Innovation award for animal welfare courses
The on-campus Masters in Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare was introduced by Professor David Wood-Gush, one of the first scientists to investigate the effects of large-scale farming on animals.
Two animal welfare courses have been recognised 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.
The on-campus and online programmes at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies received the Innovative Developments in Animal Welfare Award from the British Society of Animal Science and the RSPCA.
Over 600 students have completed the on-campus Masters in Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare, which was introduced in 1990 by Professor David Wood-Gush, who was one of the first scientists to investigate the effects of large-scale farming on animals. It is led jointly by the University of Edinburgh and the SRUC.
According to the university, alumni have gone on to make significant achievements in animal welfare globally, forging careers in research, education, government, veterinary practice and within non-governmental or industry organisations.
The online Masters in International Animal Welfare Ethics and Law was launched in 2012 and graduates have already made notable impacts in legislation and policy changes.
Professor David Argyle, head of the Royal (Dick) Vet School said: “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.”
Eligible members of BEVA will be able to vote for their Council team until Monday, 17 August 2026. Members will have received an election email on 17 July.
