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Specialise in animal welfare and become a key professional in the livestock sector of the future
Acquire the skills needed to assess, audit and improve welfare conditions on livestock farms, during transport and at abattoirs, applying current regulations and the standards most sought after by the agri-food sector.
Animal welfare has become one of the cornerstones of modern livestock production, with a direct impact on animal health, productivity, sustainability and the sector’s public image.
Through the Expert in Animal Welfare in Livestock Farming programme, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence the welfare of farm animals, learning to identify risks, assess indicators and design improvement strategies tailored to different production systems.
Throughout the programme, you will address aspects relating to feeding, comfort, health, animal behaviour, transport and slaughter, integrating scientific, technical and regulatory criteria into your decision-making.
The course combines a solid foundation in animal welfare with practical activities focused on analysing real-life situations, conducting audits and resolving common problems within the sector.
You will develop the skills needed to assess and improve animal welfare in various livestock production contexts.
The course is delivered online using a methodology focused on the practical application of knowledge.
Throughout the programme, students combine the acquisition of theoretical foundations with the direct application of knowledge in professional contexts, developing sound technical judgement and decision-making skills.
The course is underpinned by the analysis of real-life case studies, animal welfare audits, technical visits and practical activities led by practising professionals. This approach enables students to gain a comprehensive understanding of animal welfare and to apply regulations and quality standards with rigour, confidence and a professional approach.
Isabel Rodríguez Hurtado. Veterinarian and academic head of the Expert in Animal Welfare in Livestock at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the UAX. She has extensive experience in animal welfare applied to livestock production systems, integrating the scientific, regulatory and practical approach. From the direction of the programme, he ensures academic coherence, training quality and professional orientation of the degree, ensuring a training aligned with the reality and current demands of the sector.
The programme is coordinated by a multidisciplinary team of doctors and professionals specialised in animal welfare and livestock production, with direct experience in real contexts of the sector.
This team guarantees a balanced training between scientific knowledge, regulations and practical application, with a realistic vision that is directly transferable to professional practice.
To enrol on the Animal Welfare in Livestock Farming Specialist course, you must hold an official university qualification.
The programme is primarily aimed at:
To begin the admissions process for the Diploma in Animal Welfare, you must submit the following documentation:
You can send your documents by email to gestionacademica@uax.es – Admissions.
Once we have carefully assessed the information provided, you will be informed whether you have been selected for our programme.
Academic Staff of the Specialist in Animal Welfare in Livestock Farming Programme
PhD in Animal Welfare, specialising in the assessment and improvement of cattle welfare. Her research career includes the comparative study of animal welfare and its relationship with production performance, as well as the implementation of the Welfare Quality® protocol on dairy cattle farms.
A leading expert in pig production and animal welfare, with over 15 years’ experience at the helm of ANPROGAPOR, the National Association of Pig Producers. An expert in transport, slaughter and traceability, with extensive knowledge of regulations, auditing and best practice in animal welfare during critical stages of production.
A specialist in cattle production and welfare, with over 20 years’ experience in the sector. He currently heads ASOPROVAC (Spanish Association of Meat Producers), where he works in areas such as welfare, health, sustainability and markets, as well as representing the sector in dealings with public authorities and European bodies.
A specialist in cattle physiology, nutrition and production, with international experience in research and teaching. His work focuses on production efficiency, precision nutrition and the use of new technologies to improve decision-making on livestock farms, as well as on assessing the environmental impact of cattle production.
A veterinary surgeon and specialist in large animals, with over 15 years’ teaching and clinical experience at UAX. She is currently Dean and Head of the Department of Large Animals and the Internal Medicine Service, as well as a lecturer in Medical and Nutritional Pathology. Her career combines veterinary practice, teaching and academic management in the field of animal health.
Scholarships and financial aid for studying at UAX
We know that studying is an investment. That’s why we want to remove financial barriers and make it easy for you. Fill in the form and let our advisers help you discover the scholarships, agreements and personalised financial support that best suit your situation.
Community of Madrid
Financial support for students with a disability of 33 per cent or more who are studying at universities or higher education institutions specialising in the arts in the Community of Madrid.
Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sport
Find out about the scholarships and grants offered by the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sport, categorised by type and level of education.
If you’ve already decided to take the plunge, enrol early and benefit from a direct grant. It’s a way of rewarding your commitment and giving you a head start in planning your future.
Students from Ibero-America
This programme is aimed at Ibero-American citizens or foreign nationals legally resident in countries within the OEI’s sphere of influence. The scholarship covers a 50% discount on the total tuition fees.
Students from Ecuador
This programme is aimed at citizens with Ecuadorian nationality and/or residence who wish to study an online master’s degree in Spain. The scholarship covers a 50% discount on the total tuition fees.
2025, 2nd Edition
Grants for students on higher-level vocational training, undergraduate, postgraduate or master’s programmes enrolled at Spanish universities with a Santander agreement. A financial supplement to support you whilst undertaking your work placements.
If you graduated from UAX and are now thinking of studying for a new degree, we want to continue supporting you. That’s why we’re offering you a 10 per cent discount on tuition fees.
If you have an immediate family member (up to the second degree of kinship) enrolled at UAX, you can benefit from a 5 per cent discount on tuition fees. Because studying as a family is even better.
Studying for two degrees at the same time is a challenge, and we want to support you. If you’re already at UAX and enrol on a second degree programme, you’ll be eligible for a grant towards your booking fee and tuition fees.
If you’d like to continue your studies with us and progress from vocational training to a bachelor’s degree, from one bachelor’s degree to another, or from a bachelor’s degree to a postgraduate degree, we’re here to support you with a grant covering up to 25 per cent of your tuition fees.
If you have a strong academic record, we would like to recognise your talent with a scholarship designed for new students. (Excludes the degree in Medicine).
If you’re a high-performance athlete, at UAX we want to help you balance your passion with your studies. We offer specific grants that can cover up to 50% of your tuition fees.
Get in touch with us and we’ll help you with whatever you need.
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Other related qualifications
We offer a wide range of academic programmes, so you’re sure to find one that suits you.
