MSc Animal Behaviour and Welfare at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

The MSc Animal Behaviour and Welfare is a one-year full-time course giving advanced understanding of current and emerging issues in animal behaviour and animal welfare. It prepares students for research, education and industry careers in the life sciences sector.

Faculty: School of Biological Sciences | Duration: 1 year full-time | Intake: September 2027 | Study mode: full-time | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Core modules are Animal Behaviour, Animal Welfare, Key Skills in Animal Behaviour and Welfare and a Literature Review (30 credits each). Students then choose between a 60-credit Research Project and a 60-credit Professional Development and Work Placement.

Career pathways

Graduates have progressed to PhD study at Queen's and elsewhere, and have worked at organisations including Sea Watch Foundation, Dogs Trust, ISPCA, the DOE Marine Division and NISRA, in Northern Ireland and internationally.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Normally a 2.2 honours degree or above in a relevant area of science (including psychology) or equivalent; applicants without this who hold a degree and relevant experience are considered individually. Intercalating medical or veterinary students must have completed the third/fourth year with all relevant assessments passed (internal Queen's intercalators need at least lower second class standard at first attempt). Apply ideally by 31 July 2027. A deposit is required (£400 domestic, £1,000 international). English language for international applicants: IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in every component or equivalent.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,200 a year (2026/27). NI/ROI residency, full-time MSc; published 2026/27 rate Source

International applicants: GBP 27,600 a year (2026/27). International/EU Other, full-time MSc; published 2026/27 rate Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 1 year full-time

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