Program Overview

---

Animal Science BSc

Overview

Our courses blend theoretical knowledge with hands-on learning. You will be taught by academics who are at the forefront of research in their fields. You will gain practical animal handling experience including guinea pigs, sheep, hens and cows, with practical sessions and field trips.

Why Choose This Course?

• University Farm - see scientific principles applied in practice
• Study abroad - for a semester or an additional year
• Enhance your CV - with an industrial placement, or a year studying computer science
• Top 5 for Animal Science in the UK (Times Good University Guide 2025)
• Practical experience - gain practical animal handling experience with guinea pigs, sheep, rabbits, hens and cows
• Field trips - we work with organisations such as The Stabiliser Cattle Company and the charity People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA)
• Guest lectures - from industry experts
• Internationally known - our Sutton Bonington Campus is known internationally for applied animal science research

What is the Difference Between Animal Science, Zoology and Veterinary Science?

While zoology looks at wild animals in their natural habitats, animal science focuses on the study of managed animals in settings such as farms and zoos.

Veterinary science focuses on supporting animals through illness and injury. In contrast, animal science looks into their health and care by finding more effective ways to breed, raise and look after animals.

Graduate Entry to Veterinary Medicine for Nottingham Animal Science Graduates

We now offer a specific graduate-entry route directly to Year 2 of the April* Cohort of D100 Veterinary Medicine for those who have studied the BSc or MSci Animal Science (Bioveterinary Science Option) at the University of Nottingham.

• The earliest start date available for students applying for the course during their final year of study on the Animal Science degree is the April after your graduation. Applicants cannot proceed to the Veterinary Medicine course before graduating from their Animal Science degree.

Students studying Graduate Entry Veterinary Medicine undergraduate courses are not eligible for the same Student Loans Company Support as for first undergraduate degree courses. This is because of government funding rules for students studying a course leading to a qualification which is equal to, or lower than, one they already hold. These rules mean that while eligible students on a Graduate Entry Veterinary Medicine course can apply for a maintenance loan, they will not be able to access a loan for tuition fees. More information about Equivalent or Lower Qualification (ELQ) rules.

Study Abroad

On many of our Faculty of Science courses, you get the chance to spend a semester or an academic year at one of our partner universities across the world. Read what it's like to study abroad and how it can open new doors for adventures, connections and opportunities.

Important Information

This online prospectus has been drafted in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content) are likely to occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for the course where there has been an interval between you reading this website and applying.

Indicative Modules

Year One

• Animal Physiology and Anatomy
• Animal Biology
• Sustainable agriculture, food and nutrition
• An Introduction to Genetics and Biochemistry
• Essential Study Skills

Year Two

• Research skills for animal scientists
• Insect Biology
• Nutritional Regulation, Physiology and Endocrinology
• Epigenetics and Developmental Biotechnology
• Physiology of Electrically Excitable Tissues
• Nutrition and Physiology Interaction
• Applied Animal Science
• Principles of Animal Nutrition
• Reproductive Physiology
• Applied Marketing: Agriculture and Food
• Evolutionary Biology of Animals
• Ecology
• Economic Analysis for Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
• Principles of Animal Nutrition
• Principles of Animal Health and Disease
• Computer Modelling in Science: Introduction
• Animal Behaviour and Physiology

Year Three

• Animal Science Research Project
• Systems Neurophysiology
• Principles of Animal Health and Disease 2
• Livestock Production Science
• Animal Nutrition
• Musculoskeletal Physiology
• Companion Animal Science
• Coordinated Physiological Functions
• Rural Business Management
• Biotechnology in Animal Physiology
• Applied Bioethics 1: Animals, Biotechnology and Society
• Molecular Nutrition
• Conservation

How You Will Learn

Teaching Methods

• Lab sessions
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Workshops
• Computer labs
• Practical classes

How You Will Be Assessed

You will receive a copy of our marking criteria which provides guidance on how we will assess your work. Your work will be marked on time and you will receive regular feedback.

Your final degree classification will be based on marks gained in your second and third years of study.

You must pass each year to progress. This typically means that you will need to achieve marks of at least 40% in each module. Full details on our marking criteria and structure will be provided at your induction.

To study abroad as part of your degree, you must meet minimum academic requirements in year one.

Assessment Methods

• Coursework
• Group project
• Lab reports
• Poster presentation
• Research project
• Written exam

Contact Time and Study Hours

In your first year, you will take 120 credits in core modules. As a guide, one credit equals approximately 10 hours of work. You will spend around half of your time in lectures, seminars and practicals. The remaining time will be independent study.

Core modules are typically taught by assistant professors, professors or associate professors. PhD students may support teaching on some modules.

Overview

Animal science opens career options in:

• Further study in veterinary, biomedical and life sciences
• Biology teaching, after one year of further study (Postgraduate Certificate in Education)
• Pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries
• Animal nutrition/feed industry
• Government advisory roles
• Academic and industrial research
• Agricultural consultancy
• Sales and marketing

Many of our graduates choose to progress to postgraduate study and research. Our MSc Animal Nutrition enables you to study farm, companion and zoo animal nutrition at an advanced level.

The School of Veterinary Medicine and Science offers a three-year part-time MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy.

Job Prospects

Average starting salary and career progression:

83.8% of School of Biosciences undergraduates secured graduate-level employment or further study within 15 months of completing their course. The average annual salary for these graduates was £25,694.

HESA Graduate Outcomes (2017/18- 2021/22 cohorts). The Graduate Outcomes % is calculated using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.

Careers Advice

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in , High Fliers Research).

Your Campus - Sutton Bonington

Sutton Bonington Campus combines world-leading laboratories with a countryside location, just a few miles from the city of Nottingham. The campus is home to over 2,500 biosciences and veterinary medicine students.

Your Campus - Sutton Bonington Learn more (opens in a new browser window)

Your Campus - Sutton Bonington

Sutton Bonington Campus combines world-leading laboratories with a countryside location, just a few miles from the city of Nottingham. The campus is home to over 2,500 biosciences and veterinary medicine students.

Your Campus - Sutton Bonington Learn more (opens in a new browser window)

"The course has a great mixture of practical and theory work that covers a wide range of topics, from micronutrition to physiology of tissues. The staff are also so enthusiastic about their subjects that it rubs off on you too, which creates a great learning environment for everyone."

Course Data

55% say staff value students views and opinions about the course

Data for courses in Animal science at University of Nottingham, the

85% of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well.

Data for courses in Animal science at University of Nottingham, the

80% in work or doing further study 15 months after the course.

Data for courses in Animal science at University of Nottingham, the

For more official course information visit Discover Uni

See course data

link opens in new tab

Related Courses

See all

Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

Zoology MSci Hons

Qualification: MSci Hons Entry requirements: AAB UCAS code: C301 Duration: 4 Years full-time Start date: Sep 2025

Learn more

Faculty of Science

Animal Science MSci Hons

Qualification: MSci Hons Entry requirements: BBB including biology UCAS code: D322 Duration: 4 years full-time Start date: Sep 2025

Learn more

Faculty of Science

Agricultural Business Management BSc Hons

Qualification: BSc Hons Entry requirements: BBB UCAS code: D40A Duration: 3 years full-time Start date: Sep 2025

Learn more

See all

Help and Support

If you’re looking for more information, please head to our help and support hub, where you can find frequently asked questions or details of how to make an enquiry.

Help and support Learn more (opens in a new browser window)

Help and Support

If you’re looking for more information, please head to our help and support hub, where you can find frequently asked questions or details of how to make an enquiry.

Help and support Learn more (opens in a new browser window)