits. You will be expected to spend a large proportion of time in 'out of class' study. Introduction to Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare (20 credits) We will discuss: How the study of behaviour can be applied to animal welfare.How an understanding of animal behaviour can be applied to common practical problems.The basis of current issues relating to animal welfare.The development of UK/EU animal welfare legislation in a global context.Animal welfare from an economic perspective and in the context of global trade issues.Issues such as ethics, climate change and welfare in developing countries. Biology of Animal Welfare (20 credits) Key points covered: How the principles of endocrinology and neuroscience relate to behaviour.The impact of genes, genetics and breeding on behaviour expression.How the environment, as well as experience, may affect behavioural biology and how different biological factors integrate to produce different behaviours.What is meant by stress and the relationship between stress and animal welfare.The physiological and behavioural responses to a range of stressors, particularly pain.How these responses are measured scientifically and how this can be used in animal welfare assessment. Animal Cognition and Consciousness (20 credits) The areas of motivation, learning and cognition underpin the study of animal behaviour and welfare. You will be presented with the scientific basis of these areas, with particular reference to animal welfare. We will also focus on current and historical interpretations of the concept of animal consciousness as well as experimental approaches. The implications of the study of animal consciousness for models of animal welfare will be studied alongside basic moral principles of animal use. Scientific Methodology (20 credits) Topics include: scientific methodologyexperimental designstatistical softwaredata summary and distributionparametric and non-parametric statistical methodsoral and written communication At the end of this course, you will be able to apply scientific and statistical methods to real research projects. You will also be able to discuss reasonably complex statistical issues with a statistician. Animal Welfare Applications (40 credits) This course will bring together all the knowledge you have gained so far and demonstrate how it can be applied to real situations. Issues such as environment, breeding and euthanasia will be considered in relation to farm, zoo, companion, laboratory and wild animals. We will consider the ethics of keeping animals for different uses and discuss where animal welfare issues arise. The knowledge gained in scientific methodology will be applied to assess welfare in real-life situations. Dissertation Project You will undertake a dissertation project on your chosen research theme from March until August. Your dissertation is worth 60 credits and will give you the opportunity to further develop the skills gained from taught component of the programme. This is a chance to test your newly-improved scientific skills and utilise scientific theory in a less structured environment. You will begin your project in March and should have it completed by the middle of August. (This depends on study mode.) Examples of past dissertation topics:Welfare of elephants in captivityTactile communication between cats and humansEnhancing word learning in horsesPost-operative pain assessment in dogsPre-weaning survival in outdoor pigletsEffects of foraging devices on activity budgets of woolly monkeys and chimpanzeesMate preferences of female Canna wood miceEffects of urbanization on the social behaviour and food supply of the European badgerEffects of captivity on the skeletons of callitrichids Campus The degree is based on the Easter Bush Campus, a state-of-the-art teaching facility with good transport links. The campus is around 7 miles south of the city centre.Living in EdinburghThe majority of our students seek accommodation on the south side of the city centre. These areas have good transport links and lots of local amenities. Edinburgh is an exciting and vibrant city with most areas within easy reach, either on foot or by public transport. Explore the cityTravel to and from Easter BushEaster Bush is served by several public bus services. Buses are operated by Lothian Buses and passes can be purchased to cover travel across the city. Parking is available on campus by permit. Please note that many areas in Edinburgh require residents to have a permit for on-street parking.Travelling to Easter BushLothian Buses Teaching team We have a number of internationally recognised experts in their field contributing to the teaching of many aspects of the programme.NameCourseInstitutionDr Vincent BombailProgramme DirectorUniversity of Edinburgh and SRUCDr Miguel Somarriba SoleyDeputy Programme DirectorUniversity of Edinburgh and SRUCDr Michelle ReevesProgramme Co-ordinatorAnimal Welfare ApplicationsUniversity of EdinburghLinda PollockProgramme AdministratorUniversity of EdinburghProf Rick D'EathScientific MethodologySRUCDr Rebecca DoyleIntroductions to Applied Animal Behaviour and WelfareUniversity of EdinburghProf Cathy DwyerBiology of Animal WelfareSRUCProf Marie HaskellAnimal Cognition & ConsciousnessSRUCProf Alistair LawrenceIntroduction to Applied Animal Behaviour and WelfareSRUCDr Kenny RutherfordBiology of Animal WelfareSRUCMr Rob ThomasAnimal Welfare ApplicationsUniversity of EdinburghProf Simon TurnerIntroduction to Applied Animal Behaviour and WelfareSRUCProf Francoise WemelsfelderAnimal Cognition & ConsciousnessSRUC Testimonials The year I spent in Edinburgh completing this MSc program was such a fantastic, resourceful and memorable experience, made even better by being able to share it with a wonderful and diverse group of classmates and a supportive programme team. The taught aspect of the course was well structured to prepare us for our research projects and I have graduated with confidence in my abilities to progress a career in animal welfare at a global level.Hannah - Graduated November 2020It had always been my desire to be able to try and understand animals from an informed point of view and be able to make this understanding known to people around me and the world. I remember one day wishing that the only MSc I would really love to do was on animal welfare, but I did not know where and how because we do not have this back home in Kenya. My dream came true the day I stumbled upon the OPP scholarship link, applied it, and won. I have learnt so much about animal welfare and behaviour and I now am confident that I will be able to create change in my society from an informed point of view. The scholarship was my dream come true.Eva - Graduated November 2020 Careers Examples of career paths our graduates have taken.Academic researchCanine behaviour and welfare research - Alex, 2011Pet rabbit welfare project investigator at University of Bristol - Matt, 2010PhD at Royal Veterinary College - Jen, 2008Research technician on cattle lameness project at University of Bristol - Clare, 2006Land Economics and Environment Resarch Group - Sian, 2006Commercial Advisor on pet nutrition and general care at a pet food manufacturer - Oliver, 2005Pet-sitter and dog counselling service - Heather, 2005Owner, the Animal Behaviour Consultancy - Shirley, 1998EducationInstructor on MSc course on domestic feline behaviour and treatment - Alaina, 2005Tutor on veterinary and animal science courses - Helle, 1999CharityBurrowing Owl Conservation Society of British Columbia - Lauren, 2020World Animal Protection - Hilary, 2013Care for the Wild International - Claire, 2006Grand Canyon Wolf Recovery Project - Paula, 2006Genesis Faraday Partnership - Laura, 2006International Animal Rescue, US Office - Laurence, 2006Related LinksEmployment opportunities at the University Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW)Employment opportunities at the International Society for Applied Ethology (ISAE)Association of Pet Behaviour CounsellorsCareers at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) websiteVacancies at the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) website Fees and Funding Tuition fees Fees are set by the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and differ for home and overseas students. Postgraduate taught feesFunding Our scholarshipsUniversity Scholarships You can search for scholarships according to your nationality and subject area using the University Scholarships searcher. Find funding using the Scholarships searcher.Education Beyond Borders ScholarshipThe University offers up to 30 scholarships to displaced people to study on a full-time postgraduate programme starting in September 2025. Applications are open to individuals from a displaced background who currently reside in the UK and hold an offer to study with us. The deadline for 2025 applications is now closed. Anyone planning to apply is encouraged to read the guidance and attend an information session.Education Beyond Borders ScholarshipAlternative Guide to Postgraduate FundingThe University of Edinburgh subscribes to a funding database specifically for those looking for funding to support postgraduate studies. The guide contains a huge database of funding opportunities, comprehensive guidance and tools to help you prepare a winning grant application including.The Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding Online Equality and Diversity The University has a strong and long-standing commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and to promoting a positive culture which celebrates difference, challenges prejudice and ensures fairness. Finf out more Find out more and apply You will need to complete an online application form which includes references, transcripts and other supporting documents. Applications must be submitted through the University’s online application service, EUCLID. Offers cannot be made without a fully completed online application. The application does not have to be completed in one session - you can save your progress and return to complete the application at another time. Please note that the deadline for applications for the programme starting in September 2022 is the 22nd July 2022; however, it is advised that you apply as soon as possible as offers will start to be made from February. Supporting documents Your application will require supporting information, with transcripts where applicable, including: A degree certificateIf you are yet to graduate, a formal letter from your university can be uploaded in place of a degree certificate to secure a conditional offerA transcript of your degree certificate, or an interim transcript if you are yet to graduate, which provides details of degree examinations passed and the marks and grades awardedOne signed and dated letter of reference on headed paperAn English language certificate from within the last two years, if applicableA copy of your CV. Online application form Apply for this degreeApplications close in July for the following September start. We suggest that your application is submitted by January as the programme is often oversubscribed and you may be added to a reserve list. Paper form If you are unable to complete the application online, the Postgraduate Office at the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine will be able to provide you with a paper form. Contact the Postgraduate Office Our campus We are located in Easter Bush, a state-of-the-art facility with good transport links. We recommend that you find accommodation in south Edinburgh. Programme Team Details of the core teaching staff and the courses they teach. Testimonials Browse our graduate profiles by career path and find out how an MSc in Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare has benefited our graduates Academic research Many of our graduates have progressed onto PhD study and joined research projects in the field of animal welfare. Commercial companies Many of our graduates now work for commercial companies or have started their own business. Education and consultation Some of our former students now teach or work as consultants. Charities Many of our graduates now work for animal welfare charities. This article was published on 2025-01-09
