Masters applications for 2023 entry are now closed.
Applications for September 2024 will open on Monday 25 September. Applications are now open for programmes with a January 2024 start. View our programmes »
| UCAS code |
1234 |
| Duration |
1 year full time by distance learning only
2 years part time by distance learning only |
| Entry year |
September 2025 |
| Campus |
Streatham Campus
|
| Discipline |
Anthropology
|
| Contact |
Professor Samantha Hurn
Web: Enquire online
Phone:
0300 555 6060 (UK)
+44 (0)1392 723192 (non-UK) |
Overview
- 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
82% of our research is internationally excellent
Top 15 in the UK for Anthropology
Internationally recognised for work in philosophical anthropology and the sociology of culture
Optional residential module
82% of our research is internationally excellent
Top 15 in the UK for Anthropology
Internationally recognised for work in philosophical anthropology and the sociology of culture
Optional residential module
Entry requirements
Candidates must satisfy the general admissions requirements of the University of Exeter. We will consider applicants with a 2:2 Honours degree with 53% or above in any discipline from the arts, social sciences, humanities, biological/natural sciences, business or education are considered, plus related professional qualifications.
While we normally only consider applicants who meet these criteria, if you are coming from a different academic background which is equivalent to degree level, or have relevant work experience, we would welcome your application.
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.
Entry requirements for international students
Please visit our entry requirements section for equivalencies from your country and further information on English language requirements.
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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 test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
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 we outline here 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.
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 |
Fees
2025/26 entry
UK fees per year:
£12,500 full-time; £6,250 part-time
International fees per year:
£25,300 full-time; £12,650 part-time
Scholarships
The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships*.
For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
*Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.
Teaching and research
This is a distance learning programme, and as a result you will be expected to take responsibility for your own learning.
Exeter’s Virtual Learning Environment
For every module you will be provided with access to the module page on Exeter's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) where you will find detailed module descriptions, online discussion forums where you can share your thoughts with fellow students and the module tutors, audio lecture podcasts with accompanying PowerPoint presentations and links to required and supplementary reading material.
Teaching and Learning
You will also be given the opportunity to participate in regular Skype, e-mail or phone tutorials (whichever is most convenient for you) with the module tutor where you can discuss particular issues and seek clarification on points of concern or interest. Some modules also require you to participate in practical activities including fieldwork. You will be given plenty of guidance on how to conduct fieldwork and will remain in regular contact with your tutor throughout the fieldwork process (which may be anything from a day to several weeks depending on your chosen project).
Formative Exercises
You are also required to complete a range of formative (non-assessed) exercises which are designed to monitor your academic development and understanding of the subject matter. These formative assessments also help you to think through complex theoretical ideas and to plan your assessed assignments. They also enable you to interact with your peers and module tutors, participate in lively discussions and feedback on the work produced by other students. These activities create a sense of community between students studying at a distance, and helps to alleviate the sense of isolation which studying away from the campus can create.
Assessment
The different modules on the MA are assessed by a range of assessment types.
These include:
- essays
- research reports
- posters and photo essays
- reflexive journals and fieldwork diaries
- presentations
- reviews
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Professor Samantha Hurn
Programme Director
Professor Mike Michael
Head of Sociology, Philosophy and Anthropology (SPA)
Professor Samantha Hurn
Programme Director
Samantha is a social anthropologist, but her research falls under the umbrella category of anthrozoology or multi-species ethnography (in other words, how humans think about and engage with nonhuman or more-than-human animals in a range of cultural contexts).
She has conducted ethnographic fieldwork across South Africa and Europe looking at issues such as rhino poaching primate conservation and human-wildlife conflict as well as domesticated animals and animals in agricultural production systems.
Samantha is Director of the Anthrozoology as Symbiotic Ethics (EASE) working group.
Professor Mike Michael
Head of Sociology, Philosophy and Anthropology (SPA)
Mike is a sociologist of science and technology. He joined SPA in 2017, having previously worked at Lancaster University, Goldsmiths, University of London, and the University of Sydney. His research interests have included: the relation of everyday life to technoscience; biotechnological and biomedical innovation and culture; the public understanding of/engagement with science; and process methodology. His teaching has covered such areas as social theory, microsociology, environmental sociology, science and society, animals and society, sociologies of everyday life, and qualitative methodology.
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.
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