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University of Glasgow: Animal Welfare Science, Ethics and Law
| Institution | University of Glasgow View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine |
| Web | glasgow.ac.uk |
| mvls-awsel@glasgow.ac.uk | |
| Study type | Taught |
MSc
Summary
Animal welfare science and ethics is an expanding topic of international concern. It aims to improve our knowledge and understanding of animals’ needs, which is required to provide a high standard of care to the whole range of animals kept in captivity.
WHY THIS PROGRAMME
Taught by research-active staff using the latest approaches in understanding and responding to animal welfare-related issues, legislation related to use of animals, and both theoretical and applied ethics.
Our strong ties between veterinarians and ecologists are a unique strength, offering training opportunities spanning both fundamental and applied research.
Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).
Learn with the School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, a grouping of top researchers who focus on combining ecology and evolution with more applied problems in animal health.
Develop valuable skills in: - conservation biology
-
epidemiology
-
practical approaches to assessing biodiversity
-
quantitative methods
-
sequence analysis
Experience the opportunity to base your independent research projects at: - Cochno Farm in Glasgow - for research based on farm animals
-
Millport field station on the Isle of Cumbrae - for marine projects
-
The University field station on Loch Lomond - for freshwater or terrestrial-based projects
We will also assist you to gain research project placements in zoos or research laboratories, whenever possible.
Gain core skills and knowledge across a wide range of subjects that will enhance your selection chances for competitive PhD programmes.
Many links with animal welfare-related organisations. We regularly welcome organisation experts to deliver guest lectures to our Animal Welfare students. We also arrange for our classes to visit organisations to obtain a first-hand view of working there is like.
Many organisations provide our students with opportunities to carry out their independent research project within their company.
We have currently the following partners involved in this programme: - Blair Drummond Safari Park
-
Chester Zoo
-
Highland Wildlife Park, Kingussie
-
National Museum Scotland
-
Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA)
-
The Aspinall Foundation (Howletts & Port Lympne)
Main Campus Location
Mainly undertaken at the Gilmorehill Campus in the West End of Glasgow, with your research projects possibly taking place outwith the city at either Loch Lomond, Isle Of Cumbrae or Cochno Farm.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
The programme provides a strong grounding in scientific writing and communication, statistical analysis, and experimental design. It is designed for flexibility, to enable you to customise a portfolio of courses suited to your particular interests.
You can choose from a range of specialised options that encompass key skills in:
-
ethics, legislative policy and welfare science – critical for promoting humane treatment of both captive and wild animals.
-
monitoring and assessing biodiversity – critical for understanding the impacts of environmental change.
-
quantitative analyses of ecological and epidemiological data – critical for animal health and conservation.
A total of 180 credits are required, with 40 flexible credits in the second term.
Core courses - Animal Ethics and Law
-
Animal Welfare Science
-
Assessment of Animal Well-Being
-
Key Research Skills
Term 2: Optional courses - Animal Identification
-
Care & Enrichment of Captive Animals
-
Conservation Genetics
-
Economic tools for conservation
-
Geographic Information Systems for Ecologists
-
Molecular Epidemiology and Phylodynamics
Core MSc component - AWSEL Independent Project
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | 2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in any degree related to Animal Biology. We may also accept degrees in Animal Production. Applicants are required to provide a personal statement explaining motivations for applying to this programme. The statement should make specific reference to wanting to learn more about the underlying science of Animal Welfare and future plans post-qualification. |
| Location | Gilmorehill (Main) Campus University Of Glasgow University Avenue Glasgow G12 8QQ |
Summary
Animal welfare science and ethics is an expanding topic of international concern. It aims to improve our knowledge and understanding of animals’ needs, which is required to provide a high standard of care to the whole range of animals kept in captivity.
WHY THIS PROGRAMME
-
1st in the UK for Veterinary Medicine (Complete University Guide 2021).
-
Learn with the Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine (IBAHCM), a grouping of top researchers who focus on combining ecology and evolution with more applied problems in animal health.
-
Taught by research-active staff using the latest approaches in understanding and responding to animal welfare-related issues, legislation related to use of animals, and both theoretical and applied ethics.
-
Develop valuable skills in: quantitative methods, sequence analysis, conservation biology, epidemiology and practical approaches to assessing biodiversity.
-
Our strong ties between veterinarians and ecologists are a unique strength, offering training opportunities spanning both fundamental and applied research.
-
Experience the opportunity to base your independent research projects at:
The University field station on Loch Lomond - for freshwater or terrestrial-based projects Millport field station on the Isle of Cumbrae - for marine projects Cochno Farm in Glasgow - for research based on farm animals
We will also assist you to gain research project placements in zoos or research laboratories, whenever possible.
-
Gain core skills and knowledge across a wide range of subjects that will enhance your selection chances for competitive PhD programmes.
-
Many links with animal welfare-related organisations. We regularly welcome organisation experts to deliver guest lectures to our Animal Welfare students. We also arrange for our classes to visit organisations to obtain a first-hand view of working there is like.
-
Many organisations provide our students with opportunities to carry out their independent research project within their company.
-
We have currently the following partners involved in this programme:
Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA) Highland Wildlife Park, Kingussie Blair Drummond Safari Park Chester Zoo The Aspinall Foundation (Howletts & Port Lympne) National Museum Scotland
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
The programme provides a strong grounding in scientific writing and communication, statistical analysis, and experimental design. It is designed for flexibility, to enable you to customise a portfolio of courses suited to your particular interests.
You can choose from a range of specialised options that encompass key skills in: - ethics, legislative policy and welfare science – critical for promoting humane treatment of both captive and wild animals.
-
monitoring and assessing biodiversity – critical for understanding the impacts of environmental change.
-
quantitative analyses of ecological and epidemiological data – critical for animal health and conservation.
A total of 180 credits are required, with 40 flexible credits in the second term.
Term 1: Core Courses KEY RESEARCH SKILLS (40 credits) ANIMAL WELFARE SCIENCE (20 credits)
Term 2: Core Courses ANIMAL ETHICS ANIMAL LEGISLATION AND SOCIETAL ISSUES
Term 2: Optional courses See course page for details
Term 3: Core MSc Component RESEARCH PROJECT
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | At least a 2.2 Honours degree or equivalent (e.g. GPA of 3.0 or above) in a relevant subject. Professional experience may be taken into account. In your application, please submit a personal statement (up to 200 words) outlining your interests and why you want to study this programme at the University of Glasgow. |
| Location | Gilmorehill (Main) Campus University Of Glasgow University Avenue Glasgow G12 8QQ |
The University of Glasgow is one of the UK’s most prestigious seats of learning, and the fourth oldest university in the English speaking world. Established in 1451 and recognised for its world-changing research and teaching, our people have always been at the forefront of innovation, including eight Nobel Laureates, two UK Prime Ministers, three First Ministers of Scotland, 10 Fellows of the Royal Society and 11 Fellows of the British Academy. Our past achievements inspire our current world changers.
Rankings
The University:
- is ranked 79th in the world: QS World University Rankings 2025
- is …
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