A search dog sitting on grass

Course details

Year of entry

2024

Duration

1 YR (FT) 2 YRS (PT)

Institution Code

G53

Location

Wrexham, Northop

Course Highlights

Investigate

contemporary global challenges facing human-animal interaction and wellbeing.

Develop

your understanding of how factors impacting the human-animal relationship can be applied to a range of practical situations.

Opportunity

to gain skills and experience to enter a range of relevant careers.

Why choose? this course?

This MSc is one of very few U.K. programmes exploring human and animal interaction and wellbeing.

The course:

  • Embraces the global One Health and One Welfare initiatives that highlight the interconnections between animal health and welfare, human health and wellbeing and the environment.
  • Combines theory and practice, enabling recognition of the need for a multi-disciplinary approach to the sustainable use and wellbeing of our animals for their mutually beneficial effects in the future. 
  • Has a blended approach to course delivery, with online sessions and on-campus teaching.
  • Includes guest speakers and educational visits.

Key course features

  • You will develop an understanding of the complex nature of the human-animal relationship.
  • An appreciation of the multi-disciplinary approach needed to improve human-animal health and wellbeing will be developed.
  • Individuals will cultivate a critical awareness of current practices in animal and equine husbandry, training and use of animals in society.
  • You will appreciate the need for changes in human-animal interaction for a sustainable future.
  • The application of critical thinking and practical skills will be applied to real-life case studies.
  • You will benefit from the delivery and support offered by our dedicated team of academics and industry professionals throughout the programme.
 
 
 

What you will study

YEAR 1 (Level 7)

MODULES

  • Human-Animal Interconnection (30 credits)- Human and animal lives are inextricably linked in today’s society. A multi-faceted approach to understanding the mutual benefits of human-animal relationships is necessary for a sustainable future. Human psychological attitudes regarding the value of species and likely impacts on survival must also be considered. Critical evaluation of a diverse range of human-animal interactions globally will be studied in this module, along with time spent in a setting of choice.
  • Practical Animal Welfare and Ethics (30 credits) The global diversity in the use of animals raises many welfare-related questions. Regulations regarding the use of animals and their welfare are different between countries, and global threats to animal welfare vary. The sustainable use of animals involves the assessment of health and welfare together with on-going education. This module focuses on the practical application of theoretical issues.
  • Research and Study Skills (30 credits) This module will introduce students to critical evaluation of research methods through the development of the understanding of the philosophical, practical and ethical concepts of research and research methods.
  • Holistic Animal Rehabilitation (30 credits) Where standards of animal welfare are not sustained, rescue and rehabilitation becomes imperative. Here we examine the scale of the welfare crisis for domestic and wild animals. We scrutinise the role of welfare agencies and introduce practical rehabilitation techniques, often affording animals a second chance at life.
  • Dissertation (60 credits) Over the summer, students will have the opportunity to complete a unique piece of research on a topic of their own choice.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

 
 
 

Entry requirements & applying

Applicants must hold a degree in an animal or equine related subject or a cognate discipline.

Applicants from health or social care are also welcomed, provided that they can demonstrate experience of the animal or equine sectors.

Those without formal higher education qualifications will need to demonstrate experience relevant to the MSc programme.

 
 
 

Teaching & Assessment

Assessment methods will vary between modules, but will combine coursework and formal examinations.

Teaching and Learning

Wrexham University is committed to supporting our students to maximise their academic potential.

We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping them deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has more information on the help available.

In terms of particular needs, the university can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difficulty.

Teaching and learning methods will be diverse to accommodate individual learning needs. Modules are delivered through a blended learning approach, via a mix of face-to-face teaching on campus and online study at home. Students can expect a combination of lectures, seminar discussions, guest speakers and in some cases practical work. Tutorial support will also be offered during each semester of study.

 
 
 

Career prospects

Our Careers & Employability service is there to help you make decisions and plan the next steps towards a bright future. From finding work or further study to working out your interests, skills and aspirations, they can provide you with the expert information, advice and guidance you need.

Completion of the MSc will enable our students to work in any of the following areas:

  • Animal / Equine Husbandry: Welfare, Rehabilitation, Retraining, Animal Assisted Therapy
  • Academic Research: Universities, PhD
  • Education: Universities, Colleges, Schools
  • Non-profit Organisations: Research, Consultancy, Marketing, Campaigning
  • Government Departments: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
 
 
 

Fees & funding

You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.

The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the fee FAQs.

All fees are subject to any changes in government policy, view our postgraduate fees.

Programme specification

You can see the full programme specification here.