Overview

This was the first animal welfare MSc offered in the UK, established in 1990. The programme was initiated by Professor David Wood-Gush, one of the first scientists to investigate the effects of factory farming on animals.

Today, the MSc has an international reputation and the support of well-known animal welfare organisations in the UK and Europe, including:

Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS)
The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA)
The Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW)
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You will gain an understanding of animal welfare issues in a broad range of contexts through practical visits to zoos, labs, abattoirs, markets and farms.

Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare MSc programme from The University of Edinburgh is an on-campus degree programme based at the Easter Bush Campus. For students looking to pursue distance learning, you might be interested in the online MSc International Animal Welfare, Ethics and Law.

Career opportunities:

The MSc provides a strong basis for a career in animal behaviour and welfare. The degree is a respected qualification that can enhance your career prospects, providing a route to an international network of animal welfare and behaviour professionals.

Each year, a cohort of 20 - 30 students join the programme from locations across the globe, meaning you will be exposed to a broad range of perspectives. We also welcome a number of guest lecturers with respected reputations from within the international community.

Such a diverse learning environment provides a great opportunity for networking within the community.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare

Biology of Animal Welfare

Animal Cognition and Consciousness

Scientific Methodology

Animal Welfare Applications

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months
Part-time
- 24 months
- Flexible

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-14 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-21 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-07-10 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Veterinary Medicine Animal Science View 61 other Masters in Animal Science in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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Other requirements

General requirements

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in animal science, biology, psychology, zoology or veterinary science.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

25940 GBP / year

≈ 25940 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

13130 GBP / year

≈ 13130 GBP / year

Additional Details

Part-time - 2 years

Home - £6,565.00
International - £12,970.00

Part-time - 3 years

Home - £4,380.00
International - £8,650.00

Living costs

Edinburgh

United Kingdom

725 - 1167 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Career opportunities:

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Edinburgh

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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