If you care about animal welfare but realise that applying scientific principles is likely to achieve better results than responding in a purely emotional way, and want to learn more about the biology of a range of animals, this is the course for you. This is a multi-disciplinary, four-year course incorporating a variety of applied science and animal management modules. It looks at normal body structure and functioning, mechanisms to enhance health and welfare and develops students’ abilities to synthesise solutions to a range of animal-related problems. Companion (pet) animals and farm livestock are given equal weighting on the course. There are also opportunities to choose modules which relate to wildlife and horses. This allows you to specialise or gives you the flexibility to study over a wide area. There is an element of science in the course, as you will be studying the biology of animals and disease. This is crucial because in order to manage animals in the interests of their welfare, you need to have a good understanding of the underpinning sciences, such as how their bodies work, what is needed to maintain health and what happens in the case of disease. This does include laboratory work, although not ‘animal experimentation’ in its sensationalist form.

Careers in this field are varied and rewarding. There are opportunities in animal health with companies associated with the development and marketing of animal health products. Nutritional products and special diet formulations are being developed for animals with health problems, and knowledge of both animal health and nutrition equips graduates for careers in this area. Welfare and food safety concerns have led to job opportunities in quality assurance, with schemes being developed by the RSPCA, supermarkets and the farming industry. Or you may consider a career in animal welfare and the management of collection animals, in animal physiotherapy or in the pet care industry.