Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Anthrozoology at The University of Exeter is a rigorous postgraduate programme delivered fully online. Designed for graduates and professionals seeking advanced expertise in natural sciences, the programme develops both theoretical foundations and applied skills essential for today's competitive environment.
Spanning 12 months, students engage with cutting-edge research, industry-relevant case studies, and practical projects. Instruction is delivered in English by research-active faculty with professional expertise.
The programme culminates in a dissertation or capstone project. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles, research careers, and doctoral study in natural sciences.
Key Program Features
Why study MA Anthrozoology at Exeter?
- We’ll provide you with an insight into the many and varied ways in which humans think about and interact with other animals in a range of cultural, historical and geographical contexts
- Suitable as Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for those with existing professional and personal commitments eg. vets and conservationists
- Studying via distance learning enables you to fit your studies around your existing professional and personal commitments
- You can choose an optional residential module where you attend a three-day residential at the University providing a unique opportunity to engage with other postgraduates and academics
Career Opportunities
Careers
A programme tailored to your career aspirations
Several modules require you to undertake independent research on a topic of your choosing. These assignments can be approached strategically, with career aspirations or professional development in mind. For example, if you wish to pursue a career in the zoo sector, you could focus your assignments on different issues relating to zoos and wildlife parks.
The module Applied Anthrozoology is devoted to the practical application of anthrozoological knowledge. You will explore the ways in which academic research can and does inform the treatment of animals on the ground, along with the theoretical, ethical and methodological issues associated with such activity.
Career paths
Current MA Anthrozoology students and graduates work in the following areas:
- Wildlife conservation
- Veterinary nursing
- Animal behaviour
- Teaching and university lecturing
- Dog training
- Fundraising and PR for national and international animal charities
- Zoo keeping
Many also utilise their anthrozoological knowledge and skills working with a range of organisations (in both paid and voluntary capacities) including the Guide Dogs Association, Battersea Dogs Home, the Blue Cross and the PDSA. Further study On successful completion of the MA you will have the research skills to pursue a PhD Career support The College's Employability Officer works with our central Career Zone team to give you access to a wealth of business contacts, support and training, as well as the opportunity to meet potential employers at our regular Careers Fairs.
Program Curriculum
Course content
The MA in Anthrozoology will be of interest to anyone who would like to investigate the many and varied ways in which humans perceive, engage, compete and co-exist with non-human animals in a range of cultural contexts.
The distance learning MA Anthrozoology is especially relevant in terms of Continual Professional Development for individuals who are involved with the care of non-human animals in a professional capacity (e.g. vets, veterinary nurses/technicians, animal trainers, dog wardens, zoo keepers, conservationists, charity workers etc.), as well as for students who have completed social science undergraduate degrees or who have a science background and would like to expand their research interests into the social sciences. The distance learning format is sufficiently flexible to enable you to fit it in around your existing professional and personal commitments.
Programme Director, Professor Samantha Hurn, is the author of a core textbook on anthrozoology.
The modules below provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Modules Please note that the module information displayed here is from a previous year and is subject to change. Core modules (60 credits) and Dissertation (60 credits) to be taken, plus a choice of 60 credits from the following list of optional modules, up to 30 of which may be taken in appropriate modules from other programmes within the institution. Compulsory modules Code Module Credits ANTM102 Anthrozoology: Theory and Method 30 ANTM103 Applied Anthrozoology 30 ANTM904 Dissertation 60 Optional modules Code Module Credits ANTM100 The Animal Mirror: Representations of Animality 15 ANTM101 Animals, Health and Healing 15 ANTM105 Humans and Wildlife: Conflict and Conservation 15 ANTM112 Animals and Religion 15 ANTM107 Anthrozoology Residential 15 ANTM111 Animal Ethics 15 ANTM109 Animal Criminology 15
Admission Requirements
Entry requirements
We will consider applicants with a 2:2 Honours degree or above (or equivalent). We welcome students from any academic background.
Also, as this is a specialist and multi-disciplinary programme, students who do not meet the general admissions requirements but who have substantial professional or personal experience which is directly related to the programme will be considered. Students who wish to be considered on the basis of professional or personal experience should submit a detailed personal statement outlining their relevant experience. Students who do not fulfil the general admissions requirements may also be required to attend an interview and/or complete an assignment in order to assess their academic ability. Please also see our guidance on essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications . Entry requirements for international students Please visit our entry requirements section for equivalencies from your country and further information on English language requirements .
Please also see our guidance on essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications . Entry requirements for international students English language requirements International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required IELTS test scores for this course fall under Profile B1 . Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 15,950/year (international)
Fees
2026/27 entry
UK fees per year:
£ 12,650 full-time; £ 6,325 part-time
International fees per year:
£ 25,550 full-time; £ 12,775 part-time
Scholarships
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year , including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships * . We also provide awards for sport, music and other achievements, as well as regional and partner scholarships with organisations such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page .
University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Scholarships
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year , including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships * . We also provide awards for sport, music and other achievements, as well as regional and partner scholarships with organisations such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page .
University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship
We are pleased to offer University of Exeter alumni beginning a standalone postgraduate programme in 2026/27 with us a scholarship towards the cost of your tuition fees. Full details can be found here.
*Terms and conditions, including deadlines, apply. See our website for details. .
Find out more about tuition fees and funding »
About The University of Exeter
The University of Exeter
Botswana, Botswana
Visit the university profile page to learn more about this institution.
University Profile- Start Date in 2026
- Language English
- Duration 12 months
- Credits 60 ECTS / 180 credits (1-year programme)