Giulia Baj

Guilia had previously studied psychology but knew she wanted to dedicate her life to helping animals. She moved from Italy to Stirling to study our MA Human-Animal Interaction.

I was looking for a Masters course that could help me turn something I cared about so deeply into a future career. When I discovered the Human-Animal Interaction course at Stirling, it immediately felt like exactly what I had been looking for. I loved that it explored the relationships between people and animals from so many different perspectives. It also let to bring my background in psychology into an area that felt much closer to my heart. Once I travelled to Stirling and visited the University for myself, I just knew it was the right place for me.

What I appreciated most was how broad and genuinely interdisciplinary the course was

The course gave me a much deeper understanding of human-animal relationships and how strongly people’s beliefs, emotions and behaviour can influence animals’ lives.

We explored human-animal relationships from so many different perspectives, including psychology, ethics, animal welfare and the realities of how people and animals live and work together. We also considered many different contexts and species, rather than focusing only on those most commonly discussed.

I particularly valued that we were not simply presented with one perspective or told what conclusions we should reach. The course introduced us to different and sometimes conflicting ways of thinking. It also gave us the time and freedom to reflect, explore the areas that interested us most and form our own views.

I also developed my research, writing and critical-thinking skills.

Placements were a great opportunity to experience working in animal welfare

The placements allowed me to gain practical experience with animal welfare organisations and helped me understand where I might fit within this field. They helped me to connect the academic side of the course with the real world.

Fantastic support throughout the course

One of the greatest benefits of studying at Stirling was the human side of the experience. Throughout the year, I felt genuinely welcomed, understood and cared for, both by the people teaching and supporting us and by my fellow students. There were times when I struggled and needed additional understanding or support, and I never felt judged or as though I was facing those difficulties alone. Instead, I felt listened to and encouraged to find ways of continuing that worked for me.

My advice for prospective students considering coming to Stirling

Make the most of all the opportunities offered by the course, particularly the placements, guest talks and connections with people working in the field. Don't feel as though you have to do absolutely everything or have your whole future figured out from the beginning. Give yourself time to discover what genuinely interests you.

Most importantly, ask for support when you need it and remember to look after yourself along the way. Take time to rest, decompress and focus on your mental and physical health without feeling guilty about it.

Overall, I loved that the course allowed me to explore human-animal interaction so broadly, while still giving me the freedom to follow my own interests and make the course feel personal to me.