MSc / MA Human-Animal Interaction

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Study this unique Masters in Human-Animal Interaction to explore research methods and our relationships with non-human animals. Gain real-world experience through placements and projects.

Human-Animal Interaction
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Key facts

  • Award MA, Masters / MSc, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma
  • Start date September 2025
  • Duration MSc/MA full-time: 12 months, MSc/MA part-time: 24 months
  • Mode of study full time, part time
  • Delivery on campus

Overview

The field of human-animal interaction has grown substantially over the last few years. Research highlights how these interactions can improve mental well-being, social connections, and even physical health. It can also help us address the biodiversity crisis.

As awareness of these benefits grows, so does the demand for professionals in animal-assisted therapy and related careers (source: CABI Digital Library 2022).

This Masters in Human-Animal Interaction explores research methods and approaches to studying our relationships with non-human animals. You'll look at human-animal interactions across various contexts such as:

  • pet owning,
  • animal-assisted interventions,
  • zoos,
  • farms,
  • conservation.

You'll study the importance of both human and animal behaviour in shaping human-animal interaction. The associated ethical issues are also covered. You’ll develop skills to critically evaluate methods for measuring attitudes, interactions and their outcomes.

Learn from experts

Our MSc/MA Human-Animal Interaction is taught by experts whose specialisms include:

  • the study of animal behaviour and animal welfare,
  • animal-assisted activities and interventions,
  • human and animal coexistence. 

You can join our vibrant research community for weekly seminars and specialist discussions. You’ll have access to state-of-the-art psychology labs and a dedicated study suite.

Gain real-world experience through placements and projects

As part of the Human-Animal Interaction Masters, you can undertake tailored placements to align with your career goals. Examples include:

  • Working within organisations in therapeutic or educational settings.
  • Assisting research projects in psychology at Stirling or other institutions.
  • Engaging with voluntary organisations like the SSPCA, industry partners or businesses such as canine or equine behaviourist organisations. A popular past placement has been with the animal assisted intervention organisation ‘Paws for Progress’ which has close connections with Stirling. Other examples are Equine Behaviour Affiliation and Stirling Dog Behavioural Centre.
  • Communicating science to the public at venues like Edinburgh Zoo or Blair Drummond Safari Park.

Choose your path in human-animal interaction research

This course covers the fundamentals of research methods. It focuses on their application to human-animal interactions.

You can study Human-Animal Interaction as either an MA or MSc:

  • MA - focuses on qualitative research methods.
  • MSc - covers both qualitative and quantitative research methods.

All students take a Qualitative Data Analysis module. MSc students also take Quantitative Analysis Methods in Psychological Research. MA students choose from options like Child Development, Autism and Neurodevelopmental Conditions, or Environmental Psychology.

Top reasons to study with us

Flexible learning

If you’re interested in studying a module from this course, the Postgraduate Certificate or the Postgraduate Diploma then please email Graduate Admissions to discuss your course of study.

Research overview

The University of Stirling is rated 2nd in Scotland for research impact in Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience (Research Excellence Framework 2021), with 100% of our research impact and environment rated as world-leading or internationally excellent.

As a postgraduate taught student you’ll be part of our lively research community, meeting up for weekly research seminars and informal specialist discussion groups.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

A minimum of a second class honours degree (2.1 preferred) or equivalent in a relevant subject. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.

Other routes of entry

If you don't currently meet our academic requirements, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need to progress onto some of our courses. Explore University of Stirling International Study Centre to see the pathway and pre-masters routes available.

International entry requirements

View the entry requirements for your country.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:

  • IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
  • IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.

See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.

Pre-sessional English language courses

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.

Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses.

Course details

Modules

Teaching

Teaching is delivered in a number of ways, including online materials, tutorials, demonstrations and practical classes, but the majority is seminar-based. Students are typically taught in small groups in specialist classes, or with first year PhD students or other postgraduate students (for example, in modules from other Masters courses).  

Assessment

A range of assessment methods are used across the programme, including:

  • research proposals
  • critical reviews
  • a logic model
  • reflective journals for placements
  • oral presentations
  • popular science articles
  • dissertation

Course director

Course director

Dr Clare Andrews

clare.andrews@stir.ac.uk

General enquiries

Nicola Hunt

nicola.hunt@stir.ac.uk 

Fees and funding

Fees and costs

University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our  Stirling Alumni Scholarship.

Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship

If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees. 

If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry. 

For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.

Eligible students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students.

If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees. 

If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry. 

For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.

Postgraduate tuition fee loans

This course is eligible for a postgraduate tuition fee loan from one of the UK’s governments. See the section, below, for more details.

Additional costs

There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.

Scholarships and funding

Funding 

If you have the talent, ability and drive to study with us, we want to make sure you make the most of the opportunity – regardless of your financial circumstances.

Learn more about available funding opportunities or use our scholarship finder to explore our range of scholarships.

Postgraduate tuition fee loans

Scottish students may be eligible to apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for loans of up to £11,500 to cover tuition fees and associated living costs.

English students can apply for a loan of up to £12,167 each year as part of the Postgraduate Masters Loan Scheme.

Welsh students can apply for financial support of up to £18,770 as a combination of grant and loan from Student Finance Wales.

Northern Irish students can apply for a postgraduate tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 from Student Finance NI.

International students may be able to gain additional funding from loan providers.

Cost of living

If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.

International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.

Find out about the cost of living for students at Stirling

Payment options

We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay

After you graduate

A Master's in Human-Animal Interaction offers diverse career paths, including:

  • Animal-Assisted Therapy Practitioner – Facilitate animal-based therapy with healthcare professionals.
  • Animal Welfare Officer – Ensure animal wellbeing in shelters, zoos, and other facilities.
  • Research Scientist – Study human-animal interactions and their benefits.
  • Animal-Assisted Activities Coordinator – Develop programmes integrating animals into community well-being initiatives. 

A career in Human-Animal Interaction can be both rewarding and financially viable. Here are some average annual salary ranges for various roles:

  • Animal-Assisted Therapy Practitioner: £25,000 to £35,000
  • Animal Welfare Officer: £20,000 to £30,000
  • Research Scientist: £30,000 to £45,000
  • Veterinary Technician: £18,000 to £25,000
  • Animal Behaviourist: £25,000 to £40,000

Source: Interviewguy.com

Graduates of the MSc/MA Human-Animal Interaction have gone into roles including:

  • Executive Director
  • Land and Regeneration Officer
  • Research Assistant
  • Progression and Outcomes Coordinator
  • Research and Development Officer

Organisations our graduates work for include:

  • Habitat for Horses
  • Summer Isles Enterprises
  • Stirling Council
  • Action for Children
  • North Lanarkshire Council

What our students said

Kirsty-Marie Moran
Kirsty-Marie Moran
Scotland
MSc Human Animal Interaction
This course not only provided me with a place of belonging with friends of like-mindedness but it also provided me with amazing opportunities.
Read Kirsty-Marie's story
Michelle Stolte
Michelle Stolte
USA
MSc Human Animal Interaction
The core class, taught by very knowledgeable and accessible professors, allows for much group discussion and self-directed study in topics that interest the individual, as well.
Read Michelle's story
Ellie Berry
Ellie Berry
England
MSc / MA Human-Animal Interaction
All the reading, lectures and discussion was exactly what I was interested in. The idea of animal rights, that humans should respect other species, is quite new really - I learned so much.
Read Ellie's story

Which course would you like to apply for?

MA Human Animal Interaction

MSc Human Animal Interaction

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