Designed for students aiming to work in research, education, and industry in the life sciences sector. Specifically this MSc will provide you with an advanced understanding of current and emerging issues in both Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare and provide you with an extensive range of lectures on a variety of topics.
Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 31st July for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.
Please note a deposit will be required to guarantee a place on the course. Due to high demand, applications may not be considered if the course has reached its maximum class size and will be placed on a waiting list. Please see deposit terms and conditions for more details.
Animal Behaviour and Welfare highlights
Internationally Renowned Experts
This course offers a unique opportunity to obtain a qualification in the fields of Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare delivered by world class scientists.
Student Experience
In contrast to most MSc programmes at other UK universities, we will provide students with an extensive range of lectures on a variety of topics, and offer the opportunity to choose between a research project and a research placement to complete the MSc.
Career Development
Many of our graduates secure dream jobs around the world.
World Class Facilities
The School of Biological Sciences has a wide range of facilities to carry out Animal Behaviour and Welfare research. Our world class facilities include access to:
The Animal Behaviour and Welfare MSc course was an invaluable stepping stone between an undergraduate and PhD degree course. It helped me to develop essential skills for a career nested in scientific research and built my confidence in presenting and communicating research findings.
I qualified as a veterinarian in 2018 and during this time, I learned that to optimise the welfare of the animals in my care I needed to gain a better understanding of their behaviour. Therefore, in 2022 I applied for the MSc in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, to further my knowledge.
This course has taught me a lot about the behaviour of many different animal species, as well as the importance of prioritising animal welfare in an anthropocentric world. As I primarily work as a companion animal vet, I chose to focus my research project on the stress experienced by dogs in veterinary settings, and the potential influence that owners may have on that stress. This research was very applicable to my profession as it informed me regarding the many components that contribute to canine stress, and how to best mitigate these in veterinary settings.
Aoife Byrne
Animal Behaviour is the scientific study of what animals do, from single-celled organisms, invertebrates to vertebrates. It is one of the most exciting and interesting scientific disciplines, expanding rapidly over recent decades. Animal behaviour is key to understanding evolutionary processes, and there is a growing need to understand behaviour due to the impact of an increasing human population.
In addition, an understanding of animal behaviour is of fundamental importance to safeguard animal welfare. Thus, the study of animal behaviour provides the foundation for successful conservation and to increase and regulate the welfare of both domestic and wild animals. The course covers a wide range of animals, from insects to primates, taking in companion and farm animals. Thus, there is something of interest for everyone.
Throughout the course students will get fundamental training in Animal Behaviour, Animal Welfare, Experimental Design, Statistics, and Presentation Skills to succeed on the competitive job market. The content provided during the course will also be useful for those who wish to pursue a PhD in Behaviour, Behavioural Ecology, Conservation, Evolutionary Ecology, and Animal Welfare.
The course also offers the opportunity to undertake a work placement with a variety of organizations subject to availability of placements. The School of Biological Sciences has provided work placement opportunities to students for more than 10 years, through a dedicated team of Career and Work Placement Officers that work for our School.
The work placement module is optional: students will have the option to either complete the module Professional Development and Work Placement, or the module Research Project: Animal Behaviour and Welfare.
The structure and contents of the programme are detailed below and please note this is a full time program that needs your full attention:
Animal Behaviour (30 CATS). This module provides an introduction to the scientific study of animal behaviour. Topics include communication, contests, social learning, movement etc.
Animal Welfare (30 CATS). This module provides an introduction into the formal study of animal welfare including farm animal welfare and veterinary welfare issues.
Foundations for Research in the Biosciences (20 CATS). This module will provide you with the underpinning of research such as the scientific method, ethics in research, scientific communication, and impact of your research.
Key Skills in Animal Behaviour and Welfare (20 CATS). This module will introduce you to the principles, which will allow you to conduct animal behaviour and welfare research successfully. This module will improve your skills in terms of study design and statistical analysis and it will also improve your oral and written presentation skills.
Literature Review: Animal Behaviour (20 CATS). You will write an in-depth quality review in an area of Behaviour or Welfare to improve your writing skills.
One of the following:
Research Project: Animal Behaviour and Welfare (60 CATS). Projects run usually from April/ May to August (inclusive) and allows a substantial piece of research to be produced and written in good publishable style.
Professional Development and Work Placement (60 CATS). Work placement usually take place from April/ May until the end of August, and are undertaken in an organisation chosen among industry, the public sector and on governmental organizations in the area of animal behaviour and welfare. During the work placement, you will increase your ability to relate academic theory to the work environment, develop identified work related skills (cognitive, transferable and subject specific skills), enhance your career knowledge, be able to critically evaluate your learning from the placement to demonstrate its value to your future.
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:
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At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.
On the MSc in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, we do this by providing a range of different learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives. This approach will equip you for life and work in a global society and you will make use of innovative technologies and a world class library, which will enhance your development.
Teaching is across a combination of morning and afternoon classes, primarily on Mondays to Thursdays. Fridays are used for reading and preparing assignments. Research projects are carried out full-time from April to August. Work placements start at the end of the second semester.
Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course include; lectures, practical experiences, E-Learning technologies, self-directed study and added value qualifications to enhance employability.
Assessment
Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:
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.
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2024/25). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Students may avail of the Science Shop for Research Projects titles and of the Making the Most of Masters initiative of the Graduate School which provides opportunities for masters' students to undertake Work Based projects.
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.
Normally a 2.2 Honours degree or above, in a relevant area of science (including psychology), or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. We welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds, thus applicants who do not meet the above academic requirements but hold a degree (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) and can demonstrate appropriate experience, will be considered on an individual basis.
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. External intercalating applicants should also ensure they have the permission of the Head of Undergraduate Medical/Veterinary Education or equivalent from their home University.
Intercalating medical students from within Queen's University Belfast will also be considered if they have successfully completed the third/fourth year of their course at first attempt and achieved at least a lower second class honours standard. Intercalating applicants from Queen's University Belfast should ensure they have permission to intercalate from their Director for Medical Education.
Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally not later than 31st July 2025. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.
Please note: A deposit will be required to secure a place on this course.
International Students
Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.
English Language Requirements
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.
*Taken within the last 2 years.
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. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.
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).
Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.
2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.
3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Terms and Conditions for Postgraduate applications:
1.1 Due to high demand, there is a deadline for applications.
1.2 You will be required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the course. The current mandatory tuition fee deposit payment is:
• £400 for Domestic (NI/ROI/GB) students
• £1000 International (Non- EU & EU except ROI).
1.3 This condition of offer is in addition to any academic or English language requirements.
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.
Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.
Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.
If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.
Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.
There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
How do I fund my study?
The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.
A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas (excluding Initial Teacher Education/PGCE, where undergraduate student finance is available). Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.