Animal Welfare, Policy and Legislation

Entry requirements

Academic

2:1 honours degree in a relevant subject. Students with 2:2 and relevant experience will be considered on a case by case basis.

Non-academic

Students with non-relevant qualifications but with sufficient work experience or professional experience will be considered on an individual basis.

Months of entry

September

Course content

This exciting online postgraduate degree has been designed to meet emerging animal welfare challenges linked to the UK legal system. You’ll apply theory to practice in real-world settings, enabling you to progress into a management role.

The animal welfare sector is diverse, covering everything from agriculture to pet shops and rescue centres to wildlife conservation - elements of legislative control are important to every area. As you progress into management positions, you’re likely to find yourself responsible for legal compliance, consultation or lobbying to produce new legislation.

A centre of excellence

This course will provide you with the expertise you need to navigate the legal system and improve welfare standards in your chosen area. You’ll learn from expert lecturers, many of whom are also industry professionals, actively engaged in legislation and policy development.

Alongside working with external organisations, students and staff gain insights from and influence welfare standards in our campus businesses – we’re home to animal therapy enterprises, equine livery and events centres, a commercial farm and over 70 different species.

UK Centre for Animal Law (A-Law) membership

As a student on this course, you'll benefit from complimentary student membership to A-Law through our university membership. The charity provides an extensive knowledge hub for global animal protection laws amongst lawyers, universities, animal protection groups and the wider public. You'll have access to professionals and resources to support your learning and career.

Modules

• Advanced Principles of Animal Welfare
• The UK Legal System for Biologists
• The Research Process
• Regulating Agriculture & Food Production
• Captive Exotics & Wildlife Policy and Law
• Companion & Working Animal Regulations
• Controls on the Use of Animals in Science
• Postgraduate Dissertation

Information for international students

In addition to the academic qualification an IELTS 6.5 or equivalent is required.

Fees and funding

Please visit our student finance page for information on tuition fees and student loans, as well as non-repayable grants, bursaries and scholarships, eligible to different groups, to support with study costs.