Teaching and training
Electives for psychology students at the Open University
Psychology students from the Open University can choose Anthrozoology as an elective subject in their psychology programme.
They can:
- follow the course 'Introduction to Anthrozoology'
- follow the nine modules within the course ‘Introduction to Animal-Assisted Interventions’
- write a bachelor thesis on Anthrozoology
- write a master thesis on Anthrozoology
- do a research or a practical internship in the field of Anthrozoology
The course 'Introduction to Anthrozoology' is a Bachelor course.
The course ‘Introduction to Animal-Assisted Interventions’ is in English and consists of small modules.
These courses are also open to students from other Universities and to students from other disciplines.
When writing a thesis on Anthrozoology, students will be supervised by a member from the Anthrozoology team and a member from one of the psychology departments at the Open University. For practical internships the students will also work under supervision of a qualified psychologist.
To get an impression of the topics for a thesis, see the current research projects.
If you are interested in one of these opportunities, please send an email to karin.hediger@ou.nl or directly to one of the researchers.
PhD opportunities at the Open University
Within the Anthrozoology team a number of PhD students are investigating the effects of animal-assisted interventions and the human-animal bond and the mechanisms that play a role.
See current research projects
If you are interested in starting a PhD at the Open Universiteit on this topic, please send an email to karin.hediger@ou.nl or directly to one of the researchers.
Short courses for everyone: Modules 'Introduction to Animal-Assisted Intervention'
In collaboration with the International Association of Human-Animal-Interaction Organizations, IAHAIO, the Open University has developed a number of short modules on Anthrozoology. The modules are short, theme-based blocks in English for professionals already working with animals as well as for anyone new to the field of human-animal interaction. Each module deals with a theme from practice and research. Everyone also from outside the Open University can attend the modules. . If you are new to Anthrozoology, or you need to complement your understanding and abilities in this field, these modules are suited for you. You will get a good grounding in key topics that are taught at an academic level.
You can register for each module separately or opt for the Certified Professional Program Anthrozoology, which offers an attractive package price and a diploma upon completion.
The institutions
These are the institutions involved in the above mentioned teaching and training opportunities:
Open Universiteit
The Open Universiteit is the leading part-time university in the Netherlands and Flanders, offering high-quality, personalised and interactive online education, reinforced with socially relevant research, and contributing to the innovation of higher education.As a publicly funded university, the Open Universiteit has been assigned a unique role within the higher education system of the Netherlands. Openness is ingrained within its DNA; it stands for the continuous study, improvement and development of new teaching methods and techniques, along with sharing knowledge and experience. In its teaching and research, the OU makes intensive use of the possibilities afforded by the internet. Personalised and interactive online education lies at the core of its educational model.
Your Academy
Your Academy is part of the Open University and your partner for post-initial education. Our Certified Professional Programs offer practice-oriented educational courses at an academic level. Theory and practice come together and this allows you to directly apply the learned theory in your own work.
IAHAIO
The International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations (IAHAIO) is the global association of organizations that engage in practice, research and/or education in animal assisted activity, animal assisted therapy, and service animal training. These activities serve to promote pet ownership, the human-animal bond, and respectful approaches to engaging with animals.
IAHAIO has over 100 multidisciplinary member organizations and professional associations globally such as the AVMA, AAHA, JAHA, WSPA, and AAH-ABV in the veterinary medical field, the HABRI Foundation, ISAZ, and a wide range of academic centers, AAA and AAT practice organizations. The very large cadre of member organizations strongly positions IAHAIO to lead the HAI field in important directions.