Huron University College in Ontario, Canada, has introduced a pioneering degree course in Animal Ethics, Sustainability and Leadership (AESL), led by Dr Kendra Coulter.
This innovative programme, open to international students including those from the UK, is the first of its kind globally, combining animal ethics with sustainability and leadership training.
Dr Coulter, a Professor in Management and Organisational Studies, Coordinator of AESL, and Fellow of the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics in the UK, will oversee the degree programme, which is set to welcome its first cohort of students in September 2024.
Unique Academic Offering
Huron University College, known for its high academic standards and selective admission process, attracts top students from over fifty countries, including the UK. The AESL programme offers a unique curriculum where students will explore various topics such as legal and policy protections for animals, sustainable business strategies, ethical debates on human responsibilities towards other species, and the interplay between nature and technology.
Students will benefit from Huron’s small class sizes, fostering an environment for in-depth discussions and personalised learning experiences. The course is designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical leadership skills, preparing them to drive positive change in animal ethics and sustainability.
Career Development and Community Support
Beyond the classroom, AESL students will have access to extensive career-development services, networking, and mentorship opportunities. Huron’s supportive community environment aims to nurture students’ personal and professional growth, helping them become ethical leaders who can influence global sustainability and animal welfare.
Dr Kendra Coulter emphasised the impact of the AESL programme, stating, “Animal Ethics, Sustainability and Leadership is about positive and meaningful impact: for animals, our shared planet, and other people. Our graduates will be ethical leaders who help make the dream of a more humane, sustainable, and just future a reality.”
Endorsement from the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics
Dr Clair Linzey, Deputy Director of the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics in England, praised the new degree programme, saying, “The launch of this course is extremely significant and we warmly welcome it. The Centre has been advocating the ethical treatment of animals for many years, and the fact that Huron University College has introduced this as a full degree programme demonstrates how we, as a society, are progressing in our attitudes towards animals. This can only be a good thing for the animals, the environment, and people. We commend Dr Coulter and Huron for trailblazing with this degree.”
Course Information and Enrolment
Prospective students can find full course information, including the prospectus, on the Huron University College website at huronatwestern.ca/aesl. The AESL programme promises to cultivate a new generation of leaders committed to ethical practices and sustainable solutions, addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing our planet and its inhabitants today.
