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New masters degree launched on animal welfare and legal system
The course will give students the opportunity to put theory into practice on Hartpury's campus, which is home to 70 species of animal.

Course will provide graduates with skills to work in management roles.

A new postgraduate degree launched by Hartpury University will focus on animal welfare and the UK legal system – providing graduates with the knowledge to pursue management roles in the animal welfare sector.

The MSc Animal Welfare, Policy and Legislation degree mainly takes place online and offers full and part-time pathways to allow for flexible study. It will cover content applicable to a wide range of animal industries, including livestock farming, zoos and the management of feral animals.

The course will include guest lectures from academic and industry professionals and students will be given opportunities to put their studies to practice in real-world settings, including on campus at Hartpury.

Some of the modules included on the course are:

  • Advanced Principles of Animal Welfare
  • Regulating Agriculture and Food Production
  • Captive Exotics and Wildlife Policy and Law
  • Companion and Working Animal Regulations.

Dr McCormick, head of animal and agriculture at Hartpury University, said: “The animal welfare sector is diverse, covering everything from agriculture to pet shops and rescue centres to wildlife conservation.

“As graduates progress into management positions, they’re likely to find themselves responsible for legal compliance.

“If they’re working for government or charitable organisations, they may even be involved in important consultation and lobbying to drive forward new legislation.

“This new course will provide graduates with the expertise they need to navigate the legal system and make a difference to the lives of animals through improved welfare standards.”

For more information on the MSc Animal Welfare, Policy and Legislation degree at Hartpury University, please click here.

Image (c) Hartpury University.

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Voting opens for BEVA Council

News Story 1
 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.

There are five candidates standing for four available places on Council. They are:

  • Alexandre Triguino
  • Angela Jones
  • Beth Bryant
  • Holly Rees
  • Hugh Somerville
Full profiles for each candidate can be found on the BEVA website

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Government releases latest bluetongue statistics

APHA has confirmed the number of bluetongue cases that have been logged in the UK since 1 July 2026.

The total number of BTV-3 cases, as of 6 August, is 187. This includes 183 cases in England and four cases in Wales.

There have been no recorded cases in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The location of premises in Great Britain where at least one animal has tested positive by PCR for BTV-3, BTV-8 or BTV-12 is available on the bluetongue case map. All livestock keepers in Great Britain are urged to familiarise themselves with nation-specific bluetongue control policies.

Bluetongue virus is a notifiable disease. It is a legal requirement that any suspicions, even if livestock has been vaccinated, are reported immediately.