Human-Animal Interaction with Psychology

Human-animal interaction is a relatively young but rapidly growing field of study that examines the bonds formed between humans and other species, and the psychological, social, and therapeutic dimensions of those relationships. Research in this area has demonstrated that contact with animals can have significant effects on human wellbeing, from reducing stress and anxiety to supporting people with disabilities, mental health conditions, and developmental challenges. At the same time, understanding these interactions from an animal welfare perspective is essential: effective practice requires knowing how animals experience and respond to human presence, and how those experiences shape their health and behaviour.

At Hartpury University, this four-year full-time programme pairs the study of human-animal interaction with psychology, giving you a grounding in psychological theory and research methods alongside specialist knowledge of animal behaviour and welfare. The programme includes a foundation year element and a sandwich year, meaning you will spend time working in a relevant professional setting before your final year. Work placement is also a feature of the course.

Hartpury's 70-species Animal Collection gives you direct, hands-on opportunities to observe and work with a wide range of species, and to study the human-animal bond in a genuinely practical context. You will learn how to manage, protect, and promote positive interactions that benefit both people and animals.

The programme develops skills in psychological assessment, behavioural observation, research design, and the application of evidence to practice, all of which are relevant to the wide range of settings where human-animal interaction is used professionally.

Graduates go on to work in animal-assisted therapy and activities, veterinary and animal welfare contexts, disability support services, research, education, and conservation. The psychology component also opens routes into more broadly human-facing roles in health, social care, and community settings. Postgraduate study in animal behaviour, psychology, or human-animal studies is a natural progression for those wishing to specialise further.