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Discover the remarkable world of the domestic dog through a substantial programme of advanced study spanning biology, evolution, genetics, behaviour, cognition, welfare, human–dog relationships, culture and scientific research. From the origins and domestication of dogs to canine communication, working partnerships, law, conservation and their extraordinary place in human society, the programme combines a rigorous foundation in cynology with opportunities to specialise in the aspects of canine science and culture that fascinate you most.
Designed for serious enthusiasts and independent learners, the 360-credit Advanced Diploma progresses through three levels of study and culminates in an independent research project. Study the complete programme over three years or longer, or begin with an individual Level 4 module and build from there. Personalised service tailored to your unique needs.

Cynology is the scientific study of the canid family. More than just behavioural topics, cynology looks at the evolution of dogs, their physiology, psychology and biology. Whilst the focus is very much on the domestic dog, there are some opportunities to focus on other members of the canid group.
Asynchronous lectures, reading materials and extensive resources are shared on our Moodle platform to which you will be granted access. The course is delivered entirely online, under the guidance of our expert lecturers and academic staff. The academic year begins in September but you can also enter the programme in January.
Broadly similar to a three year undergraduate degree, there are three levels (levels 4 to 6). In level 4 (year 1) you will study four core modules to give you the foundations of Cynology. In year 2 you study at level 5, with further core modules to advance your knowledge, and begin to make choices from our optional modules. In year 3 you will specialise by choosing from a variety of optional modules, and complete your dissertation on a topic chosen in collaboration with the academic staff and your supervisor. The modules are detailed below.
Each 15 credit module is £200, with a 30 credit module costing £400. This includes everything for the module, with no hidden cost. The entire programme therefore costs £4800, but you can study a module at a time and exit the programme when you wish. You will receive a certificate for each module, and a certificate of completion should you exit early which summarises the extent of your study.
As these programmes are new, we are offering a limited number of places with a scholarship discount of 80%. T&Cs apply. This is an excellent opportunity to learn something new, and be involved with the development of a new course, at a really low cost. Email us today to find out more (info@wessexacademia.co.uk).
Foundations (120 credits)
Introduces cynology as an interdisciplinary field, examining the origins, evolution, domestication and diversity of the domestic dog and the principal approaches used in its academic study.
Explores how dogs behave, learn and perceive their world, introducing the scientific study of canine cognition alongside the principles of welfare science and evidence-based management.
Provides a foundation in canine anatomy and physiology, genetics, reproduction, development and health as the biological basis for understanding the domestic dog.
Examines the historical, cultural and social significance of dogs and their changing roles as companions, workers, symbols and members of human communities.
Themes and Specialisation (120 credits)
Investigates canine evolution, domestication, genetics, breed formation and population diversity, considering both natural and artificial processes that have shaped the modern dog.
Examines nutrition across the canine life course together with growth, reproduction, breeding, developmental biology and the factors influencing healthy development.
Explores the legal, ethical and policy frameworks governing human responsibilities towards dogs, including ownership, breeding, welfare, dangerous dogs and working animals.
You also choose two optional modules from the level 6 options.
Advanced Study and Specialisms (120 credits, choosing three options)
Develops advanced quantitative, qualitative and interdisciplinary research skills for investigating canine science and human–dog relationships and prepares students for independent research.
Provides the opportunity to undertake an extended independent research project investigating a chosen question within cynology using appropriate scholarly methods.
Examines the selection, training, performance, welfare and changing roles of dogs employed in pastoral, sporting, security, search and other working contexts.
Explores the operation of canine rescue and rehoming organisations, including population management, behavioural assessment, welfare, rehabilitation, adoption and organisational practice.
Investigates contemporary research into canine memory, learning, problem-solving, social cognition, emotion, perception and individual differences.
Compares domestic dogs with wolves, foxes, jackals, coyotes and other canids to explore evolution, ecology, morphology, behaviour and adaptation across the Canidae.
Examines dogs working in specialised human partnerships, including assistance, medical alert, detection and related roles, with attention to selection, training, performance and welfare.
Explores free-ranging, village and feral dog populations and their relationships with wildlife, ecosystems, disease, conservation and human communities.
Critically examines the causes, assessment and evidence-based management of complex behavioural problems in domestic dogs.
Investigates the roles and representations of dogs in ancient societies through archaeological, artistic, textual and osteological evidence.
Explores the intersection of dogs and forensic science, including dogs as forensic evidence, scent-detection work, cruelty investigations, dog-related offences and the scientific evaluation of canine evidence.
Critically examines emerging research, controversies and changing practices affecting dogs and human–dog relationships in the twenty-first century.
Develops advanced approaches to evaluating canine physical and psychological welfare using behavioural, physiological and environmental indicators.
Examines the human–dog relationship as a distinct field of study, exploring attachment, co-evolution, social relationships, cultural variation and the changing position of dogs within human communities.
Explores the extraordinary place of dogs in belief and storytelling across cultures, from Cerberus and Anubis to Black Shuck, the Roy Dog and other supernatural and sacred canine traditions.
Investigates communication within and between dogs and humans, including body language, vocalisation, olfaction, gesture, gaze, social referencing, interspecies understanding and emerging research into canine communication technologies.