MSc Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare

The MSc Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare at Hartpury University is designed for students who want to make a meaningful impact on animal welfare through evidence-based practice, research, and policy development. The programme combines scientific understanding of animal behaviour with practical welfare assessment and ethical decision-making in real-world environments.



Students explore advanced topics including animal cognition, communication, welfare assessment, ethics of animal use, companion animal welfare, agricultural welfare regulations, and welfare legislation. Through access to Hartpury's extensive facilities, industry partnerships, and expert academic staff, students gain practical insight into how welfare science is implemented within commercial, charitable, and regulatory sectors.



The course develops the critical thinking, research, communication, and leadership skills needed to influence policy, improve welfare standards, and drive positive change across animal industries.




Key Modules



Core Modules





  • Contemporary Issues in Animal Welfare Science




  • Advances in Animal Behaviour




  • Ethics of Animal Use




  • Applied Animal Welfare Assessment





MSc & PGDip Modules





  • Companion Animal Behaviour and Welfare




  • The Research Process




  • Regulating Agriculture and Food Production




  • Companion and Working Animal Regulations





MSc Dissertation





  • Postgraduate Dissertation (60 Credits)






Career Opportunities



Graduates may pursue careers as:





  • Animal Welfare Officer




  • Animal Behaviour Consultant




  • Animal Welfare Inspector




  • Animal Welfare Researcher




  • Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Specialist




  • Animal Welfare Policy Advisor




  • Welfare Compliance Officer




  • Zoo and Wildlife Welfare Coordinator




  • Companion Animal Welfare Specialist




  • Animal Welfare Educator




  • Animal Welfare Charity Manager






Graduate Destinations





  • RSPCA and Animal Welfare Charities




  • Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation Centres




  • Animal Welfare Monitoring Organisations




  • Government and Regulatory Bodies




  • Zoos and Wildlife Organisations




  • Agricultural and Livestock Welfare Sectors




  • Companion Animal Industry




  • Education and Training Institutions




  • Research Institutes




  • PhD and Further Academic Study




Program Requirements
  • Academic Requirement:

    • Bachelor's Degree in a related subject.

    • Minimum 2:2 Honours Degree or equivalent.

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

  • ELP Requirement:

    IELTS Academic: 6.5 Overall

    • Equivalent English language qualifications accepted.

  • Special Requirement: Suitable for graduates interested in: Animal Behaviour Animal Welfare Science Animal Ethics Companion Animal Welfare Livestock Welfare Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation Animal Welfare Policy & Legislation Professional experience in animal care, veterinary support, welfare organisations, agriculture, zoos, rehabilitation centres, or related sectors is beneficial.
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
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