Postgraduate Certificate & Master of Arts Degree (MA) in Professional Development in Human Animal Interactions

Other Modules Available:

S7304 - Theories & Foundations of Animal-Assisted Activities

• Differentiation of key terms, roles, & responsibilities for animal-assisted activities, animal-assisted therapy & animal-assisted counselling
  
• Research and measurement of the human-animal bond
  
• Theoretical foundations and models of human-animal partnership and therapeutic work Relational models to explain dynamics between human, animal partner, and potential others involved in the work
  
• Human-Animal Relational Theory (HART)
  
• Benefits to mental and physical health seen in human-animal interaction work
  
• Exploration of myths and preconceived beliefs about the human-animal bond
  
• Identification of gaps in existing literature and ways in which the field can move forward.

IS7305 - Animal-Assisted Therapy & Ethical Partnership with Animals in Practice

• Ethical practice within animal-assisted activities & animal-assisted therapies
  
• Application of animal-assisted activities to specific groups
  
• Benefits & limitations of animal-assisted activities in relation to specific groups
  
• Risk assessment of participants & animals including where animal-assisted activities are not a good fit Identification and analysis of animals appropriate for human-animal interaction work
  
• Identification & examination of stress signals in animals
  
• Exploration of partnership versus usage of animals by humans
  
• Exploration of consent to participate for animals & human participants
  
• Exploration of animal exploitation and strategies to address this
  
• Development of plans for self-care which address burn-out and compassion fatigue

IS7306 - Ethology - Animal Behaviour, Emotion & Domestication

• Introduce background and history to the study of animal behaviour
  
• Explore differences between species to identify those better suited to supporting animal assisted activities & therapy
  
• Examine key animal characteristics & behaviour including emotional expression, intelligence, communication & ability
  
• Introduce & discuss different types of animal intelligence including emotional & relational intelligence
  
• Explore differences which occur between species & also between animals of the same species 
  
• Consider the role & process of domestication with regard to the human-animal relationship 
  
• Explore how domestication has influenced the relational dynamics between humans & animals 
  
• Assess the implications of domestication on animal behaviour & emotional expression

IS7307 - Understanding Relationships with Animals across Cultures

• Introduction to culture: definitions, interpretations and understandings
  
• Introduction to theory exploring cultural beliefs which surround & are associated with animals Identification & exploration of how our relationship with animals is influenced by culture 
  
• Exploration & comparison of different viewpoints on the role and importance of animals across different cultures
  
• Identification & critique of commonly held beliefs & views around animals 
  
• Development of a working knowledge on the role, importance of culture & attitudes toward animals
  
• Exploration of mechanisms to advocate people & animals in under-served or exploitative environments
  
• Application of knowledge of animal-assisted activities & therapies to specific populations 
  
• Selection & development of interventions appropriate for target populations