Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Animal Behaviour and Welfare (MSc)
Overview
This MSc course is designed for students aiming to work in research, education, and industry in the life sciences sector. It provides an advanced understanding of current and emerging issues in both Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare.
Course Structure
The course covers a wide range of animals, from insects to primates, taking in companion and farm animals. Students will get fundamental training in Animal Behaviour, Animal Welfare, Experimental Design, Statistics, and Presentation Skills to succeed on the competitive job market.
Modules
- Animal Behaviour (30 credits)
- Animal Welfare (30 credits)
- Foundations for Research in the Biosciences (20 credits)
- Literature Review: Animal Behaviour and Welfare (20 credits)
- Key Skills in Animal Behaviour and Welfare (20 credits)
- Research Project: Animal Behaviour and Welfare (60 credits) (optional)
- Professional Development and Work Placement (60 credits) (optional)
Entrance Requirements
- Normally a 2.2 Honours degree or above, in a relevant area of science (including psychology), or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.
- External medical or veterinary students wishing to intercalate must have successfully completed the third/fourth year of their course.
- Applicants must have passed all relevant assessments for the year in which they are applying.
International Students
- Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required.
- International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research.
Tuition Fees
- Northern Ireland (NI) £8,800
- Republic of Ireland (ROI) £8,800
- England, Scotland or Wales (GB) £9,250
- EU Other £25,800
- International £25,800
Additional Course Costs
- Terms and Conditions for Postgraduate applications: Due to high demand, there is a deadline for applications.
- A deposit will be required to secure a place on this course.
Career Prospects
- Current graduates have taken up further PhD study both here at Queen’s and further afield.
- Others have gone on to work in both the private (Sea Watch Foundation, Dogs Trust, ISPCA) and public sector (DOE Marine Division, NISRA) here in Northern Ireland and internationally (Canada, Thailand, and Italy).
People teaching you
- Dr Gareth Arnott, Senior Lecturer, School of Biological Sciences
- Dr Hansjoerg Kunc, School of Biological Sciences
Contact Teaching Hours
- Medium Group Teaching: 15 (hours maximum)
Teaching Times
- Teaching is across a combination of morning and afternoon classes, primarily on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Thursday and Fridays are used for reading and preparing assignments.
Learning and Teaching
- Learning opportunities associated with this course are outlined below:
- Lectures
- Practical experiences
- E-Learning technologies
- Self-directed study
- Added value qualifications to enhance employability.
Assessment
- The award of the MSc in Animal Behaviour and Welfare is based on continuous assessment of coursework and assessment of modules based solely on submitted work related to private, individual study.
- The MSc with Distinction will be awarded when the three following conditions are met: an overall average of 70+ is achieved; a mark of 70+ is achieved in the Research Project: Animal Behaviour and Welfare or in the Professional Development and Work Placement; an average of 65+ is achieved in the other modules.
Animal Behaviour
Overview
Behavioural development, perceptual systems, motivation; information gathering and processing; preferences and requirements; models and behaviour; animal behaviour and conservation; physiological stress in natural situations.
Learning Outcomes
- Students should expand their knowledge and experience of animal behaviour with an understanding of current theories and theoretical and practical knowledge of alternative approaches and methodologies.
Skills
- Aural, oral and written communication.
Assessment
- Coursework: 67%
- Examination: 0%
- Practical: 33%
Credits
- 30
Module Code
- BIO8308
Teaching Period
- Autumn
Duration
- 6 weeks
Pre-requisite
- No
Core/Optional
- Core
Animal Welfare
Overview
Ethical aspects of animal research; models and behaviour; animal welfare of farm and zoo animals; physiological stress in natural situations.
Learning Outcomes
- Students should expand their knowledge and experience of animal welfare with an understanding of current theories and theoretical and practical knowledge of alternative approaches and methodologies.
Skills
- Aural, oral and written communication.
Assessment
- Coursework: 100%
- Examination: 0%
- Practical: 0%
Credits
- 30
Module Code
- BIO8309
Teaching Period
- Autumn
Duration
- 6 weeks
Pre-requisite
- No
Core/Optional
- Core
Foundations for Research in the Biosciences
Overview
How to write a research proposal, how to search literature database, how to generate ideas, the scientific method, Experimental design, introduction to statistics, Ethics in research, Impact in research, how to communicate science.
Learning Outcomes
- Students completing this module should understand the process by which scientific research is developed through the construction of a research proposal.
- They should understand the process of generating ideas, formulating and testing hypotheses, the role of data analysis and statistics in experimental design, the ethical implications of research and how to develop the impact of their research on society.
Skills
- Experimental design; selection of appropriate statistical tests; introduction to commonly used computer packages; time management; project planning; synthesis and collation of literature from electronic sources; personal development and planning; presenting and communicating scientific results.
Assessment
- Coursework: 0%
- Examination: 0%
- Practical: 100%
Credits
- 20
Module Code
- BBC8042
Teaching Period
- Autumn
Duration
- 12 weeks
Pre-requisite
- No
Core/Optional
- Core
Literature Review: Animal Behaviour and Welfare
Overview
Prepare a review of the literature in the field related to your project or selected research area, using primary scientific literature.
Learning Outcomes
- Students should be able to access a wide range of primary scientific literature; gain subject-specific knowledge; be able to read, comprehend, interpret and integrate scientific literature; organise a scientific topic under a series of sub-headings or categories; report in writing on a scientific topic.
Skills
- Literature searching; referencing of literature; scientific writing; presenting an argument; independent learning skills.
Assessment
- Coursework: 100%
- Examination: 0%
- Practical: 0%
Credits
- 20
Module Code
- BIO8304
Teaching Period
- Full Year
Duration
- 24 weeks
Pre-requisite
- No
Core/Optional
- Core
Key Skills in Animal Behaviour and Welfare
Overview
Introduction to the scientific method, measuring behaviour, statistical analysis (including a practical), scientific writing, scientific presentation, understanding primary literature, and delivering presentations.
Learning Outcomes
- A student completing this module should have a good knowledge of (i) the scientific method, (ii) experimental design, (iii) how to apply basic statistical tests, and (iv) how to present scientific results in oral and written form through group discussions and oral presentations.
Skills
- Aural, oral and written communication.
Assessment
- Coursework: 100%
- Examination: 0%
- Practical: 0%
Credits
- 20
Module Code
- BBC8052
Teaching Period
- Spring
Duration
- 12 weeks
Pre-requisite
- No
Core/Optional
- Core
Research Project: Animal Behaviour and Welfare
Overview
Research project carrying out scientific research at an appropriate level for a Masters degree i.e. professional scientific research; preparation and presentation of written and oral reports.
Learning Outcomes
- After completion of the research project students will have gained experience in scientific research at a level appropriate to the Masters degree i.e. professional scientific research; they will have gained experience in data collection and analysis and they will be able to contribute to design and communicate scientific research in a written form.
Skills
- Communication of scientific research; problem solving; independent learning.
Assessment
- Coursework: 100%
- Examination: 0%
- Practical: 0%
Credits
- 60
Module Code
- BBC8002
Teaching Period
- Summer
Duration
- 12 weeks
Pre-requisite
- No
Core/Optional
- Optional
Professional Development and Work Placement
Overview
Most MSc students graduating in Ecological Management and Conservation find employment in conservation, education or Government sectors. Students will complete a work placement that generally begins at the end of the second semester. These placements can either be carried out at the host institution or remotely. Work placement providers will be drawn from environmental charities, environmental consultancies, NGOs, Government Departments (e.g. Environment of Agriculture), research institutes, zoological gardens, museums, educational bodies, TV and radio broadcasting or other related areas (organised by the student with support of the career services in the School of Biological Sciences).
Learning Outcomes
- Awareness of professional standards and employability requirements. Upon completion of placements students should be able to evaluate critically, identify best practice and understand changes, opportunities and challenges in the host organization. Students will have had the opportunity to apply and develop knowledge and skills in order to conduct original research relevant for the host organisation.
Skills
- Students will acquire transferable skills that will directly improve their employability including adherence to professional standards (working with and shadowing professionals in the field or throughout an assignment) and reflective skills (demonstrating an evaluation of the use of knowledge or the application of techniques in an applied context). Written and oral communication skills. Students will be able to critically analyse, synthesise and summarise academic and professional information, use initiative to independently plan and execute tasks at a professional level, conduct critical self-analysis to develop own learning, develop research and employability skills.
Assessment
- Coursework: 100%
- Examination: 0%
- Practical: 0%
Credits
- 60
Module Code
- BIO8205
Teaching Period
- Spring
Duration
- 12 weeks
Pre-requisite
- No
Core/Optional
- Optional
Queen's University Belfast
Overview:
Queen's University Belfast is a leading research-intensive university with a global reputation for excellence. Established in 1845, it is located in Belfast, the vibrant capital city of Northern Ireland. The university is known for its strong academic programs, world-class research, and commitment to shaping a better world.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide range of services to students, including:
Accommodation:
On-campus and off-campus housing options are available.Library:
The university library provides access to a vast collection of resources, including books, journals, and databases.Sport:
Queen's Sport offers a variety of sports and fitness activities for students.Student Support:
The university provides support services for students in areas such as academic advising, career counseling, and mental health.Open Learning:
The university offers a range of online and distance learning programs.Short Courses:
The university offers a variety of short courses for professional development.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at Queen's University Belfast can expect a vibrant and welcoming campus experience. The university is located in a friendly, affordable, and safe city, with plenty of opportunities for social interaction and cultural exploration. The university also offers a range of clubs and societies for students to join.
Key Reasons to Study There:
World-class research:
Queen's University Belfast is a leading research-intensive university, with a strong focus on innovation and impact.Global reputation:
The university has a global reputation for excellence in teaching and research.Vibrant campus life:
The university offers a vibrant and welcoming campus experience, with plenty of opportunities for social interaction and cultural exploration.Strong academic programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across a variety of disciplines.Affordable tuition fees:
The university offers competitive tuition fees for both domestic and international students.Academic Programs:
Queen's University Belfast offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across a variety of disciplines, including: