MSc Animal Welfare, Policy and Legislation

The MSc Animal Welfare, Policy and Legislation at Hartpury University is a specialist postgraduate programme designed for professionals seeking advanced knowledge of animal welfare science, legislation, policy development, and regulatory compliance. Delivered primarily online, the programme offers flexible study options while providing access to industry-leading academics and welfare professionals actively involved in policy and legislative development.



Students explore how animal welfare science influences legislation and how policies are created, implemented, monitored, and improved across a wide range of animal sectors including agriculture, companion animals, wildlife conservation, zoological institutions, and scientific research. The course combines scientific understanding, ethical frameworks, and legal principles to prepare graduates for leadership and decision-making roles within animal welfare organisations, charities, regulatory bodies, and industry.



Through advanced study of welfare science, UK legislation, policy development, lobbying, ethics, compliance, and governance, students develop the expertise required to influence welfare standards and create meaningful change within the animal sector.




Key Modules



Core Modules





  • Advanced Principles of Animal Welfare




  • The UK Legal System for Biologists




  • The Research Process




  • Regulating Agriculture and Food Production




  • Captive Exotics and Wildlife Policy and Law




  • Companion and Working Animal Regulations




  • Controls on the Use of Animals in Science





MSc Dissertation





  • Postgraduate Dissertation






Career Opportunities



Graduates may pursue careers such as:





  • Animal Welfare Policy Advisor




  • Animal Welfare Compliance Manager




  • Animal Welfare Auditor




  • Animal Protection Officer




  • Legislative Affairs Specialist




  • Animal Welfare Consultant




  • Animal Welfare Campaign Manager




  • Regulatory Compliance Officer




  • Wildlife Policy Advisor




  • Animal Welfare Researcher




  • Government Policy Officer






Graduate Destinations





  • RSPCA




  • World Animal Protection (WAP)




  • Animal Welfare Charities




  • Government Departments




  • Regulatory Agencies




  • Agricultural and Livestock Organisations




  • Wildlife Conservation Bodies




  • Research Institutions




  • Educational Institutions




  • Policy and Lobbying Organisations




  • PhD and Doctoral Research




Program Requirements
  • Academic Requirement:

    • Bachelor's Degree in a related subject.

    • Minimum 2:2 Honours Degree or equivalent.

    • Applicants with non-related qualifications but relevant professional or work experience may be considered individually.

  • ELP Requirement:

    IELTS Academic: 6.5 Overall

    • Equivalent English language qualifications accepted.

  • Special Requirement: Suitable for applicants interested in: Animal Welfare Policy Animal Legislation Animal Rights & Ethics Animal Welfare Compliance Agricultural Animal Welfare Wildlife Policy & Conservation Law Animal Welfare Management Strong interest in policy development, regulation, welfare auditing, compliance, advocacy, and animal protection sectors recommended.
Key Facts
  • CAS Deposit: 50% on First year tuition fee
  • Annual Tuition Fee: £20,625
  • Course Duration: 1 Year Full-Time / 2–3 Years Part-Time
  • Credentials: Master's Degree (msc)
  • Intakes: September 2026 January 2027
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