In this Animal Science BSc Honours degree, you'll focus on understanding animal behaviour, nutrition and physiology, while developing the practical skills you need for a wide range of careers.

Course overview

We place a particular emphasis on the scientific study of livestock and companion animals (including horses). You'll study subjects that reflect the whole life of an animal:

microbiology and biochemistry

animal health and behaviour

animal reproduction and nutrition

We bring your learning to life through extensive interaction with animals throughout your degree. You'll gain practical experience through regular visits to local animal centres and the University's two farms. You'll also enjoy input from professionals in the animal science industry.

Your third-year group project to organise a conference on animal science equips you with marketable skills such as project management, organisation and teamwork.

You can boost your employability and professional skills with an optional placement year in industry, or a summer internship in the commercial sector.

An exciting part of your degree is your research project, where you undertake a piece of original research on a subject of your choice. This may be carried out in the lab, at one of the University's farms or at an animal centre. You also have the chance to study and learn alongside staff in the Animal Science research group, who are internationally recognised for their research.

Study abroad

Experience life in another country by choosing to study abroad as part of your degree. You’ll be encouraged to embrace fun and challenging experiences, make connections with new communities and graduate as a globally aware professional, ready for your future.

You can choose to spend up to a year studying at a partner institution overseas.

If you choose to study abroad, it will extend your degree by a year.

Work placement

Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.

You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.

If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year. Your degree title will show you have achieved the placement year. Placements are subject to availability.

Careers support

Our Enterprise Challenge gives students the opportunity to work with industry on a project that tackles real-world issues. Watch the above video to find out more.

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.