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University of Stirling: Human Animal Interaction
| Institution | University of Stirling View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | Psychology |
| Web | www.stir.ac.uk |
| graduate.admissions@stir.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | 01786 467046 |
| Study type | Taught |
MSc
Summary
The field of human-animal interaction has grown substantially over the last few years. Research highlights how these interactions can improve mental well-being, social connections, and even physical health. It can also help us address the biodiversity crisis.
As awareness of these benefits grows, so does the demand for professionals in animal-assisted therapy and related careers (source: CABI Digital Library 2022).
This Masters in Human-Animal Interaction explores research methods and approaches to studying our relationships with non-human animals. You'll look at human-animal interactions across various contexts such as:
pet owning, animal-assisted interventions, zoos, farms, conservation. You'll study the importance of both human and animal behaviour in shaping human-animal interaction. The associated ethical issues are also covered. You’ll develop skills to critically evaluate methods for measuring attitudes, interactions and their outcomes.
Learn from experts Our MSc/MA Human-Animal Interaction is taught by experts whose specialisms include:
the study of animal behaviour and animal welfare, animal-assisted activities and interventions, human and animal coexistence. You can join our vibrant research community for weekly seminars and specialist discussions. You’ll have access to state-of-the-art psychology labs and a dedicated study suite.
Gain real-world experience through placements and projects As part of the Human-Animal Interaction Masters, you can undertake tailored placements to align with your career goals. Examples include:
Working within organisations in therapeutic or educational settings. Assisting research projects in psychology at Stirling or other institutions. Engaging with voluntary organisations like the SSPCA, industry partners or businesses such as canine or equine behaviourist organisations. A popular past placement has been with the animal assisted intervention organisation ‘Paws for Progress’ which has close connections with Stirling. Other examples are Equine Behaviour Affiliation and Stirling Dog Behavioural Centre. Communicating science to the public at venues like Edinburgh Zoo or Blair Drummond Safari Park. Choose your path in human-animal interaction research This course covers the fundamentals of research methods. It focuses on their application to human-animal interactions.
You can study Human-Animal Interaction as either an MA or MSc:
MA - focuses on qualitative research methods. MSc - covers both qualitative and quantitative research methods. All students take a Qualitative Data Analysis module. MSc students also take Quantitative Analysis Methods in Psychological Research. MA students choose from options like Child Development, Autism and Neurodevelopmental Conditions, or Environmental Psychology.
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | A minimum of a 2nd Class Honours degree (2.1 preferred) or equivalent in a relevant subject. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply. Applicants whose 1st language is not English require IELTS 6.0 (with a minimum 5.5 in each component) or equivalent. |
| Location | Stirling Campus University of Stirling Stirling FK9 4LA |
Summary
Humans share this planet with other animals and our interactions are at the core of our everyday lives. We farm and eat animals, we keep them as companions and for work, as models for humans in laboratory research, in animal-assisted interventions for positive behaviour change, and in education, entertainment and ecotourism. Depending upon our perceptions and attitudes towards animals, and in relation to the impact they have on us and the environment, we may actively attempt to conserve them, domesticate them or eradicate them.
In this Masters in Human-Animal Interaction you will learn interdisciplinary approaches and a diverse range of methods used to research our relationships with other species. The Masters covers a broad range of topics and looks at human–animal interactions across a wide range of contexts – from pet owning to animal-assisted interventions, zoos, farms and conservation.
You'll learn about the importance of both human and animal behaviour in shaping human animal interaction, and the associated ethical issues, as well as learning to critically evaluate methods for measuring attitudes, interactions and their outcomes.
You'll carry out a practical placement and research project to get direct experience tailored to your individual career goals. You will also learn from our recognised experts in human–animal interaction, whose specialisms include:
the study of animal behaviour and animal welfare animal-assisted activities and interventions human and animal coexistence This Masters course can be studied as an MA or MSc. It depends on whether your focus is on qualitative (MA) or quantitative (MSc) methodologies. Selected components of this Masters course count as continuing professional development for those already working in this area.
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | A minimum of a 2nd Class Honours degree (2.1 preferred) or equivalent in a relevant subject. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply. Applicants whose 1st language is not English require IELTS 6.0 (with a minimum 5.5 in each component) or equivalent. |
| Location | Stirling Campus University of Stirling Stirling FK9 4LA |
The University of Stirling is an international university committed to helping students Be the Difference in the world. Based in the heart of Scotland, Stirling is a place where ability – not background – is valued, and teaching, employability and facilities are all rated five-star (QS Stars University Ratings 2024).
That’s just part of the reason Stirling was shortlisted for University of the Year in the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2024, rated top 30 in the UK for postgraduate teaching (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2024) and number one in the UK for campus environment (The International Student Barometer …
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