MSc / MA Human-Animal Interaction

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Stirling

Program Overview

The MSc Human–Animal Interaction at the University of Stirling explores the psychological, social, and biological foundations of relationships between humans and animals. It suits students interested in careers or research involving animal welfare, therapy, conservation, or behavioural studies.

Curriculum structure:
In the first semester, students gain core theoretical grounding through modules like Theories and Applications in Human–Animal Interaction, Research Methods in Psychology, and Animals and Society. These modules develop understanding of how human attitudes and behaviour influence animal wellbeing. In the second semester, learners engage in applied and interdisciplinary study through Animal Behaviour and Welfare and Practical Applications in Human–Animal Interaction, linking scientific evidence to real-world practices. The year culminates with an independent Human–Animal Interaction Dissertation, allowing students to conduct original research in their chosen area of interest.

Focus areas: “human–animal relationships; animal welfare; behaviour and psychology; applied research; ethics and society”
Learning outcomes: “understand theoretical models of human–animal interaction; apply behavioural and psychological principles to welfare and conservation; design and conduct ethical research; evaluate interventions involving animals in therapy and education”
Professional alignment (accreditation): Designed to align with research and professional standards in psychology, animal behaviour, and welfare science, supporting progression to academic, welfare, or therapeutic roles.
Reputation (employability rankings): The University of Stirling is internationally recognised for its research in psychology and animal behaviour, consistently ranked among the top UK universities in The Guardian and QS World University Rankings for teaching quality and graduate employability.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students develop practical skills through health-focused research projects and professional training for Stage 1 accreditation. They utilise the Psychology Department's specialist facilities and have links with health organisations. The programme's experiential components include:

Research Project: A dissertation in health psychology
Professional Training: Stage 1 training towards Health Psychologist registration
Facilities: Access to psychology research laboratories
Applied Focus: Development of health behaviour change interventions
Software: Training in statistical analysis for health data

Progression & Future Opportunities

The MSc/MA Human Animal Interaction at the University of Stirling provides graduates with interdisciplinary skills in the study of human-animal relationships, preparing them for careers in animal welfare, research, education, therapy, and conservation. Graduates typically work in roles such as animal-assisted therapy practitioners, animal welfare officers, research scientists, and program coordinators.

Progression & Future Opportunities:

University services include tailored career coaching, access to state-of-the-art psychology labs, project and placement opportunities with organizations like SSPCA, Equine Behaviour Affiliation, and Paws for Progress.
About 86% of graduates report satisfaction with the course, with median salaries around £21,000 fifteen months after graduation, increasing with experience.
Partnerships with animal welfare organizations, zoos, research institutes, and conservation bodies support employment and professional development.
The program offers long-term academic and professional value by integrating research excellence with applied practice in a growing field.
Typical roles: Animal-Assisted Therapy Practitioner, Animal Welfare Officer, Research Scientist, Animal Behaviour Specialist.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates may pursue PhD research in related fields or complement their studies with psychoanalytic postgraduate programs such as the MA Psychoanalytic Studies

Additional Information & Requirements

A minimum of a second class honours degree (2.1 preferred) or equivalent in a relevant subject.

India- 50% from Tier 1 College/University (namely University of Mumbai, University of Calcutta, University of Delhi) or 55% from a Tier 2 College/University.

USA- Relevant Bachelor's degree with a GPA of 2.7.

IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-skill.

IBT TOEFL 88 overall with 20 in reading, 19 in writing, 19 in listening and 22 in speaking.

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