Animal Welfare MSc

Explore the emerging discipline of animal welfare science with leaders in this field and learn how evidence informs practice.

The assessment and enhancement of animal welfare are key to a variety of industries including farming, scientific research, zoos, the pet trade and service animal training. On this course you will learn from experts in industry and research how this is achieved using modern techniques.

Why study this course with us?

You will assess how an evidence-based approach can be applied to improve a range of scenarios such as housing, training and transport practices. You will gain an understanding of key ethical dilemmas in the field, have the opportunity to improve your research skills and explore a topic of interest to you in a personal dissertation project.

At Chester you will learn directly from leaders in the field of animal welfare research. Regular research seminars and approachable, supportive staff make our department a friendly, welcoming community to students from a range of backgrounds. From hormone assays to genetic analysis, we have the facilities you will need to develop key laboratory skills. Staff also collaborate with a range of industrial partners such as farms, veterinarians and zoos, so are able to provide real-life case studies to students.

Various long-term departmental research projects, both in the UK and abroad, allow a diverse range of dissertation opportunities and participation in ground-breaking research. Our teaching team also has strong links to industry; your dissertation project could provide you with valuable networking opportunities and experience in a specialist field such as production animal welfare assessment or laboratory animal management. Our department also has close links with zoos, aquaria, charities and NGOs – invaluable for helping you on your future career path.

There is a key focus on practical applications in this course. Problem-solving skills will be targeted by authentic coursework and you will build a careers portfolio with help from a designated personal tutor. Tasks such as grant application writing, evaluative reports, oral and poster presentations are both engaging and highly applicable to a range of employment opportunities.

• Applicants

   

  should normally possess

   

  an honours degree (minimum 2:1) in a biological/behavioural/ecological science (e.g. animal behaviour, conservation biology, zoology) including components of experimental design and statistical analysis. 

• 6.5 (Min 5.5 in each sub-skill)

• For those who do not have IELTS or an acceptable in-country English language qualification, the University of Chester has developed its own

   

  online English language test which applicants can take for just £50.

The University of Chester's Careers and Employability service is designed to equip students with the skills necessary for a successful career in welfare-related fields or broader fields like journalism, teaching, or policy making. The service offers various employability-enhancing experiences, such as curriculum, employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice, and guidance. The service is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed, and tailored to individual goals, allowing students to develop as individuals and contribute to the community. It provides access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular workshops, and practical assistance with career planning, including CVs, applications, and mock interviews. Group sessions on career planning are also provided within each course, and students and graduates can use these services free of charge for up to two years after graduation.