Introduction
Develop advanced knowledge of animal welfare, nutrition, genetics, behaviour and conservation to drive positive change for animals and the natural world.
Already have an ARU degree? You may be eligible for our Alumni Scholarship for students starting postgraduate courses.
Why study at ARU?
- Integrates animal welfare and conservation with a unique combined focus rarely found in other courses.
- Learn from highly qualified, research-active staff involved in real-world conservation and welfare projects.
- Access state-of-the-art facilities and practical resources to develop applied skills for professional careers.
- Study hands-on with livestock, exotic, and companion animals including wildlife on ARU Writtle’s estate.
- Benefit from strong relationships with Colchester Zoo, Essex Wildlife Trust, the Zoological Society of London and the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare.
The MSc Animal Welfare and Conservation at ARU Writtle offers an advanced, interdisciplinary journey into the biological, ethical and ecological factors that shape animal wellbeing in today’s rapidly changing world. Designed to inspire and challenge, this course will equip you with the scientific insight and practical understanding needed to protect animals and the environments they depend on.
Course options
Key facts
Entry requirements
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Fees and paying for university
Student experience
Experience hands-on learning
In state-of-the-art laboratory spaces on our Lordship campus.
Titchmarsh Centre
The Titchmarsh Centre is a specialist animal-care facility where students work hands-on with diverse species to learn husbandry skills and put theory into practice.
Experience our on-site working farm
Home to sheep, pigs and cattle and set within our expansive 150-hectare campus.
Conservation area
The campus serves as a dedicated conservation area, thoughtfully managed to protect habitats and enhance local biodiversity.
Facilities
Specialist 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.
Outstanding student support
Join our postgraduate student community and:
- benefit from award-winning learning facilities, including extensive library and IT resources
- learn from expert staff who will guide your research interests and career development
- receive full support from our Employability Service, while you're studying with us and after you graduate
- access support, should you need it, with study skills, health and wellbeing, and more.
Lecturers
Steven Allain
Lecturer in Animal Science
Careers
You’ll graduate with strong scientific knowledge, analytical expertise and the hands-on experience employers are looking for in animal welfare and conservation roles. You’ll also understand policy and legislation, and learn how behaviour change and community engagement can make a real difference in education, advocacy and conservation programmes. Plus, you’ll build research and project management skills through your dissertation and develop ethical awareness around animal use and conservation.
Graduates are highly employable for management-level roles in welfare, conservation, and research across government, NGOs, zoos, rescue centres, and organisations like DEFRA, RSPCA, RSPB, Natural England, and NatureScot.
Potential roles include:
- Senior government positions, e.g., DEFRA quarantine officers
- Animal health inspector
- Specialists in farm animal nutrition, pet food manufacturing, breeding, veterinary medicines and pharmaceuticals
- Roles in animal welfare charities
- Positions in zoos, safari parks, and animal rescue centres
- Opportunities with independent wildlife and conservation agencies
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.
We're here Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm (please note we close at 3.30pm on the first and third Thursday of the month for staff training), and Friday 9am-4.30pm.
Life in Writtle
Close to major cities, ARU Writtle is located on a picturesque 150-hectare campus in the heart of the Essex countryside.