IGNOU, India’s premier distance learning institution, proudly announces the initiation of the admission process for the July, 2024 Session of the Post Graduate Diploma in Animal Welfare (PGDAW), marking a significant milestone in the realm of education and animal welfare advocacy. Introduced in July 2020, the PGDAW has now earned the distinction of being recognized as the ‘Largest Global Animal Welfare Education Programme,’ underscoring IGNOU’s commitment to fostering expertise in the field.Designed to accommodate graduates from diverse academic backgrounds, the one-year curriculum delves into four core components: Animal Welfare Science and Ethics, Animal Welfare Issues, Animal Welfare Laws and Policies, and Animal Welfare Practices and Standards. Animal welfare encompasses the well-being of all creatures under human care, with a primary focus on mitigating the challenges faced by farm animals, where the need is most acute. However, the scope extends to working, performing, companion, zoo, lab, and street animals, necessitating comprehensive attention. The PGDAW programme, comprising 85 meticulously crafted modules, addresses the scientific, ethical, legal, and practical dimensions of animal welfare across various domains.
Who Should Enroll?
- Individuals passionate about animal welfare
- Employees of Animal Welfare Organizations/NGOs/Gaushalas
- Faculty, Researchers, and Students in Universities and Veterinary Colleges
- Veterinarians and Para-veterinarians in Government and Military Services
- Members of Animal Welfare Boards and Committees
- Law Enforcement Professionals
- Civil Servants, Forest Service Officers and Wildlife Conservationists
PGDAW Curriculum Highlights: Animal Welfare Science and Ethics: Explores the scientific understanding of animal welfare, animal behavior, ethical frameworks, and the role of veterinarians in promoting animal welfare.
Animal Welfare Issues: Examines welfare concerns across various animal categories, including farm animals, pets, working and performing animals, zoo and wild animals, and laboratory animals, along with welfare issues related to slaughter and disasters.
Animal Welfare Laws, Policies, and Organizations: Provides insights into pertinent legislation, enforcement mechanisms, and international conventions governing animal welfare, supplemented by discussions on organizational frameworks and ethical considerations.
Animal Welfare Practices, Economics, and Livelihood: Focuses on implementing welfare standards, sustainable practices, and measures for enhancing animal well-being in diverse settings, including agriculture, laboratories, pets, and entertainment industries. Developed in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh, UK, the PGDAW programme seeks to accomplish dual objectives: imparting science-based education in animal welfare through distance learning and fostering stakeholder capacity to make informed decisions concerning animal welfare. Endorsed by the Animal Welfare Board of India, the PGDAW programme stands as a beacon of excellence in the field of animal welfare education, poised to make a lasting impact on the welfare of animals nationwide. The PGDAW programme, tailored to enhance the proficiency of animal welfare professionals across India and cater to the aspirations of graduates and post-graduates pursuing careers in animal welfare. IGNOU is now accepting admissions for the January 2025 session. Prospective candidates can apply through the official portal: https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in/
