Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare MSc Level: Postgraduate taught Subject: Veterinary Medicine Year of entry: 2026 Study options Mode of study On campus Full-time MSc | 1 year | Start date: September 2026 Part-time MSc | up to 3 years | Start date: multiple dates Key facts School Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies College College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine Programme website Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare website Accreditation Not available Apply now 19 to 21 November 2025: Postgraduate Virtual Open Days Join us live to explore postgraduate taught and research study at Edinburgh and gain key insights before you apply. Register now Overview About the degree programme 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)Brooke The programme content provides you with a thorough overview of the current key issues in animal behaviour and welfare. 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. This 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. Study options The MSc is a one-year course for full-time students. It is also possible to complete the MSc part-time over two or three years. Please note that candidates who require a Tier 4 Visa must study full-time. The year I spent in Edinburgh completing this MSc program was such a fantastic, resourceful and memorable experience, made even better by being able to share it with a wonderful and diverse group of classmates and a supportive programme team. The taught aspect of the course was well structured to prepare us for our research projects and I have graduated with confidence in my abilities to progress a career in animal welfare at a global level. Hannah MSc Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare graduate Fees, costs and funding Tuition fees Tuition fees by award and duration Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year. Full-time MSc Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare (1 year) tuition fees Part-time MSc Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare (2 years) tuition fees MSc Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare (3 years) tuition fees Graduate discount If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.Find out how to receive your graduate discount Deposit You do not have to pay a deposit to secure your place on this programme. Costs Accommodation and living costs You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.We estimate that you might spend £1,167 to £2,330 per month if you are a single student.Living costs include:foodutility billstravel, clothes, books and stationeryrecreational costs (for example, TV subscriptions and social events)Living costsAccommodation costs depend on where you live while studying and the type of accommodation you choose.University postgraduate accommodation options and costs Funding opportunities Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:borrowing moneytaking out a loanfamily supportpersonal savingsincome from workemployer sponsorshipscholarshipsExplore sources of funding for postgraduate study Search for other funding opportunities You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.Postgraduate funding opportunities Entry requirements These entry requirements are for the 2026-27 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2027-28 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2026. Qualifications A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in animal science, biology, psychology, zoology or veterinary science.We may also consider applicants with a UK 2:1 or 2:2 honours degree or its international equivalent, if you have other qualifications and/or relevant work experience, normally of at least one year; for example if you have animal care experience (e.g., zookeeper, shelter worker etc.) or in veterinary or accredited animal behaviour fields. Please contact us to check before you apply. International qualifications To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list. Where you studied - Select a country or region -AfghanistanAlbaniaAngolaArgentinaArmeniaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBoliviaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBrazilBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCambodiaCameroonCanadaChileChinaColombiaCosta RicaCôte d'IvoireCroatiaCubaCyprusCzech RepublicDemocratic Republic of CongoDenmarkDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFinlandFranceGabonThe GambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGreeceGuatemalaGuineaHaitiHondurasHong Kong-SAR ChinaHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJordanKazakhstanKenyaKorea, Republic ofKuwaitLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLithuaniaLuxembourgMacau-SAR ChinaMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMauritiusMexicoMoldovaMongoliaMontenegroMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNepalNetherlands, TheNew ZealandNicaraguaNigeriaNorth MacedoniaNorwayOmanPacific IslandsPakistanPalestinian TerritoriesPanamaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPolandPortugalQatarRomaniaRussiaRwandaSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSierra LeoneSingaporeSlovakiaSloveniaSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSwedenSwitzerlandSyriaTajikistanTaiwanTanzaniaThailandTogoTrinidad and TobagoTurkeyTurkmenistanUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited States of AmericaUruguayUzbekistanVenezuelaVietnamWest Indies and CaribbeanZambiaZimbabweMy country or region is not listed English language requirements You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:an English language testa degree that was taught and assessed in Englishcertain professional qualifications English language tests we accept We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher: IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each component We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements. TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 23 in each component We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements. C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 176 in each component. Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components. Oxford ELLT: total 8 with at least 7 in each component. Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 155 with at least 145 in each component. How old your English language tests can be Tests no more than two years oldThe following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:IELTS AcademicTOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)Trinity ISEOxford ELLTOxford Test of English AdvancedTests no more than three and a half years oldAll other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality. Degrees taught and assessed in English We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.UKVI list of majority English speaking countriesWe also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).Approved universities in non-MESCHow old your degree can beIf you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country. Find out more about our English language requirements Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.English language requirements Programme details What you will study The programme has two elements, a taught component and a dissertation project. The taught component of the degree consists of five courses, and is worth 120 credits. The dissertation is worth 60 credits.Each course is a combination of lectures, seminars, practical sessions, and visits. Throughout the taught courses, you will take part in visits to farms and animal facilities. In addition, you will be expected to spend a large proportion of time in 'out of class' study.The MSc is a one-year course for full-time students. It is also possible to complete the MSc part-time over two or three years. Please note that candidates who require a Tier 4 Visa must study full-time.Taught courseIntroduction to applied animal behaviour and animal welfareBiology of animal welfareAnimal cognition and consciousnessScientific methodologyAnimal welfare applicationsRead more about the taught coursesDissertationThe dissertation is a chance to put your newly acquired knowledge and skills into practice in a less structured environment. Students undertake a wide variety of dissertation topics, some examples are:Effects of captivity on the skeletons of callitrichidsEffects of foraging devices on activity budgets of woolly monkeys and chimpanzeesEffects of urbanisation on the social behaviour and food supply of the European badgerEnhancing word learning in horsesMate preferences of female Canna wood micePost-operative pain assessment in dogsPre-weaning survival in outdoor pigletsTactile communication between cats and humansWelfare of elephants in captivity Find courses for this programme Find out what courses you can study on this programme and how each of them are taught and assessed. The courses on offer may change from year to year, but the course information will give you an idea of what to expect on this programme. Full-time MSc Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare (1 year) (2025-2026) Part-time MSc Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare (2 years) (2025-2026) MSc Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare (3 years) (2025-2026) We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative. Teaching and assessment Learning outcomes By the end of this programme, you will be able to:demonstrate a critical understanding of the principal theories, principles and concepts in animal behaviour and animal welfareplan and execute a significant project of research on applied animal behaviour or animal welfare by applying knowledge and a range of specialised techniquescritically review, consolidate and synthesise knowledge to address contemporary issues in animal welfare.communicate about animal welfare and animal behaviour, using appropriate methods, to a range of audiences with different levels of knowledge/expertiseexercise substantial autonomy and initiative in your own work and make informed judgements, on your own or collectively, on challenging animal welfare issues Support for your studies You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need. How we support you Where you will study Study location The degree is based on the Easter Bush Campus, a purpose-built veterinary teaching facility with good transport links. The campus is around 7 miles south of the city centre.Easter Bush is served by several public bus services. Buses are operated by Lothian Buses and passes can be purchased to cover travel across the city. Parking is available on campus by permit. Please note that many areas in Edinburgh require residents to have a permit for on-street parking.Travelling to Easter BushLothian Buses Careers and further study 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. Our graduates have gone on to work in a number of different sectors. Professional links 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)Brooke Further study After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.Applying for research degreesMoving on to a PhD (advice from the University's Careers Service) Careers Service Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. With the Careers Service, you can: access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengthstry different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you developget help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobsattend careers events and practice interviewsget information and advice to help you make informed decisions Visit the Careers Service website Applying How to apply You apply online for this programme. After you read the application guidance, select your preferred programme, then choose 'Start your application' to begin. When to apply You can apply for this degree during a number of periods through the year. We limit the time we accept applications due to the high level of demand for places.When you are able to apply depends upon your fee status.Work out your fee statusIf you don’t hear from us by the award deadline, your application is carried forward to the next admissions round for further consideration.Deadlines for all fee statusesRoundApplication deadlinePlaces awarded by112 December 202523 January 202626 March 202627 March 202638 May 202629 May 2026410 July 202624 July 2026Deadlines for UK/Scotland fee statusThis round is only open to applicants who are eligible for the UK/Scotland fee rate, including the EU/EEA Pre-settled Scotland fee status.If you apply with another fee status in this round your application will be rejected.RoundApplication deadlinePlaces awarded by521 August 202628 August 2026 We encourage you to apply as soon as possible so that we have enough time to process your application. This is particularly important if you are also applying for funding or will require a visa. Applications may close earlier than published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand.For an application to be reviewed, it must be a complete application by the application deadline with all supporting documentation uploaded, including references and transcripts.If you already have evidence that you meet the English language entry requirements, such as via an approved English language test, please upload this evidence at the time of your application. If you have not already met your English language requirements, please upload that evidence as soon as you have it. Application fee There is no fee to apply to this programme. What you need to apply As part of your online application, you will need to provide: a personal statementdetails of relevant knowledge/training skillsYou will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:copies of your degree certificates and academic transcripts that confirm your current or final marksreferencesevidence you meet the English language requirementscertified translations if your original documents are not in EnglishWhen you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide. Apply Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for. Select programme - Select a programme -MSc Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare (1 year)MSc Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare (2 years)MSc Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare (3 years) After you apply Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.Checking the status of your applicationWe will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.Receiving our decisionWhat to do if you receive an offer:Receiving an offerAccepting an offerSubmitting supporting documents Life at Edinburgh Accommodation We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single postgraduate taught students from outside the UK and new, single postgraduate research (typically PhD) students who:apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year when you start your programmeaccept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 Julystudy at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in SeptemberUniversity accommodation websiteAccommodation guarantee criteriaWe also offer accommodation options for couples and families.Accommodation for couples and familiesIf you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place Societies and clubs Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.SocietiesSport Clubs The city of Edinburgh Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life. Find out more about living in Edinburgh Exercise, leisure and support facilities Outside of your studies, we offer a range of facilities that you might find useful day-to-day, including:sport and exercise facilitiesUniversity cafes and cateringEdinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA) venues and shopsa multi-faith chaplaincy for all faiths and nonea University nursery (based at King’s Buildings campus) Health and wellbeing support You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.The support services we offer include: a student counselling service a health centre (doctor's surgery) support if you're living in University accommodation dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustmentsHealth and wellbeing support services Disability and Learning Support Contact Academic contact Cynthia Nadani Programme Coordinator Contact details Email: futurestudents@ed.ac.uk
