samedi 1 février 2014

Interdisciplinary Master in Human-Animal Interactions

Interdisciplinary Master in Human-Animal Interactions
at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (vetmeduni.ac.at)

Online registration
27 Jan 2014, 11:00 a.m. until 10 March 2014, 1:00 p.m.
OR
http://www.vetmeduni.ac.at/en/   Field in the right column "Admission for Studies"   Arrow "Online registration"

General information
Organized by the Messerli Research Institute and in cooperation with the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, the Medical University of Vienna and the University of Vienna, it offers a comprehensive, research-oriented training in the various fields of human-animal interactions.
By imparting theoretical and methodological expertise in relevant disciplines of natural sciences and humanities and developing critical reflection and argumentation, the program will contribute to improve the complex relationship between humans and animals. The interdisciplinary research on questions of social and ethical relevance is novel and therefore a challenge for the students.
Graduates will find opportunities both in the academic environment and in socially relevant fields of human-animal interactions. The program aims to train experts who will assume responsibility in human-animal interactions on a scientific basis and after ethical reflection.

Structure and duration of studies
The program comprises 4 semesters and 120 ECTS. It is composed of 4 compulsory modules, 2 elective modules and one Master's thesis.
Compulsory modules - 78 ECTS
  • Animal behaviour and Cognition
  • Comparative Medicine
  • Animal husbandry and welfare as well as the legal foundations of human-animal interactions
  • Philosophy, philosophy of science and ethics

Elective modules – 12 ECTS
  • General scientific abilities and soft skills
  • Courses to accompany the Master's thesis

Master's thesis – 30 ECTS

Professional fields
Graduates will find opportunities in the following fields:
  • Academic careers (PhD) in Life Sciences
  • Managerial positions in institutions related to husbandry (zoos, game parks, pet shops, sanctuaries, animal shelters, animal hostels, institutions that house laboratory animals, animal breeding facilities)
  • Coaching for animal keepers, both private persons and persons attached to institutes
  • Managerial positions in companies offering products or services related to animals 
  • Positions in authorities, commissions, counselling centers and animal-related organizations
  • Positions in various associations and societies
  • Trainers of animal trainers

Find additional information on the website of Vetmeduni Vienna:

Why apply for this Master's program?
Social relevance
Against the background of the changing role of animals in society, research on human-animal interactions becomes more important.
Internationality
The Master's program is mainly in English and takes up international research results on human-animal interactions. A special emphasis is on international networking.
Competences
  • Detailed knowledge and understanding of fundamental issues (compulsory modules)
  • Ability to cope with different scientific practices, languages and traditions
  • Ability to participate in interdisciplinary research projects
  • Specialized knowledge of one field of human-animal interactions
  • Ability in ethical evaluation and systematic reflection of topics of human-animal interactions that are relevant to society
  • Independent conduct of research projects

Individual supervision
A limited number of students allows for an intensive supervision.
Qualification
The program aims to train experts who will assume responsibility in human-animal interactions on a scientific basis and after ethical reflection.

Admission
A (Bachelor's) degree, comprising at least 180 ECTS, is required. Note: there is no restriction on which degree you hold, but preferably 
Application procedure 
Current information on the admission procedure 2014/2015