Program Overview

MSc Animal Welfare and Conservation

Introduction

Further your knowledge of animal welfare, nutrition, genetics, behaviour and conservation with our Masters degree at ARU Writtle. Learn from highly qualified, research-active staff who will support you as you study a range of modules, based on the approach of putting science into practice.

As a student at ARU in Writtle you’ll have access to livestock, exotic and companion animals on campus. You’ll benefit from our relationships with Colchester Zoo, Essex Wildlife Trust, the Zoological Society of London (including both London and Whipsnade Zoos), and the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare. There may be opportunities to undertake dissertation research projects in the zoos.

Our MSc Animal Welfare and Conservation is ideal if you want to develop your knowledge of animal welfare and conservation, and take the next step in your career.

Course Options

• 1 year full-time
• 16 months part-time
• January or September start
• Writtle campus

Key Facts

• STUDY OPTIONS: 1 year full-time
• START DATES: January
• LOCATION: Writtle
• FEES:
  • £9,356 UK students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
  • £16,700 International students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)

Teaching and Assessment

12 months full-time

• Year 1:
  • Research Methods (Postgraduate) (15 credits)
  • Animal Genetic Resources (15 credits)
  • Nutritional Issues in Animal Welfare (15 credits)
  • Wildlife Resources (15 credits)
  • Current Issues in Animal Science (15 credits)
  • Animal Behaviour (15 credits)
  • Animal Ethics and Welfare (15 credits)
  • Animal Protection and Habitat Conservation (15 credits)
  • Taught Masters Degree - Dissertation (60 credits)

Assessment

• Written examinations
• Reports
• Essays
• Seminars
• Debates
• Oral presentations
• Case studies
• Dissertation

Entry Requirements

• A first degree, with honours, in a related science subject such as animal science, agriculture, biological sciences, zoology, veterinary or bioveterinary science or other appropriate life-science degree and at a minimum final classification of lower second (2:2) or equivalent.
• If English is not your first language you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.5 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University.

Fees and Paying for University

Tuition Fees for UK Students (2025/26)

• £9,356 UK students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)

Tuition Fees for International Students (2025/26)

• £16,700 International students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)

Facilities

• Access to livestock, exotic and companion animals on campus
• Relationships with Colchester Zoo, Essex Wildlife Trust, the Zoological Society of London (including both London and Whipsnade Zoos), and the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare
• Opportunities to undertake dissertation research projects in the zoos

Lecturers

• Steven Allain, Lecturer in Animal Science
• Nieky van Veggel, Senior Lecturer in Animal Health
• Sife Chikunya, Senior Lecturer
• Jonathan Amory, Associate Professor
• Terri Amory, Lecturer

Careers

As an MSc in Animal Welfare & Conservation graduate, you'll be highly skilled and employable, ready to secure management-level jobs or improve your promotion prospects.

You may pursue roles in areas such as animal welfare, nutrition, zoo keeping, conservation or research. Opportunities exist in a number of sectors including:

• Senior positions in Government services, such as DEFRA quarantine officers
• Animal health inspector
• Companies specialising in farm animal nutrition and pet food manufacturing, breeding and reproduction, veterinary medicines and pharmaceuticals
• Animal welfare charities
• Zoos, animal rescue centres and safari parks
• Independent wildlife agencies such as RSPB, Scottish Natural Heritage, Natural England, and the Countryside Council for Wales.

Graduation doesn't have to be the end of your time with us. You could choose to continue your academic career with a research programme at ARU.