Hartpury University Announces Two New Postgraduate Animal Degrees for 2022
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wo new postgraduate animal degrees launched by Hartpury University will equip graduates with the expertise required for management and research roles in areas of animal science, behaviour and welfare. The MSc Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare degree has been designed by Hartpury – a member of the UK Centre for Animal Law (A-Law) – to meet emerging animal welfare challenges and their connection to behaviour. This innovative programme will focus on the scientific understanding of behaviour and welfare issues and how this is applied to real-life situations. Students will explore philosophical and ethical frameworks, employing the principles and methodologies of observing and understanding animal behaviour. The constraints, compromises and difficulties of safeguarding animal wellbeing in realworld practice will form an important part of this cutting-edge course. The MRes Animal Science degree aims to equip students with advanced research expertise, empowering them to advance future scientific research and real-world practice. Individuals enrolled on this programme will be encouraged to attend industry conferences and engage with academics to acquire opportunities to present and publish research. All research activity at Hartpury University, which also offers PhDs and undergraduate degrees, either directly or indirectly informs not only current industry practice but also the curriculum. Research is fully integrated within teaching and staff are researchactive in the areas they teach. Many dissertations are embedded in larger scale research projects or linked with businesses and fellow educational institutions. Previous animal research project areas have included canine hydrotherapy, animal rehoming issues
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and the deadly bacteria lurking in pet food bowls. The courses are two of five brand new postgraduate degrees announced for 2022 alongside MSc Applied Agricultural Sciences, MRes Sport and Exercise Science and MSc Equitation Science. The addition of these programmes reflects Hartpury University’s growing research capabilities and mission to drive industries forward through newly acquired knowledge. The new degrees will sit alongside popular postgraduate animal programmes including MRes Anthrozoology and MSc Animal Welfare, Policy and Legislation. The new programme combines a mixture of online and campus-based learning, providing a convenient way for students to earn their qualification alongside other commitments. Dr Wanda McCormick, Head of Animal and Agriculture at Hartpury University, said “We’re thrilled to announce the addition of two exciting and important postgraduate degrees for 2022.
“As graduates progress into management positions, they’re likely to be making decisions that actively impact the lives of animals. Having a comprehensive understanding of behaviour will enable them to act in the best interests of the animal while balancing practical real-world challenges. Graduates will perhaps most importantly have the knowledge and skills to influence and educate others around them, further improving the lives of animals. “I’m particularly looking forward to the difference students enrolled on our new MRes Animal Science degree will make, given the far-reaching impact Hartpury research has previously had in the sector.” Hartpury University was ranked number one in the UK for student satisfaction by full-time postgraduate students in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2021. Ninetyone percent of full-time students are satisfied with the quality of their course, compared to a sector average of just 77%.
