MSc International Animal Welfare, Ethics and Law

This online, distance learning programme will give you a knowledge and understanding of animal welfare science, with a focus on international issues. The course can be taken by intermittent study (flexible progression route) with a maximum time limit of six years for the MSc.

Location: Edinburgh
Study mode:
Subject area: Animal Care, Animal and Biological Sciences
Start date: September 2025
Agency code: PE15

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Course overview

The overall objective of this online distance learning programme is to give you a knowledge and understanding of animal welfare science, with a focus on international issues arising from animal use in all its forms.

Delivered by researchers and teachers from SRUC and the Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education within the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, the course also features a series of guest lecturers from around the world.

Specific course objectives are to provide you with:

an enhanced knowledge and understanding of animal welfare, ethics and law in order to address welfare concerns from a global perspective
an awareness of the importance of the application of science-based evidence for advancing animal welfare
an understanding of animal welfare that can be applied in veterinary practice, animal research, animal management and care, animal production, welfare inspection, and the preparation of animal-based legislation
the skills and confidence to undertake ethical debate relating to animal welfare and animal use

This programme is affiliated with Edinburgh University's Global Health Academy.

Virtual Experience

Take a look around the SRUC Virtual Experience for lots of great student videos and examples of what it’s like to study our courses, along with campus and facility tours.

SRUC holds open days regularly. Visit our listings page for details of our up-coming events.

Entry requirements

An undergraduate degree, with an excellent/very good classification (equivalent to UK first or 2:1) in animal science, biology, psychology, zoology or veterinary science.

What you'll learn

The programme offers teaching across a variety of areas, including history, culture and concepts of animal welfare, animal behaviour and welfare and animal ethics.

It also examines legislation, regulation and enforcement, science communication and applied animal welfare in the areas of production, companion and captive wild animals.

You'll use a blend of online learning methods, like discussion forums, podcasts and live tutorials.

You may choose to study to certificate, diploma or masters level.

It can take up to 6 years to complete the full MSc programme.

Find out more on The University of Edinburgh website.

Compulsory courses

: This course is designed to introduce the student to the following core concepts: history, culture and concepts of animal welfare; understanding animal behaviour; science and animal welfare; animal suffering; and animal welfare assessment.
: This course is designed to introduce the student to the following core concepts: animal welfare and ethics; animal welfare recommendations and policy; animal welfare legislation, regulation and enforcement; and animal welfare science translation into policy and law including education.