Course summary
Do you want to take your knowledge of animal behaviour and welfare to the next level? Do you want to develop the skills to undertake robust animal welfare assessments? Do you want a comprehensive and critical understanding of the ethical, legal and welfare issues related to animal welfare? Then our unique Master’s programme will equip you with the knowledge and skills to stand out in an increasingly populated field. What will I study? Full Time (credits) · Research Methods (20) · Animal Behaviour Theories (20) · Health, Welfare and Ethics (20) · Animal Welfare Across Contexts (20) · Applied Animal Welfare (20) · Human-Animal Interactions and Psychology (20) · Independent Research Project (60) Part-time Year 1 (credits) · Research Methods (20) · Animal Behaviour Theories (20) · Health, Welfare and Ethics (20) · Applied Animal Welfare (20) Part-time Year 2 (credits) · Animal Welfare Across Contexts (20) · Human-Animal Interactions and Psychology (20) · Independent Research Project (60) Learning and Teaching Approach This programme is delivered with a variety of learning and teaching approaches to include all students’ learning styles and preferences. For all modules, theory lectures are delivered that aim to deliver the core content and provide the underpinning knowledge. Using the webinar software, staff are able to monitor engagement to ensure participations. To complement all theory lectures, students have asynchronous seminars that are used to reinforce concepts delivered theoretically. Online webinars focus on facilitating a student centred approach to enhance the independent learning that takes place outside of the webinar lecture sessions. What is the contact time? Part Time: Two modules studied per semester except for the final semester when the focus in on the completion of the independent research project. This represents approximately three hours of live webinars per week plus a similar amount of time dedicated to directed tasks and tutorials. Evening webinars normally take place between 6pm and 9pm but the number of evenings per week and days on which they occur is yet to be confirmed for the 2026-27 academic year. Full Time: Four modules studied in the first semester; two in the second semester alongside completion of the independent research project. This represents approximately six hours of live webinars per week plus a similar amount of time dedicated to directed tasks and tutorials. Evening webinars normally take place between 6pm and 9pm but the number of evenings per week and days on which they occur is yet to be confirmed for the 2026-27 academic year. Additional to this you will book individual tutorials with your Programme Leader. You will have four individual tutorials in an academic year. Attendance may be required at several block sessions throughout the year. Some sessions are online only while others may require your attendance in person at University Centre Bishop Burton. These dates for the 2026-27 academic year are yet to be finalised. You are expected to complete a significant amount of private study in addition to class time and directed study (approximately 20 - 40 hours per week). What kind of job could I get when I graduate? Graduates can go into management positions in: zoo keeping and education, welfare science, welfare assessment and consultation, environmental enrichment co-ordinator, education and lecturing, animal rescue and rehabilitation.
Assessment method
The programme incorporates a variety of assessment methods across each academic year. The mix of assessments will seek to challenge and evaluate your knowledge, understanding and skills. Assessments for this programme include written assignments, webinar presentations, and practical reports. Tutors provide support for assessments in class. There will also be opportunity for formative assessment and feedback during the delivery of each module to monitor learning, and to support and prepare you for the summative assessments which make up the module. Feedback on your summative assessments will be given which will allow you to guide efforts and activities in subsequent modules. Staff aim to return assessed work within a 20-working day timeframe (not including holidays) so that you can most benefit from the feedback.
Entry requirements
A minimum of a 2.2 honours degree, ideally in biological science subjects or equivalent, but work experience can be taken into account if an unrelated qualification is held. An appropriate academic reference Life and/or experience of non-traditional students will be taken into account when considering applications. The successful completion of an entry task may be required when considering applications without the required formal entry qualifications.
English language requirements
If first language is not English, or a Tier 4 student visa to study is required and GCSE grade C/4 English or equivalent is not held, English language proficiency level such as International English Language Testing System (IELTS) 6.0 overall (with a minimum 5.5 in each skill) will need evidencing.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £4625 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £4625 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £4625 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £4625 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
University Centre Bishop Burton
Bishop Burton
Beverley
HU17 8QG