Program Overview

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MSc / MA Human-Animal Interaction

Overview

The field of human-animal interaction has grown substantially over the last few years. Research highlights how these interactions can improve mental well-being, social connections, and even physical health. It can also help us address the biodiversity crisis.

As awareness of these benefits grows, so does the demand for professionals in animal-assisted therapy and related careers.

This Masters in Human-Animal Interaction explores research methods and approaches to studying our relationships with non-human animals. You'll look at human-animal interactions across various contexts such as:

• pet owning,
• animal-assisted interventions,
• zoos,
• farms,
• conservation.

You'll study the importance of both human and animal behaviour in shaping human-animal interaction. The associated ethical issues are also covered. You’ll develop skills to critically evaluate methods for measuring attitudes, interactions and their outcomes.

Learn from experts

Our MSc/MA Human-Animal Interaction is taught by experts whose specialisms include:

• the study of animal behaviour and animal welfare,
• animal-assisted activities and interventions,
• human and animal coexistence.

You can join our vibrant research community for weekly seminars and specialist discussions. You’ll have access to state-of-the-art psychology labs and a dedicated study suite.

Gain real-world experience through placements and projects

As part of the Human-Animal Interaction Masters, you can undertake tailored placements to align with your career goals. Examples include:

• Working within organisations in therapeutic or educational settings.
• Assisting research projects in psychology at Stirling or other institutions.
• Engaging with voluntary organisations like the SSPCA, industry partners or businesses such as canine or equine behaviourist organisations.
• Communicating science to the public at venues like Edinburgh Zoo or Blair Drummond Safari Park.

Choose your path in human-animal interaction research

This course covers the fundamentals of research methods. It focuses on their application to human-animal interactions.

You can study Human-Animal Interaction as either an MA or MSc:

• MA - focuses on qualitative research methods.
• MSc - covers both qualitative and quantitative research methods.

All students take a Qualitative Data Analysis module. MSc students also take Quantitative Analysis Methods in Psychological Research. MA students choose from options like Child Development, Autism and Neurodevelopmental Conditions, or Environmental Psychology.

Top reasons to study with us

• Gain real-world experience with placements and projects at organisation such as SSPCA and Edinburgh Zoo.
• Access state-of-the-art psychology labs and a dedicated study suite.
• Join a dynamic research community with weekly seminars and specialist discussion groups to expand your network.

Flexible learning

If you’re interested in studying a module from this course, the Postgraduate Certificate or the Postgraduate Diploma then please discuss your course of study.

Research overview

The University of Stirling is rated 2nd in Scotland for research impact in Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, with 100% of our research impact and environment rated as world-leading or internationally excellent.

As a postgraduate taught student you’ll be part of our lively research community, meeting up for weekly research seminars and informal specialist discussion groups.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

A minimum of a second class honours degree (2.1 preferred) or equivalent in a relevant subject. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.

Other routes of entry

If you don't currently meet our academic requirements, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need to progress onto some of our courses.

International entry requirements

View the entry requirements for your country.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:

• IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
• IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.

Course details

Modules

The module information below provides an example of the types of course module you may study.

Teaching

Teaching is delivered in a number of ways, including online materials, tutorials, demonstrations and practical classes, but the majority is seminar-based. Students are typically taught in small groups in specialist classes, or with first year PhD students or other postgraduate students.

Assessment

A range of assessment methods are used across the programme, including:

• research proposals
• critical reviews
• a logic model
• reflective journals for placements
• oral presentations
• popular science articles
• dissertation

Fees and funding

Fees and costs

University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship.

Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship.

If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.

Scholarships and funding

Funding

If you have the talent, ability and drive to study with us, we want to make sure you make the most of the opportunity – regardless of your financial circumstances.

Learn more about available funding opportunities.

Postgraduate tuition fee loans

Scottish students may be eligible to apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for loans of up to £11,500 to cover tuition fees and associated living costs.

English students can apply for a loan of up to £12,167 each year as part of the Postgraduate Masters Loan Scheme.

Welsh students can apply for financial support of up to £18,770 as a combination of grant and loan from Student Finance Wales.

Northern Irish students can apply for a postgraduate tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 from Student Finance NI.

International students may be able to gain additional funding from loan providers.

After you graduate

A Master's in Human-Animal Interaction offers diverse career paths, including:

• Animal-Assisted Therapy Practitioner – Facilitate animal-based therapy with healthcare professionals.
• Animal Welfare Officer – Ensure animal wellbeing in shelters, zoos, and other facilities.
• Research Scientist – Study human-animal interactions and their benefits.
• Animal-Assisted Activities Coordinator – Develop programmes integrating animals into community well-being initiatives.

A career in Human-Animal Interaction can be both rewarding and financially viable. Here are some average annual salary ranges for various roles:

• Animal-Assisted Therapy Practitioner: £25,000 to £35,000
• Animal Welfare Officer: £20,000 to £30,000
• Research Scientist: £30,000 to £45,000
• Veterinary Technician: £18,000 to £25,000
• Animal Behaviourist: £25,000 to £40,000

Graduates of the MSc/MA Human-Animal Interaction have gone into roles including:

• Executive Director
• Land and Regeneration Officer
• Research Assistant
• Progression and Outcomes Coordinator
• Research and Development Officer

Organisations our graduates work for include:

• Habitat for Horses
• Summer Isles Enterprises
• Stirling Council
• Action for Children
• North Lanarkshire Council