The Joint Master’s Programme “Animals: Ethics, Law and Welfare” equips graduates with an interdisciplinary understanding of the ethical, legal, scientific and social dimensions of human–animal relations. By combining animal ethics, animal welfare science, law, public policy and research methodology, the Programme prepares graduates to engage critically and professionally with the complex challenges surrounding the treatment and protection of animals.

Depending on their previous academic qualifications and professional experience, graduates may pursue or advance careers in a wide range of fields, including:

• animal welfare and animal protection organisations, charities, shelters and sanctuaries;

• governmental bodies, local authorities, regulatory agencies and public services responsible for animal protection, welfare standards and policy implementation;

• European and international institutions, professional associations, think tanks and civil-society organisations working on animal welfare, biodiversity, sustainability and related public policies;

• research institutes, universities and interdisciplinary research projects in animal ethics, animal welfare science, animal law and related fields;

• animal research ethics committees, animal welfare bodies and research-governance structures, particularly in institutions conducting research involving animals;

• veterinary, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and biomedical research organisations, especially in areas concerning research ethics, regulatory compliance, welfare assessment and the principles of replacement, reduction and refinement—the 3Rs;

• the livestock, food-production and retail sectors, in positions related to animal welfare standards, responsible sourcing, sustainability, certification, auditing and corporate social responsibility;

• wildlife conservation organisations, zoological institutions, animal rescue and rehabilitation centres, and organisations concerned with the management and protection of wild animals;

• consultancy services specialising in animal welfare, ethical assessment, legislation, organisational policy and regulatory compliance;

• education, professional training, public engagement, advocacy, communication and awareness-raising concerning animals and their welfare.

The Programme is particularly valuable for veterinarians, lawyers, philosophers, biologists, researchers, educators, public officials, social scientists and professionals working with or on behalf of animals. It enables them to complement their original disciplinary expertise with specialised knowledge and to assume positions of greater responsibility and leadership within their respective professions.

Graduates may contribute to the design and evaluation of animal welfare policies, the development of ethical guidelines and institutional protocols, the interpretation and implementation of relevant legislation, the assessment of animal welfare practices, and the promotion of evidence-based and ethically responsible decision-making.

The degree also provides a strong foundation for those wishing to continue in academia or research. Graduates may pursue doctoral studies in animal ethics, bioethics, philosophy, animal law, animal welfare science, veterinary ethics, human–animal studies or another related discipline.

The Programme does not replace the professional qualifications required for regulated professions, such as veterinary medicine or legal practice. Rather, it provides advanced interdisciplinary specialisation that enhances graduates’ existing qualifications and broadens their professional and academic horizons.