Program Overview

• Join an innovative programme that explores the dynamic relationships between animal welfare science, conservation biology and environmental sustainability
•     Learn to define and assess animal welfare, investigate ecosystem health and question the sustainability of animal production and conservation systems
•     Create sustainable solutions to animal welfare issues spanning a wide range of contexts and species including farm, zoo and wild-living animals
•     Boost your employability by completing a ‘Skills for Biological Scientists’ module
•     Get involved with the University’s Centre for Animal Welfare, a high-impact centre dedicated to the advancement of animal welfare science
•     Join our distance-learning degree and study flexibly, with live lectures and seminars online. There is no campus-based teaching

This multidisciplinary programme, led by animal welfare experts, follows the Planetary Health and One Welfare philosophies, where welfare of both captive and wild animals is considered alongside ecosystem health and biodiversity conservation. This is one of the broadest and most inclusive animal welfare programmes in the UK, seeing all animals and ecosystems as equal.

As you progress through this dynamic programme you will investigate our treatment of captive animals and the environmental impacts of animal trade and production. Human-induced biodiversity loss will be considered while continuously exploring theories of animal welfare and the application of animal welfare science.

In Year 1, studying foundational subjects will allow you to understand animal evolution, diversity, physiology, and behaviour. You will explore principles of planetary health and environmental sustainability allowing you to embed this knowledge in future years. Crucially, you will learn the fundamentals of animal welfare science, both concepts of welfare and welfare assessment. We will teach you key skills of academic writing and practice.

In Year 2, you will learn about welfare and sustainability issues in animal production and conservation systems and we will inspire you to question the very notion that welfare is relevant only to animals directly under human control. You will explore anthropogenic causes of biodiversity loss while gaining knowledge of natural mechanisms of animal population/community growth and decline. You will also develop a portfolio of practical skills and research methods knowledge, ensuring you are employment-ready upon graduation. From report writing to ecological surveying techniques, consultancy skills to GIS mapping, this module will develop and evidence your skills as a student, applied scientist and job applicant.

In your final year, you will seek sustainable solutions to welfare and conservation issues by studying conservation ethics and welfare, and applying sustainability principles to traditional welfare practices. You will undertake an independent research project in an area of animal welfare and conservation that especially interests you and can tailor your degree, selecting two optional modules from a diverse range including environmental and animal advocacy, wildlife crime and trade, and animal welfare during emergencies and disasters.