MSc Tierverhalten und Wohlergehen

Apply theoretical knowledge in practical environments to enact change. Make a positive difference in the world of animal behaviour and welfare. Our 360-hectare rural campus provides an inspiring place to develop your understanding.

Change where it matters

Supported by our academic and industry experts, you’ll challenge your understanding of a range of topics and explore the interface between ethics and science.

You’ll understand how theory is implemented in welfare assessment using the latest technological innovation, but also works within time and cost constraints.

Influence the future

By developing the skills to influence perceptions and organisational decision-making, you’ll be empowered to enact change and improve industry practices.

Many of our on campus learning facilities are successful commercial businesses, while our strong industry connections will also enhance your experience as you extend your professional networks.

Advance your studies your way

Select from a range of modules to tailor your studies to specific animal welfare sectors. You’ll have access to our lecturers' expertise and world-class facilities for both practical activities and research projects.

With both full and part-time learning options available, you can choose a pathway to fit around your commitments.

What you’ll study

This degree focuses on the scientific understanding of animal behaviour and welfare and how this is applied practically to real-life situations.

Study the key elements of animal welfare science, including the legal structures and scientific concepts applied to a variety of modern contexts. Explore philosophical and ethical frameworks, employ the principles and methodologies of observing and understanding animal behaviour.

You’ll utilise your expertise to develop innovative approaches to assessing animal welfare in real-world contexts. This will marry the conceptual science against the constraints, compromises and difficulties of safeguarding animal wellbeing in real-world practice.

Additional and optional components of the programme will allow you to expand your interests, analyse companion animal behaviour and welfare, and develop your skills in leading change within organisations.

Optional modules cover such topics as:

• Legal frameworks around farm and companion animals
• A field course examining wildlife conflicts in South Africa (places are limited)
• A module exploring sustainable resource management

Your dissertation project will allow you to research an area of your own interest in relation to animal behaviour and / or welfare, under the guidance of one of our industry-leading research-active lecturers.

Your career

This applied degree will equip graduates for jobs in both commercial and charitable sectors.

Commercial employment ance your studies your way

The food production sector, for example, requires those with expertise in animal welfare in order to inform their policy and practice and monitor ongoing compliance.

This is equally true for those external organisations that monitor and confirm welfare standards compliance.

Charitable employment

You’ll be equipped for roles in the charitable sector organisations that are primarily engaged in assuring animal welfare standards, in campaigning for animal welfare, or that actively work in a welfare capacity.

Our compulsory modules will provide high-level analytical skills and knowledge, forming the basis of professional judgement.

Leadership and management roles

By offering leadership / change and resource management modules you’ll be equipped with the skills to take on more strategic roles within organisations.

Our careers team can support you to find and prepare for employment.

Potential graduate destinations include:

• PhD study
• Commercial/charitable animal welfare monitoring and assurance
• Animal rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming/release
• Starting your own business in the animal industry
• Teaching in animal-related subjects

Hartpury University is a specialist education provider in Gloucestershire, offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Agriculture, Animal, Equine, Sport and Veterinary Nursing. World-leading facilities and expertise attract staff and students from over 60 countries.

Students will benefit from a career-focused learning experience, underpinned by the latest industry research, much of which is undertaken at Hartpury. Hartpury students also have the chance to train as an athlete alongside their studies as part of one of their 10 performance Sports Academies.

The university’s £150 million campus is home to state-of-the-art learning facilities, many of which are also commercial businesses and offer opportunities for work experience alongside or as part of a course.

This includes a commercial farm with a new agri-tech centre, canine and equine therapy centres, international events, sports injury clinics, and professional athletes training on-site. There are also international arenas, the latest technologies, and over 70 species in the university’s animal collection. Students will have everything they need to put the theory from the classroom into practice.

We welcome all students to become part of the Hartpury family , building on our reputation as a local, regional, national and international provider of high-quality training and education.