Course information
Improve the lives of animals
We’ll support you to design and deliver an impactful research project, focused on an external setting, such as your workplace, or utilising the unique resources available on our 360-hectare campus.
Technological and scientific developments are rapidly influencing the many aspects of animal science, making innovative research essential to sustainable practice. Our students uncover invaluable new knowledge that impacts real-world practice in animal behaviour, welfare, production, nutrition, reproduction and biomechanics.
Work with experts in the field
You’ll be supported by research-active lecturers, professors and industry professionals from Hartpury and our extensive networks. These include partnerships with national governing bodies, LEAF Farms, NAF, NFU, BEF, Jockey Club, UK Agility, RSPCA, PFMA, PIF and BIAZA.
Most of our learning and research facilities are also home to successful businesses, which means you’ll have access to real-world research subjects, industry experts and technologies.
Advance your studies your way
You'll be supported to progress a specific area of your professional practice or prepare for a PhD study. A mix of learning pathways, including campus and online delivery, will help you to design your timetable around other commitments.
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.
International
In addition to the academic qualification an IELTS 6.5 or equivalent is required.
Please contact us for further information.
Professional practice
Some optional modules require you to reflect on your current professional practice, so if you’re currently working in a professional role (voluntary, paid, full or part-time), this will be an ideal supplement to your studies.
Research in commercial environments
You may want to progress your research in an external environment, but you may also be keen to make the most of our own commercial activities on campus. These include our farm and Agri-Tech Centre, equine and canine therapy centres, and equine events centre.
We have strong industry partnerships across all subject areas that students can utilise and benefit from for their research. These include partnerships with national governing bodies, LEAF Farms, NAF, NFU, BEF, Jockey Club, UK Agility, RSPCA, PFMA, PIF and BIAZA.
Graduate destinations
Studying a Master of Research degree provides you with the necessary skills to develop your career in a specific direction of travel or for PhD studies. It will also support you to advance your own professional aspirations – contemporary research experience will place you at the forefront of knowledge within your discipline.
We're committed to supporting you to fulfil your unique potential while you're here so that you can achieve your personal and professional goals.
Duration
One year, full-time
You can study this qualification full-time and complete in one year.
Two-three years, part-time
We offer part-time options to help students to manage their studies alongside other commitments. These options can be tailored to suit your needs, enabling you to complete your qualification in two or three years. Please enquire for further details.
Your support network
You'll benefit from a strong support network from day one. This will range from your lecturers, supervisors and personal tutor to our specialist academic (Achievement and Success Centre), employability (Innovation, Careers and Enterprise) and wellbeing teams.
Course information
Overview
Improve the lives of animals
We’ll support you to design and deliver an impactful research project, focused on an external setting, such as your workplace, or utilising the unique resources available on our 360-hectare campus.
Technological and scientific developments are rapidly influencing the many aspects of animal science, making innovative research essential to sustainable practice. Our students uncover invaluable new knowledge that impacts real-world practice in animal behaviour, welfare, production, nutrition, reproduction and biomechanics.
Work with experts in the field
You’ll be supported by research-active lecturers, professors and industry professionals from Hartpury and our extensive networks. These include partnerships with national governing bodies, LEAF Farms, NAF, NFU, BEF, Jockey Club, UK Agility, RSPCA, PFMA, PIF and BIAZA.
Most of our learning and research facilities are also home to successful businesses, which means you’ll have access to real-world research subjects, industry experts and technologies.
Advance your studies your way
You'll be supported to progress a specific area of your professional practice or prepare for a PhD study. A mix of learning pathways, including campus and online delivery, will help you to design your timetable around other commitments.
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.
International
In addition to the academic qualification an IELTS 6.5 or equivalent is required.
Please contact us for further information.
Employability
Professional practice
Some optional modules require you to reflect on your current professional practice, so if you’re currently working in a professional role (voluntary, paid, full or part-time), this will be an ideal supplement to your studies.
Research in commercial environments
You may want to progress your research in an external environment, but you may also be keen to make the most of our own commercial activities on campus. These include our farm and Agri-Tech Centre, equine and canine therapy centres, and equine events centre.
We have strong industry partnerships across all subject areas that students can utilise and benefit from for their research. These include partnerships with national governing bodies, LEAF Farms, NAF, NFU, BEF, Jockey Club, UK Agility, RSPCA, PFMA, PIF and BIAZA.
Graduate destinations
Studying a Master of Research degree provides you with the necessary skills to develop your career in a specific direction of travel or for PhD studies. It will also support you to advance your own professional aspirations – contemporary research experience will place you at the forefront of knowledge within your discipline.
How you'll study
We're committed to supporting you to fulfil your unique potential while you're here so that you can achieve your personal and professional goals.
Duration
One year, full-time
You can study this qualification full-time and complete in one year.
Two-three years, part-time
We offer part-time options to help students to manage their studies alongside other commitments. These options can be tailored to suit your needs, enabling you to complete your qualification in two or three years. Please enquire for further details.
Your support network
You'll benefit from a strong support network from day one. This will range from your lecturers, supervisors and personal tutor to our specialist academic (Achievement and Success Centre), employability (Innovation, Careers and Enterprise) and wellbeing teams.
Qualification and modules
This degree has been designed to equip you with advanced research expertise in the field of animal science through taught lectures, seminars and one-to-one sessions. You’ll develop new theoretical and practical expertise to help progress your studies and career, as well as advance future scientific research and real-world practice.
You’ll be equipped with the skills required for critical evaluation of research, effective research design and accurate statistical analysis, allowing you to apply current scientific thinking to your specific research topic, which you’ll conduct in your own time alongside your learning. You'll also explore the issues being faced in the animal welfare science sector. Recent project areas have covered aspects of canine hydrotherapy, meat production and microbiological profiles of pet food bowls.
You’ll select two optional modules to complement your research topic from our diverse range of postgraduate modules across the animal, agriculture and equine course area provision. This will enable you to advance new knowledge to help shape your research and professional practice.
You’ll be encouraged to attend industry conferences and familiarise yourself with academic journals, with opportunities to present and publish your research.
Discover the compulsory modules for this course. You’ll also be able to choose a subject-specific optional module from our diverse specialist portfolio within the animal, agriculture and equine departments to suit your interests and career goals. Choose one or two of the optional modules to study in addition to the compulsory modules. Your optional module choices should amount to 30 credits. Optional modules change each year in line with student, industry and research demands.
Module credits
Upon successful completion of your modules you’ll gain academic credit that accumulates towards your award. The marks you gain may contribute towards your final master’s degree differential award (pass, merit or distinction).
Discuss research methodologies and applications, as well as strengths, weaknesses and limitations of different methods.
Explore literature, advanced research methodologies and data analysis aligned to your area of specific interest, leading to the design, completion and write up of a preliminary research project. Dissemination of research outputs will also be covered to develop your scientific communication skills.
Develop and undertake a significant research project of your choosing on a topic related to animal science.
You'll analyse contemporary issues in animal welfare, including legislation, areas of welfare concern, and evidence of sentience.
Examine the underpinning principles of animal welfare that inform policy and legislation decisions, both in terms of biological science and social science. You’ll explore stress, pain and nociception, motivation and sentience, both in terms of the underpinning biology and their outward interpretation. You’ll also explore how attitudes towards animals are influenced by religious, cultural, political and philosophical beliefs and how they impact our interpretation of animal welfare measures.
Applied Animal Welfare Assessment (15 credits)
Bring together your understanding of ethical frameworks, animal welfare science, and animal behaviour measurement. You will then be able to navigate the complexities of assessing animal welfare in the real world.
Applied Equine Exercise Physiology (15 credits)
This module allows students to explore the fundamentals of equine exercise physiology in the context of different equestrian disciplines and their application to training.
Captive Exotics and Wildlife Policy and Law (15 credits)
Explore zoological institutions as well as areas surrounding performance animals, pest control, population management and game rearing. This module will touch on important international legislation, such as CITES.
Companion and Working Animal Regulations (15 credits)
Explore the industries for companion animals and equines, covering a range of topics, from how animals are sourced (eg pet shops and breeders) to their use in sporting disciplines, therapy animals, animals in education and military / police animals.
Companion Animal Behaviour and Welfare (15 credits)
You will contextualise your understanding of behaviour and welfare to animals kept as companions (e.g. dogs, cats, horses), exploring how variation in the human-animal bond has impacted on their welfare. Furthermore, you will explore how animal welfare can be practically assessed and positive changes enacted in these real-world contexts.
Controls on the Use of Animals in Science (15 credits)
Examine the use of animals within scientific contexts, from research to authorisation and licensing of both human and veterinary medicines, and how animal use is justified through a cost-benefit framework.
Developing a Sustainable Equine Industry (15 credits)
This module aims to provide students with the knowledge and analytical skills to critically examine the ethics and the sustainability of practices within the global equine industry in relation to a variety of stakeholders.
Equine Management for Optimal Performance and Welfare (15 credits)
This module aims to provide students with the knowledge and evaluative skills to debate the ethics and practicalities surrounding management of the horse within a range of societal pressures and the wider social responsibilities of the industry.
Equine Behaviour (15 credits)
This module introduces you to natural and domestic behavioural patterns of the horse, covering, amongst other topics, learning theory in relation to training and management.
Ethics of Animal Use (15 credits)
Evaluate the differing philosophical frameworks that govern why we are concerned for the lives and lived experiences of non-human animals. You’ll further understand how these frameworks have been applied in real-life contexts.
Investigating Equestrian Research (15 credits)
Gain exposure to, and analysis of, research across a wide range of topics within the field of equine science including seminar and conference attendance.
Regulating Agriculture and Food Production (15 credits)
Focus on the most relevant policies and legislative items that relate to agriculture and food production. These will include a range of topics such as transport, slaughter and disease control as well as looking at management of a variety of farmed species.
The Human-Animal Bond (15 credits)
An introduction to ethical and philosophical principles, providing underpinning concepts for the applied aspects of the programme. Topics covered include human evolution and animal domestication, theories and principles of human psychology, and the impact of the human-animal bond on animal behaviour and welfare.
The UK Legal System for Biologists (15 credits)
Explore how policy and legislation is developed, enacted and reviewed whilst discussing the role that science plays in making changes and the challenges of enacting legislation in the real world.
Wildlife Conflict (15 credits)
Explore the drivers of and solutions for human wildlife conflict. In the module you will discuss and debate the ecological, social, and economic impacts of wildlife conflict and conservation.
Qualification and modules
MRes degree
This degree has been designed to equip you with advanced research expertise in the field of animal science through taught lectures, seminars and one-to-one sessions. You’ll develop new theoretical and practical expertise to help progress your studies and career, as well as advance future scientific research and real-world practice.
You’ll be equipped with the skills required for critical evaluation of research, effective research design and accurate statistical analysis, allowing you to apply current scientific thinking to your specific research topic, which you’ll conduct in your own time alongside your learning. You'll also explore the issues being faced in the animal welfare science sector. Recent project areas have covered aspects of canine hydrotherapy, meat production and microbiological profiles of pet food bowls.
You’ll select two optional modules to complement your research topic from our diverse range of postgraduate modules across the animal, agriculture and equine course area provision. This will enable you to advance new knowledge to help shape your research and professional practice.
You’ll be encouraged to attend industry conferences and familiarise yourself with academic journals, with opportunities to present and publish your research.
Modules
Discover the compulsory modules for this course. You’ll also be able to choose a subject-specific optional module from our diverse specialist portfolio within the animal, agriculture and equine departments to suit your interests and career goals. Choose one or two of the optional modules to study in addition to the compulsory modules. Your optional module choices should amount to 30 credits. Optional modules change each year in line with student, industry and research demands.
Module credits
Upon successful completion of your modules you’ll gain academic credit that accumulates towards your award. The marks you gain may contribute towards your final master’s degree differential award (pass, merit or distinction).
Compulsory modules
Discuss research methodologies and applications, as well as strengths, weaknesses and limitations of different methods.
Explore literature, advanced research methodologies and data analysis aligned to your area of specific interest, leading to the design, completion and write up of a preliminary research project. Dissemination of research outputs will also be covered to develop your scientific communication skills.
Develop and undertake a significant research project of your choosing on a topic related to animal science.
You'll analyse contemporary issues in animal welfare, including legislation, areas of welfare concern, and evidence of sentience.
Optional modules
Examine the underpinning principles of animal welfare that inform policy and legislation decisions, both in terms of biological science and social science. You’ll explore stress, pain and nociception, motivation and sentience, both in terms of the underpinning biology and their outward interpretation. You’ll also explore how attitudes towards animals are influenced by religious, cultural, political and philosophical beliefs and how they impact our interpretation of animal welfare measures.
Applied Animal Welfare Assessment (15 credits)
Bring together your understanding of ethical frameworks, animal welfare science, and animal behaviour measurement. You will then be able to navigate the complexities of assessing animal welfare in the real world.
Applied Equine Exercise Physiology (15 credits)
This module allows students to explore the fundamentals of equine exercise physiology in the context of different equestrian disciplines and their application to training.
Captive Exotics and Wildlife Policy and Law (15 credits)
Explore zoological institutions as well as areas surrounding performance animals, pest control, population management and game rearing. This module will touch on important international legislation, such as CITES.
Companion and Working Animal Regulations (15 credits)
Explore the industries for companion animals and equines, covering a range of topics, from how animals are sourced (eg pet shops and breeders) to their use in sporting disciplines, therapy animals, animals in education and military / police animals.
Companion Animal Behaviour and Welfare (15 credits)
You will contextualise your understanding of behaviour and welfare to animals kept as companions (e.g. dogs, cats, horses), exploring how variation in the human-animal bond has impacted on their welfare. Furthermore, you will explore how animal welfare can be practically assessed and positive changes enacted in these real-world contexts.
Controls on the Use of Animals in Science (15 credits)
Examine the use of animals within scientific contexts, from research to authorisation and licensing of both human and veterinary medicines, and how animal use is justified through a cost-benefit framework.
Developing a Sustainable Equine Industry (15 credits)
This module aims to provide students with the knowledge and analytical skills to critically examine the ethics and the sustainability of practices within the global equine industry in relation to a variety of stakeholders.
Equine Management for Optimal Performance and Welfare (15 credits)
This module aims to provide students with the knowledge and evaluative skills to debate the ethics and practicalities surrounding management of the horse within a range of societal pressures and the wider social responsibilities of the industry.
Equine Behaviour (15 credits)
This module introduces you to natural and domestic behavioural patterns of the horse, covering, amongst other topics, learning theory in relation to training and management.
Ethics of Animal Use (15 credits)
Evaluate the differing philosophical frameworks that govern why we are concerned for the lives and lived experiences of non-human animals. You’ll further understand how these frameworks have been applied in real-life contexts.
Investigating Equestrian Research (15 credits)
Gain exposure to, and analysis of, research across a wide range of topics within the field of equine science including seminar and conference attendance.
Regulating Agriculture and Food Production (15 credits)
Focus on the most relevant policies and legislative items that relate to agriculture and food production. These will include a range of topics such as transport, slaughter and disease control as well as looking at management of a variety of farmed species.
The Human-Animal Bond (15 credits)
An introduction to ethical and philosophical principles, providing underpinning concepts for the applied aspects of the programme. Topics covered include human evolution and animal domestication, theories and principles of human psychology, and the impact of the human-animal bond on animal behaviour and welfare.
The UK Legal System for Biologists (15 credits)
Explore how policy and legislation is developed, enacted and reviewed whilst discussing the role that science plays in making changes and the challenges of enacting legislation in the real world.
Wildlife Conflict (15 credits)
Explore the drivers of and solutions for human wildlife conflict. In the module you will discuss and debate the ecological, social, and economic impacts of wildlife conflict and conservation.
The modules contain a mixture of scheduled learning – lectures, workshops and practical sessions – alongside independent learning. Students are expected to dedicate at least two to three hours of independent study per contact hour.
The course is taught in English.
| Contact learning | Placement learning | Independent learning | |
| MRes degree | 9% | 0% | 91% |
Teaching contact time and method will vary depending on the modules that you are studying.
You’ll be assessed through a mixture of written, practical and oral exams, coursework and production of research reports. Many of the modules will be marked based on a mixture of assessment types, whilst others will be based solely on one type of assessment. The type of assessment may vary depending on which subject-specific optional module you select.
| Written exam | Practical exam | Coursework | |
| MRes degree | 0% | 27% | 73% |
This course is made up of three teaching blocks. Semesters normally consist of 12 weeks of scheduled teaching and then assessment weeks, with an overview below:
- The majority of modules are offered via on-site and online learning, incorporating a mixture of interactive campus-based and online sessions, alongside independent research
- Learning is mostly independent apart from the research process, delivered weekly through online sessions and drop ins in semester one, and your optional module. The delivery mode and semester for your optional module will depend upon which module is chosen
- Applied Research Practice and Extended Postgraduate Dissertation are delivered primarily through one-to-one meetings with your supervisor alongside your research activities. Depending upon your area of research focus this could be time spent on-campus, with our animal and agriculture facilities, or at home
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.
Extra costs
Below you'll find extra costs associated with studying this course, as well as costs associated with living and extra-curricular activities that might be of interest.
Clothing and footwear for optional module:
You may need to purchase appropriate clothing and footwear for your optional module, depending upon which one you select. You’ll be informed about this prior to selection.
Hartpury University branded clothing is also available through our online shop, for those who wish to purchase it. However, this is not essential.
Travel
Travel costs for your professional work placement are self-funded.
Optional field trips (circa £500)
Costs need to be self-funded.
Accommodation and living costs
Please visit our student accommodation page for details.
Our Resource Library is where you'll find all the essential details about Hartpury University's courses. It includes Programme and Module Specifications, along with Course Information Sheets for every course. You can easily download a complete revision history for each of these, clearly showing the dates changes were made.
Course Information Sheets: These are PDF versions of the course webpages. They provide an overview of the course, what to expect during your studies, and the topics covered.
Programme Specifications: These are detailed, validated documents containing academic specifics for each programme. They include descriptions of the programme, its aims, learning outcomes, year and module structure, as well as teaching, learning, and assessment strategies.
Module Specifications: Each Programme consists of several Modules. Our Module Specifications outline the topics covered and the expected outcomes for students studying each Module.
It's a good idea to think about fees and funding around your course as early as you can. We can help you to understand and take control of your finances. Here’s everything you need to know at a glance.
Our specialist facilities match our specialist nature. Students benefit from access to some of the most advanced facilities in the world at an educational institution.
Top 3 UK University
We're a top 3 UK university for postgraduate teaching, and top 5 UK university for overall postgraduate satisfaction (PTES 2024).
World leading
Our research has been recognised as 'world-leading' and 'internationally excellent' (Research Excellence Framework 2021).
Lucy is a passionate conservation ecologist with a broad range of interests that span interdisciplinary subject areas. Her research has focused on seabird ecology, behaviour, population dynamics and genetics to assist our understanding of these enigmatic species that act as barometers for the status and health of our ocean systems.
Lucy is also increasing biodiversity at Hartpury and has initiated a moth biodiversity recording project to assist in measuring baseline abundance and diversity and the impacts of future management applications.
Dr. Lucy Garrett, Lecturer in Biodiversity and Conservation
Lucy is a passionate conservation ecologist with a broad range of interests that span interdisciplinary subject areas. Her research has focused on seabird ecology, behaviour, population dynamics and genetics to assist our understanding of these enigmatic species that act as barometers for the status and health of our ocean systems.
Lucy is also increasing biodiversity at Hartpury and has initiated a moth biodiversity recording project to assist in measuring baseline abundance and diversity and the impacts of future management applications.
Dr. Lucy Garrett, Lecturer in Biodiversity and Conservation
Alison has a background in veterinary science and biomechanics and is a senior lecturer across subjects including animal biomechanics, animal therapy and animal health. Her current research focus is in using biomechanical measurement techniques to quantify the benefits of canine hydrotherapy and inform evidence-based approaches to rehabilitation.
Alison has key research interests in the fields of canine biomechanics and hydrotherapy. Her passion areas also span health and welfare in exotic pets, where she has developed evidence to help combat common dental disease and bacterial infections in guinea pigs.
Dr. Alison Wills, Programme Manager
Alison has a background in veterinary science and biomechanics and is a senior lecturer across subjects including animal biomechanics, animal therapy and animal health. Her current research focus is in using biomechanical measurement techniques to quantify the benefits of canine hydrotherapy and inform evidence-based approaches to rehabilitation.
Alison has key research interests in the fields of canine biomechanics and hydrotherapy. Her passion areas also span health and welfare in exotic pets, where she has developed evidence to help combat common dental disease and bacterial infections in guinea pigs.
Dr. Alison Wills, Programme Manager
Important information
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes are reviewed and developed regularly. Changes or cancellation of courses may be necessary to ensure alignment with emerging employment areas, to comply with accrediting body requirements, revisions to subject benchmark statements or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make necessary changes and will notify all offer-holders of changes as and when they occur.
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MSc Animal Welfare, Policy and Legislation
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.
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