The MSc Human-Animal Studies at Reaseheath is a forward-thinking interdisciplinary programme designed for graduates who want to deepen their understanding of the complex relationships between humans and animals in today’s world.
If your background is in zoology, canine, veterinary nursing, wildlife, equine or a related discipline, you’ll develop specialist knowledge and advanced research skills in one of the fastest-growing areas of animal science.
You’ll study through a flexible blended-learning model, combining one taught day on campus each week with online learning, academic support and digital resources. This allows you to balance your studies alongside your professional and personal commitments while benefiting from access to our outstanding specialist facilities, including our on-site mini zoo, kennels and canine facilities, laboratories, commercial farm and equestrian centre across our 330-hectare campus.
At our university centre, you’ll do more than study human-animal relationships. You’ll develop the knowledge, confidence and critical thinking skills to influence policy, improve animal welfare, support conservation initiatives or progress to further research, helping you turn your passion into professional expertise.
This MSc will give you an interdisciplinary understanding of how humans and animals interact across cultural, ethical, scientific and policy contexts. You’ll develop advanced knowledge, critical thinking and research skills while exploring contemporary issues such as cultural perspectives and inclusion, human-wildlife conflict, zoonotic diseases, public health and animal welfare.
Throughout the programme you’ll examine how current research can be applied to practical challenges, from improving companion and captive animal management to evaluating legislation, informing policy and addressing global sustainability issues. As your studies progress, you’ll develop your own specialist interests through an independent dissertation project, allowing you to investigate a topic that aligns with your career aspirations while making an original contribution to the field of Human-Animal Studies.
The MSc Human-Animal Studies at Reaseheath explores the complex relationships between humans and animals across scientific, cultural, ethical and policy contexts. You’ll examine contemporary issues including animal welfare, human-wildlife conflict, public health, sustainability and One Health, developing advanced knowledge and critical thinking skills.
You’ll study a range of interdisciplinary modules, including Human-Cultural Perspectives, Global Animal Policy and Legislation, and Human & Animal Behaviour Change for Coexistence. You’ll also develop advanced research skills before completing an independent dissertation in an area that interests you.
Through flexible blended learning, specialist facilities and support from experienced academics and practitioners, you’ll connect theory with real-world challenges and develop the skills needed for careers in animal welfare, conservation, policy, education and research, or further study at PhD level.
A core component of the course is the completion of an undergraduate dissertation, enabling you to research an area of study that interests you and to develop a wide range of transferable skills.
From this course, you could progress into further research, such as a PhD programme, or move into industry. The skills you would gain would enable you to pursue a career as a zoologist, conservation researcher, animal technician, science writer, or wildlife rehabilitator. You could work in governmental organisations or NGOs such as the RSPB or Wildlife Trusts, or become learning or research officers for zoos or wildlife parks.
Applicants should normally hold a minimum 2:2 honours degree in an animal science-related discipline, such as zoology, wildlife conservation, canine, equine or veterinary nursing, including prior study in experimental design and statistical analysis.
Applications from graduates in closely related disciplines will also be considered where appropriate academic knowledge and experience can be demonstrated.
English Language Requirements: IELTS 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in each band
Science in Society (20 credits)
Explore the role of science in shaping public understanding, policy and responses to contemporary societal challenges.
Advanced Research Techniques (20 credits)
Develop the skills you need to design, conduct, evaluate and communicate high-quality research.
Human-Cultural Perspectives (20 credits)
Examine how culture, identity and social values influence human-animal relationships across diverse communities.
Global Animal Policy and Legislation (20 credits)
Investigate the policies, legislation and governance systems that shape animal welfare, conservation and human-animal interactions worldwide.
Human & Animal Behaviour Change for Coexistence (20 credits)
Discover how behavioural science can support positive outcomes for both people and animals, promoting successful coexistence in an increasingly complex world.
One Health, One Welfare (20 credits)
Explore the interconnected wellbeing of humans, animals and the environment, including public health, welfare and sustainability challenges.
Research Dissertation (60 credits)
Undertake an independent research project, in an area of your interest, that enables you to develop specialist expertise while contributing to an emerging area of Human-Animal Studies.
Assessment Methods
Throughout the programme you’ll be assessed using a range of authentic and applied assessment methods that reflect the knowledge and skills expected of postgraduate professionals. These include written coursework, research proposals, policy briefs, presentations, case-study evaluations, data analysis, critical reflection and your independent research dissertation.
These assessments will enable you to critically evaluate evidence, communicate complex ideas to both specialist and non-specialist audiences, apply theory to real-world challenges and demonstrate the advanced research, analytical and professional skills developed throughout the programme.
Overview
You’ll study through a flexible blended-learning model, combining one taught day on campus each week with online learning, academic support and digital resources. This allows you to balance your studies alongside your professional and personal commitments.
Students will be able to access course timetables for the academic year in September.
Timetables are subject to change, but you can expect to spend one day per week on campus and the rest of the content online.
Tuition Fees
As a student at UCR, you will have two main costs to meet; your tuition fees and living costs.
Our full-time tuition fees for UK and EU students, entering University, can be found on our student finance page. These fees are charged for each academic year of a course and are set by the college annually.
Additional Costs
Students may wish to purchase their own personal copies of recommended set-texts to assist them with their studies. A full list of recommended text’s is made available prior to enrolment. However, our campus library boasts sufficient stocks of all major texts to support student learning, frequently in e-book format, and the purchasing of texts is therefore not enforced.
Prices of equipment are subject to change dependent on retailer.
Here you will find useful information about the services and support available at University Centre Reaseheath. Click to expand each item:
University Centre Reaseheath is committed to providing additional financial support to those who need it. To find out about the bursary schemes available visit our additional financial support page.
For students to get the best out of their time at University Centre Reaseheath, we must both recognise that we owe obligations to each other. These obligations are set out in our UCR Student Contract. Before you accept an offer of a place at University Centre Reaseheath, it is important that you read these contract conditions. If you are going to be living in Halls of Residence, you will also need to read the Student Accommodation Licence Conditions. Both of these contracts can be found here.
Click here to view the University Centre Reaseheath Student Protection Plan.
All UCR students are given the opportunity to apply for residential accommodation. First year students are guaranteed accommodation and this offer is made to all applicants who live more than a reasonable daily travelling distance from Reaseheath (providing you have applied before the UCAS equal considerations deadline. For full details on our halls of residence visit our accommodation page.
We have a team of dedicated professionals on hand to offer you support. These include our Student Services Team, Inclusive Learning Team, Library and Learning Resources Team and the Reaseheath Careers Service. You can find more information on the support provided at Reaseheath on our support page.
University Centre Reaseheath is proud to welcome international students. For more information, please visit our international students page.
