Equine Behaviour and Welfare

MSc

The course aims to provide training for students in skills associated with postgraduate learning, particularly the approaches, methods and techniques required for research in the field of equine behaviour and welfare. It allows students the opportunity to extend their knowledge in this important area through the use of theoretical and applied practical work and training of horses.

The course includes theoretical and practical based modules. Students will study the underpinning principles of equine and animal welfare science as well as studying and developing techniques for assessing behaviour and welfare in different settings. The course also includes consideration of human attitudes to animals and the influence this has on their welfare and care. The ways in which animals perceive their environment and the impact this has on their welfare is also discussed.

Delivered in partnership with Moulton College.

Overview
Content
Additional information
How to apply
Fees and funding
International

Course level

Postgraduate

Modes of study

Part time, Full time

Attendance

One year full-time, two years part-time

Location

Moulton College

Entry requirements

Applicants will normally be expected to have a lower second-class honours degree or better in a relevant discipline (such as animal science, animal management, equine science etc) but applicants from other disciplines may be admitted where they can demonstrate a willingness and ability to tackle the course. Practical competence with regard to the husbandry and management of a range of animal species will be an important criterion for entry to this course.

International applicants must demonstrate an equivalent entry qualification and have an IELTS score of at least 6.5.

Start date

September or February

School

Moulton College

Special course features

One of the only equine MSc that focuses on behaviour and welfare; with opportunities for applied practical management and training of equines
Considers the measurement of welfare and behaviour as well as the relationships between human beings and animals
Students can choose to study individual modules as they wish and for CPD
The course is mindful of employment prospects - in particular the opportunities opened up by the new animal welfare bill and equine legislation

Typical modules

Assessing Animal Welfare
Principles of Animal Welfare Science
Equine Ethics and Welfare
Management of Equine Behaviours
Research and Analytical Methods
Research thesis
The Animal Brain and Behaviour

Assessment

All modules are assessed by coursework with formal examinations and time-constrained assessments used as a means of assessing factual knowledge of theories and concepts. The coursework takes a variety of forms with between two and three items of assessment per module.

Assessment methods are varied and include reports, essays, seminars, presentations, time-constrained assessments, fieldwork projects and a dissertation

Facilities available

Specialist resources and facilities are already in existence at Moulton College to facilitate learning and research at level seven including; the Equine Therapy Centre and Equine Unit, heart rate monitors, an equine gait-analysis system and an equine-specific body measurement system.

The College Equine Therapy Centre provides a variety of treatments and services to promote and assist the recovery of clients' horses in a purpose-built facility located at the Pitsford Centre.

Extending to 893m2, the facility also hosts a surgery for Town and Country Vets specialist equine veterinary practice. The Therapy Centre itself is 34m x 11.5m and is 6.6m in height.

Adjacent to the facility are six high quality stables providing temporary residence for horses receiving treatment at the Centre. The therapy centre includes an equine swimming pool, aqua-treadmill, hydro-spa and solarium

The Therapy Centre is managed by an Equine Therapist who is responsible for the day-to-day running of the facility and for designing and managing the horses' therapy programmes. These may include either an individual treatment or a combination of specialised treatments designed into a programme to suit each horse's specific needs. The Therapy Team evaluate and assess each horse upon arrival and are skilled at rehabilitating high-end equine athletes from all disciplines including show-jumpers, dressage, three day eventers and thoroughbreds.

The Equine Therapy Centre offers an unrivalled service in equine rehabilitation specialising in post-surgical, after injury and return to training care.

Career opportunities

Increasingly, students are finding that positions in the animal-related sector require postgraduate experience and skills. Graduates may find employment in a number of areas including work as scientific or technical officers within animal welfare organisations or as part of research organisations, animal welfare and health officers within local authorities, welfare inspectors, or working within animal collections. Alternatively, graduates may wish to pursue further study through the completion of doctoral programmes. Students may also be in a position to undertake work as an equine behaviourist in a freelance capacity or similar.

For general application information please see our how to apply page.

Fees quoted are for home and EU students commencing their course in the academic year 2012/13. Tuition fees are payable for each year of the course. The fees are subject to annual increases in subsequent academic years.