Human-Animal Interaction with Psychology

Understand the fascinating and essential human-animal bond and the science behind it. Explore the role of animals as pets, in zoos, on farms, in therapy and in conservation.

Our Human-Animal Interaction degree is the first of its kind in the UK. Animals play a central role in our lives and we have a huge impact on their wellbeing, as they do on ours.

You’ll explore this relationship and learn how to manage, protect and promote our mutual bond to enhance people’s lives, animal welfare and the environment. Our 70-species Animal Collection will provide opportunities to interact with different animals and observe this relationship first-hand.

You’ll explore the human-animal bond in terms of human psychology, and consider the complexities of our interactions with animals; which range from using animals as resources to improving our mental and physical wellbeing. You’ll study the fundamentals in animal health, behaviour and welfare, to understand the needs of animals.

The human-animal bond is key to success in so many industries, and so your career options are excitingly diverse.

Graduates can confidently apply their knowledge of psychology, animal behaviour, and anthrozoology to the ethical and sustainable practice of interactions between humans and animals from small scale practical management through to wider impacts on both people and animals within society.

Course Modules

Our modules are developed regularly to reflect student and industry demands, ensuring you’re well prepared to enter skilled employment on graduation. The majority of courses are comprised of both compulsory and optional modules, the latter of which you'll be able to choose from to suit your interests and career goals. Most courses also include work placement learning, to help you gain essential experience for your future.

Modules include: Introduction to Psychology, Professional and Academic Skills in Animal Biology, Professional Practice in the Animal Sector, Animals in Society, Systems Biology, Animal Health and Disease, Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Psychology for Anthrozoology, Human Behaviour Change for Animals, Animal-Assisted Interventions, Measuring Animal Behaviour, Research Methods for Agricultural and Animal Scientists, Animals in Education, Dissertation, Contemporary Issues in Anthrozoology, Applied Psychology for Anthrozoology, Professional Experience in the Animal Sector.

Modules are sometimes subject to change.

Optional modules change each year - you can attend introductory sessions before deciding which ones to study. For more information, please visit https://www.hartpury.ac.uk/university/courses/undergraduate/bsc-hons-human-animal-interaction/