Animal Welfare

Entry requirements

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. Applicants will also have relevant animal-related experience.

Students with a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree in an unrelated area must demonstrate on application that they have equivalent experience in a related field, e.g. wildlife conservation, captive animal management. They must also demonstrate on application evidence of experimental design and basic statistical analysis skills, perhaps during completion of a research dissertation.

We recommend that all applicants:

• Nominate two academic referees as part of their application who can provide letters of recommendation which highlight the applicant’s academic achievements, work commitment and relevant experience.
• Include in their personal statement and CV details of any relevant extra-curricular training, volunteering and/or relevant work experience they have obtained. This could include working with a local wildlife trust, animal rescue centre or zoo, for example.
• A transcript of marks should be presented with the application.
• Applicants may be interviewed.

Months of entry

October

Course content

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. 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.

Why study this course with us?

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.

Fees and funding