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MSc Animal Behaviour and Welfare

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The course

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 Masters programme will equip you with the knowledge and skills to stand out in an increasingly populated field.

Course Information

To develop an analytical and comprehensive understanding of animal welfare in society and the controversial ethical consideration within a range of situations.
Allow you to select and utilise appropriate measures to monitor and assess animal behaviour and welfare, which is underpinned by current theory and accurate application of scientific techniques.
To ensure that you are independent thinking and can communicate confidently and effectively within a professional and research context.
Enable you to obtain analytical and systematic thought processes appropriate for working and researching within the animal and related industries.

Year 1

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)

Year 2

PART TIME YEAR 2 (credits):
Animal Welfare Across Contexts (20)
Human-Animal Interactions and Psychology (20)
Independent Research Project (60)

You will need:

A minimum of a 2.2 honours degree, ideally in biological science subjects or equivalent, but work experience can be taken into account if an unrelated qualification is held.

An appropriate academic reference

Life and/or experience of non-traditional students will be taken into account when considering applications. The successful completion of an entry task may be required when considering applications without the required formal entry qualifications.

If your first language is not English, or a Tier 4 student visa to study is required and GCSE English at grade 4/C or equivalent is not held, you will need to evidence your English language proficiency level, such as International English Language Testing System (IELTS) 6.0 overall (with a minimum 5.5 in each skill).

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, you will 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.

2026-27 ENTRY

Full-Time:

You will study four modules in the first semester and 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).

Part-Time:

You will study two modules per semester except during the final semester when the focus is on 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.

In the first year, attendance may be required at several block sessions throughout the year. Some sessions are online only while others may require in-person attendance at University Centre Bishop Burton. These dates for the 2026-27 academic year are yet to be finalised.

Further online or in-person attendance may be required at some block sessions in the second year

You are expected to complete a significant amount of private study in addition to class time (approximately 10 - 20 hours per week).

Relevant extra-curricular activity and/or work experience is encouraged to enhance your learning.

The programme incorporates a variety of assessment methods across each academic year. The mix of assessments will seek to challenge and evaluate your knowledge, understanding and skills. Assessments for this programme include written assignments, webinar presentations and practical reports. Tutors provide support for assessments in class. There will also be opportunity for formative assessment and feedback during the delivery of each module to monitor learning, and to support and prepare you for the summative assessments which make up the module. Feedback on your summative assessments will be given which will allow you to guide efforts and activities in subsequent modules. Staff aim to return assessed work within a 20-working day timeframe (not including holidays) so that you can most benefit from the feedback.

Regular access to a computer with a reliable broadband internet connection in order to participate in webinars, download learning materials, watch recorded webinars and submit assignments.
A headset with microphone will be required for participation in webinars and on-line tutorials.
Appropriate software is required: Microsoft Office and OpenOffice (freeware) are the only office suites supported.
Sturdy footwear suitable for any practical sessions on campus.
The college has a strict policy of not allowing work boots inside college buildings you will need to have alternative footwear (shoes or trainers) to attend in-person lectures on campus.
A wide range of resources are available for use both on and offsite for dissertation projects but it may not be possible to purchase/service all requests, therefore students need to be aware that they may need to self-fund some elements.
Students will need to fund their own travel, accommodation and food.
For any student that requires the use of an assistance dog, prior arrangements must be made with the Programme Leader to ensure suitable facilities and provision is made. Appropriate insurance must be held and evidenced before your dog is permitted onsite.
On successful completion of the programme, you will have the opportunity to graduate at a ceremony wearing formal dress. The hire of the formal dress is an additional cost.

Those who wish to continue their studies can do so by taking a PhD.

Upon graduating from this programme you could seek management positions in zoo keeping and education, welfare science, welfare assessment and consultation, environmental enrichment co-ordinator, education and lecturing, and animal rescue and rehabilitation.

Validated by University of Hull

We are proud to collaborate with University of Hull on the validation of this course.

This includes transforming our programmes to ensure that we meet the evolving needs of the sector, giving you the best opportunities for success when you graduate by having a competence-based focus. Find out more about competence-based higher education.

View the policies and procedures you would be agreeing to comply with by registering for this programme. This encompasses University of Hull Quality and Standards, including a Guide for Collaborative Provision students.

Financial Information

Find the full details of the fees associated with this programme and the financial support available.

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Saturday, 29 November 2025 - 10:00 - 13:00

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MSc Animal Behaviour and Welfare

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MSc Animal Behaviour and Welfare

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