Animal welfare courses earn accolade
Two leading Edinburgh courses in animal welfare education have been commended for their innovative approach.
The on-campus and online programmes have received the Innovative Developments in Animal Welfare Award from the British Society of Animal Science and the RSPCA.
The programmes have been praised for the role they have played in transforming the care of pets, livestock and wild animals worldwide for more than a quarter of a century.
They have also been lauded for improving the welfare of animals used in research.
Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare
The on-campus Masters in Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare was introduced in 1990 by Professor David Wood-Gush, one of the first scientists to investigate the effects of large-scale farming on animals.
More than 600 students have completed the programme, which is led jointly by the University and Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC).
Alumni have gone on to make significant improvements in animal welfare around the world.
They have forged successful careers in research, education, government, veterinary practice and as members of non-governmental and industry organisations.
International Animal Welfare Ethics and Law
The online Masters in International Animal Welfare Ethics and Law was launched in 2012.
Graduates from the programme have already made notable impacts in legislation and policy changes in their home countries.
Teaching on the courses is led by academics with strong backgrounds in research. Professionals working in farms, laboratories and zoos also contribute to the delivery of the programmes.
Organisers have since introduced two Massive Open Online Courses that have enabled almost 60,000 people to learn about animal welfare and behaviour without charge.
We are committed to training the animal welfare leaders of the future and are thrilled that these programmes, run jointly with SRUC, have been recognised for their success.