Animal Welfare and Conservation
Develop advanced knowledge of animal welfare, nutrition, genetics, behaviour and conservation. Study at ARU in Writtle and drive positive change for the natural world.
It's possible for UK students to study this course part-time, starting in September. You'll take the same modules as MSc/MA students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.
As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students. For example if the MSc/MA course takes one year, you can expect to study over two years, though for some courses this may vary.
Save money on your course fees as an ARU graduate.
See if you're eligible for our Alumni Scholarship
On this course, you’ll gain the scientific knowledge and hands-on experience you need to tackle current conservation challenges and shape the future of animal welfare and conservation.
Taking an advanced, interdisciplinary approach to the biological, ethical and ecological factors that shape animal wellbeing, you’ll learn how ethical practice, human-animal relationships, and behaviour change can be leveraged to protect animals and the environments they depend on for generations to come.
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Focus on both animal welfare and conservation
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Learn from highly qualified staff involved in conservation and welfare projects
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Build your skills on a rural campus, with conservation areas and a working farm
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Work with livestock, exotic, and companion animals
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Benefit from our relationships with Colchester Zoo, Essex Wildlife Trust, and more
Study at an award-winning university
We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Careers
Prepare for an impactful career promoting biodiversity and animal wellbeing.
As well as vital scientific knowledge, research skills, and hands-on experience, you’ll graduate with an understanding of policy and legislation, and how behaviour change and community engagement can make a real difference in education, advocacy and conservation programmes.
Graduation doesn't have to be the end of your time with us. You might decide to continue your academic career and join a research programme at ARU. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and save £400 on your fees.
Teaching and modules
Dive into animal welfare, behaviour, nutrition, genetics and conservation.
You’ll learn how diet impacts welfare in domestic, farm and zoo species, and develop skills in welfare inspection and nutritional assessment while getting hands-on with molecular techniques like PCR and electrophoresis.
You’ll explore ethics, human-animal relationships and behavioural science for real-world welfare and conservation solutions. You’ll also gain practical experience in habitat management and biodiversity assessment.
You’ll complete your Master’s with a Major Project – a substantial research project focussed on a relevant topic of your choice.
Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
- Into ARU
- Conservation Genetics (15 credits)
- Nutritional Issues in Animal Welfare (15 credits)
- Wildlife Conservation and Trade (15 credits)
- Human Behaviour Change (15 credits)
- Animal Ethics and Welfare (15 credits)
- Practical Ecology and Conservation (15 credits)
- Animal Behaviour (15 credits)
- Research Methods (Postgraduate) (15 credits)
- Major Project (60 credits)
It's possible for UK students to study this course part-time, starting in September. You'll take the same modules as MSc/MA students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.
As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students. For example if the MSc/MA course takes one year, you can expect to study over two years, though for some courses this may vary.
Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.
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Dr Sife ChikunyaSenior Lecturer
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Dr Jonathan AmoryAssociate Professor
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Dr Steven AllainLecturer in Animal Science
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Dr Nnenna UgwuLecturer in Animal Science
Facilities
Here at ARU Writtle, you'll enjoy our expansive 150 hectare campus, offering:
- A rural campus on the edge of the village of Writtle, in the middle of the Essex countryside.
- A fully operational farm, home to sheep, pigs, and cattle, alongside a variety of arable crops and grass leys.
- Dedicated conservation areas, carefully managed to support local biodiversity.
- A state-of-the-art Science Centre, complete with modern labs and purpose-built teaching spaces.
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Experience hands-on learning in state-of-the-art laboratory spaces on our Lordship campus.
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The Titchmarsh Centre is a specialist animal-care facility where you can work hands-on with diverse species to learn husbandry skills and put theory into practice.
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Experience our on-site working farm, home to sheep, pigs and cattle and set within our expansive 150-hectare campus.
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The campus serves as a dedicated conservation area, thoughtfully managed to protect habitats and enhance local biodiversity.
