Program Overview

MSc by Research in Animal Behaviour and Welfare

The scientific study of animal behaviour and welfare furthers our understanding of why animals behave in the way that they do, and helps us learn how best to respond to the challenges that animals face when living in captive and wild environments. This programme provides students with the opportunity to conduct research in areas such as welfare assessment, animal management, evolutionary biology, and animal cognition.

Programme Overview

Students benefit from training courses provided by the University aimed at developing key skills in research. Under the guidance and advice of their academic supervisors, students will also develop their ability to effectively communicate their research and thesis.

Key Features

• Conduct independent, original, and academically significant research
• Benefit from training courses to develop key research skills
• Supervision and support from an advisory panel of academic staff
• Present at talks and seminars to showcase your work
• Enrol in January or October each year

How You Study

This research programme relies on independent study and research, supervised by an advisory panel of academic staff. The nature of this research will be specific to the subject area, but is expected to investigate a novel question and provide a novel contribution to science.

Research Groups and Topics

Research within the Department of Life Sciences is conducted within five research groups. The key to success on a postgraduate research programme is to find a research topic that you are passionate about and identify a supervisory team that has expertise in this area.

How You Are Assessed

Students will have at least one formal meeting with their supervisors each month where progress will be discussed. After three months, students are expected to provide an outline of their research proposal, which will be evaluated.

Entry Requirements

• First or upper second class honours degree in a relevant subject
• Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element

Programme Fees

Fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. Research students may be required to pay additional fees in addition to cover the cost of specialist resources, equipment, and access to any specialist collections that may be required to support their research project.

Funding Your Research

Loans and studentships are available to support your postgraduate research. You can also find out more about how to pay your fees and access support from advisors.

Career Development

A research programme provides the opportunity to become a true expert in your chosen field, while developing a range of valuable transferable skills that can support your career progression. A research-based degree is also the most direct pathway to an academic career.

Research at Lincoln

Through our research, we are striving to change society for the better. Working with regional, national, and international partners, our academics are engaged in groundbreaking studies that are challenging the status quo.