Masters degrees in Animal Welfare study the happiness and health of animals, as well as how creatures should be kept, housed and maintained. Related postgraduate specialisms include Animal Behaviour, Animal Health and Animal Ethics.
Programmes usually award an MSc, but some institutions also offer an MRes, which means you’ll be able to undertake a sizeable research project as part of your studies. Entry requirements normally involve an undergraduate degree in a relevant biological science.
Courses in Animal Welfare typically take an interdisciplinary approach to the subject, combining methodologies from ethics, law, conservation and veterinary sciences.
Both theoretical and practical in nature, postgraduate Animal Welfare programmes offer you the chance to explore topics like animal consciousness, ecology and caring for animals in captivity. You may also be trained in quantitative statistical methods to undertake your own research in the field.
Careers in Animal Welfare are as broad as the subject itself. After graduating, you could find yourself working for an animal welfare organisation (local, national or international) or carrying on your research to PhD level. Other possibilities include charities, zoos, veterinary practice or independent consultancy.
