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Overview
This MSc Animal Behaviour, Cognition and Welfare degree is designed for individuals with a passion for animal behaviour and cognition. You’ll understand what animals think, feel, and need, so we can treat them better.
You’ll discover how animal behaviour and cognition is more critical than ever, not only for conservation and welfare but also for rethinking how we coexist with other species in a rapidly changing world, whether they are wildlife, farmed animals, or our own companion animals.
Learn how animals behave in the wild, in homes, on farms, and in zoos, and what their behaviour tells us about their wellbeing. You’ll explore how animals learn, solve problems, and interact with people and each other. And you’ll study the science behind good welfare and how to measure it, improve it, and advocate for it. Whether you want to work with pets, in conservation, animal charities, zoos, research, or policy, this course will give you the knowledge and skills to make a real difference to animal and human lives.
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Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.
Course highlights
- Design animal cognition studies and develop skills in behavioural data collection
- Explore how animals think and feel, and learn to assess their cognitive and emotional states
- Gain hands-on fieldwork experience in animal observation and behavioural research
- Explore how scientific evidence can inform animal welfare policy and practice across companion, farm, captive and wild animal populations
- Choose between a research-focused or practice-based dissertation
- Gain access to the UK's first Dog Cognition Centre
- Become part of the Centre for Comparative and Evolutionary Psychology (CCEP), benefiting from the expertise of world-renowned researchers, a vibrant research culture, regular seminars and international research connections
Number 1 in the UK for teaching
Our applied psychology courses are ranked first in the UK for teaching in the 2024 Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES)
This is a new course and we're finalising the detailed information for this page.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsEntry requirements
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.
September 2027 / January 2028 start
- A second-class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. Professional experience and other qualifications may be taken into consideration for applicants not meeting this requirement. Those with an upper second class degree or above in a non-relevant subject will be considered on a case by case basis.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, view the equivalent entry requirements we accept for your country.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 5.5.
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (September 2027 / January 2028 start)
Please note, we'll confirm 2027/28 course fees soon.
Please note, we'll confirm 2027/28 course fees soon.
University of Portsmouth graduates may receive a 20% alumni tuition fee discount.
Fees are subject to annual increase. Read our tuition fees terms and conditions.
You'll be able to pay your fees in instalments. Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Funding your studies
Explore how to fund your studies, including available scholarships and bursaries.
If you're a UK student, you may be eligible for a Government Postgraduate Master's Loan, which you can use to help with course fees and living costs.
Loans, scholarships and bursaries
Browse funding such as the Government Postgraduate Loan, our scholarships for new and returning students, and subject specific loans.
Funding for international students
Learn more about sponsorships, scholarships and loans for students applying from outside of the UK.
Fees and funding for Master's courses
Explore Master's funding options, including loans, scholarships, bursaries and more.
Additional costs
These course-related costs aren't included in the tuition fees, so you'll need to budget for them when you plan your spending. Additional costs could include:
- Accommodation: Accommodation options and costs can be found on our accommodation pages.
- Recommended reading: You can borrow key texts from the library and if you choose to purchase these texts they may cost up to £60 each.
- General costs: Such as photocopying, memory sticks, printing charges, binding and specialist printing. We suggest budgeting £75 per year.
- Final project transport or accommodation: where necessary, which related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
- International fieldwork: There may be some additional fees associated with fieldwork depending on the modules you choose.
Read more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Modules
Full-time
- Animal Cognition - 30 credits
- Animal Behaviour - 30 credits
- Animal Welfare, Ethics and Human-Animal Interactions - 30 credits
- Research Methos and Practical Skills - 30 credits
- Research or Practice-Based Project/Dissertation - 60 credits
Part-time
You'll study these modules, some in year 1 and some in year 2.
- Animal Cognition - 30 credits
- Animal Behaviour - 30 credits
- Animal Welfare, Ethics and Human-Animal Interactions - 30 credits
- Research Methos and Practical Skills - 30 credits
- Research or Practice-Based Project/Dissertation - 60 credits
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
How you'll spend your time
We recognise that you'll probably be juggling more demands when you do your Master's degree, as you may be working or you may have family responsibilities.
We'll give you as much indication here as we can of how much time you'll need to be on campus and how many hours you can expect to spend in self-directed study, but please note that these indications are always subject to change. You should receive your full timetable several weeks before you start with us.
Course structure
Full-time
- We recommend that full-time students allocate 37 hours per week to their studies – equivalent to a full-time job
Part-time
- We recommend that part-time students allocate around 18 hours per week to their studies – equivalent to a part-time job
Studies include teaching time (lectures, seminars, and tutorials), course work, independent learning and assessments
Teaching
Master's study is deeper and more specialised than an undergraduate degree. This means you'll focus on something that really matters to you and your career as you work closely with academics committed to the subject.
You'll spend more time in independent study and research than you did for your undergraduate degree, but the majority of your teaching time will be in-person and face-to-face.
Teaching methods
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- workshops
- seminars
- field trips
- one-to-one tutorials
Assessment
You'll be assessed through:
- coursework
- presentations
- research-based dissertation
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Teaching staff
These are some of the expert staff who'll teach you on this course.
Term dates
September start
The Master's academic year runs from September to the following September. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter. Over the summer you'll be writing your project / dissertation.
January start
Courses that start in January have the same amount of teaching as September-start courses, but they normally run over a longer time period.
January-start courses normally run between 14–18 months, beginning in January and ending in the spring / summer of the following year. There are breaks at Christmas, Easter and in the summer. In the last few months you’ll be writing your project / dissertation.
Joining us as an international student
You'll feel at home in our international community and our diverse city. You'll be joining over 5,000 international students from more than 150 countries who are studying with us.
Learn more about international student life and how we can help you with visas, applications, arrival and settling in.
Career development
Careers this Master’s prepares you for
This MSc in Animal Cognition, Behaviour and Welfare equips graduates with the skills to make a meaningful impact on society and the world by improving the lives of animals and the people connected to them.
Graduates of this course could go onto roles such as:
- Researcher in private and public sectors
- Animal ethics and welfare officer
- Zoo researcher, keeper, or enrichment coordinator
- Policy advisor for governments, NGOs, or media outlets
- Animal behaviour consultant or specialist
- Science communicator
- Further study or academic research
Career outcomes shown are sourced from the latest available graduate outcome surveys. The data shows career outcomes at 15 months after graduation.
Career planning
During your course you'll have expert career support from your tutors and our Careers and Employability Centre – which you can access for up to 5 years after you graduate.
Career support
You'll benefit from:
- Networking events
- Applied projects with employers
- 1-to-1 appointments
- CV and cover letter advice
- Interview preparation and practice
- Workshops to enhance your employability skills
- Recruitment events including the Student and Graduate Opportunities Fair
- Support starting your own business
Supporting you
Types of support
Your Personal Academic Tutor gives you academic guidance throughout your course.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal academic tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
Library support
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
Accommodation support
From Halls of Residence to living in the private sector, our dedicated housing team will help you decide where to live and manage your time while living in Portsmouth.
Financial support
For help managing your money effectively, our Student Money team can give you information, advice and support to keep your finances on track.
Careers support
Our Careers and Employability Service supports you to help find part-time jobs, career planning, work experience and volunteering, graduate jobs, further study or starting up a business.
They offer
- CV reviewing, application and interview support
- LinkedIn essentials
- Help to find your ideal career
- Student Startup support to help those looking to freelance or start a new business
IT support
You can get help with all your computer issues face-to-face at the IT help centre in the Library, and by phone, email and online chat.
As a student you'll get access to
- Free Wi-Fi across all University buildings
- Laptops on short-term loan
- Free Microsoft Office 365 download on your own devices and access to other essential software and apps such as Adobe Creative Cloud
- Open access areas, printing facilities and group working areas
During term time, Academic Support Advisers are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, our Disability Advice team will give you help, support and advice.
You can access information on the personal, emotional and mental health support available to you from your college. They can help you understand the support available locally, as well as other support that might be available to you to help you engage with your studies and improve your wellbeing.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need, your partner college should be your first point of contact for arranging reasonable adjustments.
However, our University specialist team is also available to offer advice and guidance if needed. We can help you:
-
Explore reasonable adjustments in collaboration with your partner college
-
Liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
-
Connect with external services where appropriate
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Provide advice and support on accessing the Disabled Student Allowance (DSA)
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University's library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from librarians who specialise in your subject.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
The Maths Cafe offers advice and assistance with mathematical skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your mathematics skills at a workshop or use our online resources.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Master's study is more focused on independent learning than undergraduate study, but you'll get lots of support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Apply
Unlike undergraduate applications, which go through UCAS, applications for this Master's course are made directly to us.
There's no fixed deadline for applications to this course for UK applicants. We accept applications right up until the start date in September, as long as there are places available. If you wait until September to apply, you may find that the course is full.
If you're applying as an international student, please note that application deadlines may differ. You’ll need to allow enough time for your application to be processed and for visa arrangements.
You can find more advice about applying in our Master's application checklist. International students, as well as current students and recent graduates of the University of Portsmouth, also have some different application options, which are detailed below.
Extra information for international students
If you're an international student, you can apply directly to us using the same application form as UK students.
You could also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region. To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Ready to apply?
Start this course in September 2027
Apply now (Full-time) – 1 year
Apply now (Part-time) – 2 years
Start this course in January 2028
I'm a current Portsmouth student, or a recent Portsmouth graduate
If you're currently in your final year of study at Portsmouth, or you graduated since July 2025, you're eligible to make a fast track application. You'll have:
- a shorter application form to complete
- access to the 20% Alumni fee discount
- a guaranteed conditional offer, for most Master's courses
After you apply
Once we receive your application, we may ask you for further information. We will then either make you an offer or suggest alternatives if your application is unsuccessful.
You'll usually get a decision within 10 working days, so you shouldn't have to wait too long. Some courses have an interview stage – we'll let you know if you need to prepare for one.
Learn more about how we assess your application.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.
Finalising this course
All our courses go through a rigorous approval process to make sure they’re of the highest quality. This includes a review by a panel of experts, made up of academic staff and an external academic or professional with specialist knowledge.
This course is in the final stages of this process and is open for applications. If any details of the course or its approval status change after you apply, we’ll let you know as soon as possible and will be here to discuss your options with you.