Course summary
We are pleased to confirm that Writtle University College and ARU (Anglia Ruskin University) are joining together. The merger will happen during the 23/24 academic year. Writtle’s full range of Higher and Further Education courses will continue to be delivered on site at the Writtle campus, enhanced by resources available at nearby ARU. If you are starting your course in September 2024, your degree will be awarded by ARU. Find out more about ARU, including our recent Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework, at aru.ac.uk. Writtle University College provides a stimulating environment for you to pursue your studies in animal welfare and conservation. Our highly qualified, research active staff will support you through the approach of putting science into practice, utilising sector relevant links that couple animal welfare issues with nutrition, genetics, behaviour and conservation. We have strong sector links with Colchester Zoo, Essex Wildlife Trust, the Zoological Society of London (including both London and Whipsnade Zoos), and the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare. You may have the opportunity to develop and extend your knowledge and understanding of a diverse range of animal species through access to livestock, exotics and companion animals on site, whilst our strong relationship with a number zoos may afford opportunities to undertake dissertation research projects within those establishments. On attaining your MSc in Animal Welfare & Conservation you will be a highly skilled and employable postgraduate, who will be ready to excel in your future career in areas such as animal welfare, nutrition, zoo keeping, conservation and research.
Modules
Semester one: Research Methods (Postgraduate); Animal Genetic Resources; Nutritional Issues in Animal Welfare; Wildlife Resources. Semester two: Current Issues in Animal Science; Animal Behaviour; Animal Ethics and Welfare; Animal Protection and Habitat Conservation. Summer: Taught Masters Degree - Dissertation.
Assessment method
Students are assessed using a number of methods, for example written examination, reports, essays, seminars, debates, oral presentations, case studies and project dissertation.
Entry requirements
Apply via the WUC website https://writtle.ac.uk/Postgraduate-Applications Applicants will normally hold a good BSc Honours degree (2.2 or above) from a recognised university in a related science subject such as animal science, agriculture, biological sciences, zoology, veterinary or bioveterinary science or other appropriate life-science degree. Applicants with a BSc (Hons) 3rd class pass, with extensive industrial experience may also be considered for the Masters programme. Applications from non-UK students are particularly welcome. All applications received will be reviewed and decisions for admission to the programme will be made on individual merit. Applicants may be interviewed if there is some doubt over the extent of academic qualification or linguistic skills. Applicants for whom English is a second language are required to demonstrate a level of competence that enables them to study at a postgraduate level. A test score of 6.5 is required in the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) tests.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £8996 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £8996 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £8996 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £8996 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £8996 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £8996 | Year 1 |
| EU | £14810 | Year 1 |
| International | £14810 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
Please visit our website for detailed fee information: https://writtle.ac.uk/Higher-Education-Course-Fees-2024-25
Sponsorship information
Bursaries and scholarships available for UK and International applicants.
Provider information
ARU Writtle (formally Writtle University College)
Writtle
CM1 3RR