This distance learning programme can be done in 1 year, but you may choose to complete it in up to 2 years, or transfer to the PgDip programme.
Animal welfare is a critical global issue, fundamental to sustainability, food security, reliable scientific research and meeting societal expectations for our treatment of animals. The field urgently requires professionals who can navigate the complexity of these animal welfare issues from an international perspective.
The Postgraduate Diploma in International Animal Welfare prepares you to become an expert with a contemporary understanding of animal welfare issues, able to devise the evidence-based solutions required to solve complex problems in animal welfare from an international perspective.
We equip our students with the skills and knowledge to make a real difference to the lives of animals worldwide.
Teaching approaches are grounded in real world animal contexts using problem-based learning, collaboration, and evidence basis. We prepare our students to be able to apply the range of communication skills needed to effectively communicate Animal Welfare to a wide range of stakeholders.
The programme supports students in developing as adaptive professionals who can learn independently, respond to rapid change and apply expertise responsibility across diverse contexts.
The SRUC Legacy
SRUC is highly renowned for their animal behaviour and welfare research and for driving innovation in animal welfare. SRUC jointly pioneered the development of the first MSc in Animal Welfare in the world. We have been at the forefront in research and educating leaders in animal behaviour and welfare for more than 35 years. We now want to expand our global impact by making this course accessible anywhere in the world through our distance learning programme.
Start Small, Aim Big - PGCert:
If you are looking for advanced specialist training but aren't yet ready to commit to a full master's dissertation research project, our Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) is an ideal starting point. It provides specialised training in half the time of a Diploma, allowing you to gain high-level expertise without the immediate requirement of a dissertation.
Why choose the Cert at SRUC?
Designed for busy professionals: our part-time online delivery allows you to balance your studies with full-time work and family. You can apply the welfare knowledge you gain directly to your current role from day one.
A Global Network: Join a thriving community of international learners and a vast network of contacts. Our platform allows you to collaborate with peers from different countries and backgrounds. Additionally, SRUC has a large network of researchers and contacts in diverse fields from welfare science, conservation, veterinary practice, charities, to policymaking and sustainable agriculture, which brings real-world case studies/research as well as potential for developing professional networking.
The PgCert is a flexible stepping stone. If you later decide to take your expertise further, you have the option to transferring to the PgDip or MSc programme and complete your dissertation project.
If you would prefer not to take on the full commitment of doing our PgCert you can start taking our short courses and then transfer your credits.
Ready to make a difference in animal welfare? If you have any questions or need more information before applying, reach out to the team at: animal.welfare@sruc.ac.uk
