Program Overview

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Animal Science MSci

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.

MSci Animal Science

Our MSci degree provides a further year where you will work on a research project of your choice. You will receive advanced training in communication, analytical and project management skills, with support from an academic supervisor.

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.

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.

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
• Applied Animal Science
• Nutritional Regulation, Physiology and Endocrinology
• Nutrition and Physiology Interaction
• 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
• Physiology of Electrically Excitable Tissues
• Epigenetics and Developmental Biotechnology
• Computer Modelling in Science: Introduction
• Animal Behaviour and Physiology

Year Three

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

Year Four

• MSci Research Project in Animal Science
• Statistics and Experimental Design for Bioscientists
• Writing and Reviewing Research Proposals
• Communication and Public Engagement Skills for Scientists
• Project Management

About Modules

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year.

Language Study as Part of This Degree

You may be able to choose to study a language as part of this degree.

How You Will Learn

Teaching Methods

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

How You Will Be Assessed

We use a range of assessment methods, including exams, essays, verbal presentations and practical reports. Your work will be marked on time and you will receive regular feedback.

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.

Career 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

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.

Career 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.

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.

Course Data

• 55% say staff value students' views and opinions about the course
• 85% of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well
• 80% in work or doing further study 15 months after the course

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Book an Open Day

Open days are a great way to learn more about your course, meet academics and chat to students. They also help you to get a feel for the place, so that you can decide whether life as a Nottingham student is right for you.

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.