COURSE CURRICULUM

The Masters in Human-Animal Interaction provides a comprehensive program that equips students with the knowledge and skills to study and understand human-animal relationships across a range of contexts, including pet ownership, animal-assisted interventions, farms, zoos, and conservation settings. In the Autumn semester, students undertake core modules in human-animal interactions, research methods in psychology, and key skills for psychology researchers. These modules develop both theoretical understanding and practical research abilities, enabling students to critically evaluate the impact of human-animal relationships on wellbeing, behaviour, and society. Students also choose an optional module from a range of relevant topics such as child development, autism and neurodevelopmental conditions research, or climate and environmental psychology, allowing them to tailor their studies to specific interests and career goals. In the Spring semester, students focus on their dissertation, selecting a 60-credit project that provides the opportunity to carry out independent research in their chosen area of human-animal interaction. This includes developing research questions, applying appropriate methodologies, analysing data, and considering ethical and welfare implications for both humans and animals. The program combines academic rigour with practical and applied learning, preparing graduates for careers in research, animal-assisted therapy, conservation, and other roles that support positive interactions between humans and animals in a variety of professional contexts.