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