Animal Science BSc
Study of the biology, behaviour, and management of animals, focusing on their health, welfare, and production.
YOUR PERSONALITY MIGHT BE:
Scientific curiosity
Detail-oriented
Compassionate towards animals
Methodical approach
POPULAR CAREER FIELDS
Veterinary & Animal Health
Agriculture & Farming
Research & Academia
Zoo & Wildlife Management
Is this for you?
Animal Science BSc
Is this for you?
WHAT IS IT?
Study of the biology, behaviour, and management of animals, focusing on their health, welfare, and production.
CAREER OPTIONS
CURRENT APPRENTICESHIPS, INTERNSHIPS & WORKPLACES
Internships
Apprenticeships
Uni Open Days
FIND OUT MORE
About the Course
What Is an Animal Science Degree?
Animal Science explores how animals function, grow, and interact with their environment. It applies biology, physiology, genetics, and nutrition to improve animal health and productivity, whether in farming, research, or conservation settings.
Why Study Animal Science?
If you love animals and are curious about how science can improve their lives and welfare, this degree offers the perfect mix of theory and practical experience. You’ll learn how animals are managed, bred, and cared for responsibly across different industries.
Most Animal Science degrees cover:
Animal biology, anatomy, and physiology
Animal behaviour and welfare
Nutrition and feeding systems
Reproduction, breeding, and genetics
Livestock production and management
Animal health and disease control
Sustainability and environmental impact of animal production
Later in your course, you can usually specialise - for example, in companion animals, wildlife, equine studies, or biotechnology.
Animal Physiology Knowledge – understanding biological systems, growth, health, and behaviour in animals.
Laboratory & Field Skills – conducting experiments, sampling, and health assessments.
Animal Nutrition – analysing dietary needs and formulating balanced nutrition plans.
Husbandry & Welfare – applying best practices to ensure ethical and high-standard animal care.
Research & Data Analysis – collecting and interpreting scientific data to improve animal productivity and wellbeing.
A-levels or equivalent including Biology plus a second Science (such as Chemistry, Maths, Physics, or Environmental Science).
Show your enthusiasm for animals, science, and sustainability.
Mention any work experience such as volunteering on farms, in kennels, or with wildlife organisations.
Reflect on how you want to improve animal welfare and sustainable production.
Include examples like animal care projects, lab experience, or biology coursework.
Animal Welfare Science: A Practical Approach by Donald Broom and Andrew Fraser – A leading guide to animal care and ethics.
Livestock Production and Climate Change by P. Gerber et al. – How farming impacts and adapts to global change.
The Secret Life of Cows by Rosamund Young – Insight into animal behaviour and emotion.
Applied Animal Nutrition: Feeds and Feeding by Peter McDonald – Understanding animal diets and production systems.
Compare courses to find the right mix of animal biology, agriculture, and environmental science.
Attend open days or webinars to explore facilities such as farms, laboratories, or animal units.
Get experience caring for or observing animals to strengthen your application.
Read about issues in sustainable food production, biodiversity, and welfare standards.
Animal Nutrition - Animal nutritionist, feed formulation specialist, nutrition consultant, livestock feed advisor
Livestock Management - Livestock manager, farm manager (livestock), breeding manager, herd health coordinator
Research & Development - Animal research scientist, laboratory animal technician, R&D scientist (animal sciences), clinical trials coordinator
Animal Welfare - Animal welfare officer, RSPCA inspector, farm assurance inspector, welfare standards advisor
Veterinary Industry - Veterinary pharmaceutical sales, animal health consultant, veterinary practice manager, veterinary nurse (with further training)
Zoo & Wildlife - Zoo keeper, wildlife park manager, animal collection manager, zoo educator
Agricultural Industry - Agricultural extension officer, livestock breeding consultant, animal production advisor, technical specialist
Quality & Compliance - Quality control manager (animal products), farm assurance auditor, animal health compliance officer, standards assessor
Do You Need a Masters?
Yes, if you want research roles, animal nutrition specialist positions, or academic careers.
No, if you're going into farming, animal health sales, zoo keeping, laboratory animal technician work, or most industry roles.
Popular Masters Options
Animal Nutrition (MSc) – 1 year Feed formulation, nutritional physiology. Pet food companies, livestock feed manufacturers.
Animal Breeding & Genetics (MSc) – 1 year Selective breeding, genomics. Breeding companies, research institutes.
Applied Animal Behaviour & Welfare (MSc) – 1 year Welfare assessment, behavioral consultancy. Charities, consultancy, research.
Veterinary Epidemiology (MSc) – 1 year Disease control, population health. Defra, animal health agencies, pharmaceuticals.
Wildlife Biology/Conservation (MSc) – 1 year Switch into conservation science, field research, environmental consultancy.
Conversion Masters
Graduate Entry Veterinary Medicine – 4 years Become a vet (very competitive, need strong grades and experience).
Professional Qualifications
APBC Certification – Animal behavior consultant Clinical animal behaviorist registration.
Laboratory Animal Science Qualifications – Various levels Required for research facility work.
Without a Masters
Strong careers available:
Animal Nutritionist (industry roles, £24,000-£30,000)
Farm Manager/Livestock Manager (£25,000-£38,000)
Animal Health Sales Representative (£22,000-£32,000)
Zoo Keeper (£18,000-£25,000, competitive)
Laboratory Animal Technician (£20,000-£28,000)
Agricultural Consultant
RSPCA/Animal Welfare Inspector
Money Talk
Masters: £8,000-£16,000. Most industry roles prefer experience over postgrad qualifications. Only worth it for research/specialist nutrition roles.
Related Courses
Public Relations BA
Study of how organisations communicate with the public, combining creativity, strategy, and communication skills to prepare you for roles in PR, media, branding, and corporate communication.
Film Production BA
Study of how films are planned, shot, edited, and produced - combining creativity, technical skills, and storytelling to prepare you for work in the film, TV, and digital media industries.
Digital Media BA
Explore how digital content is made, designed, and shared, developing creative, technical, and communication skills for careers in media, design, and online storytelling.
Sports Journalism BA
Study of how to report, write, and create stories about sport - combining journalism, media production, and communication to prepare for an exciting career in sports media and broadcasting.
Advertising BA
Study of how brands create messages, design campaigns, and communicate with audiences, combining creativity, strategy, and digital skills to prepare you for careers in advertising, media, and creative industries.
Media, Culture & Communication BA
Study of how media shapes culture, identity, and communication, combining analysis, research, and creative thinking to prepare you for careers in media, communications, journalism, culture industries, and public engagement.
Communications BA
Study of how people communicate in society, organisations, and media, combining writing, analysis, and digital skills to prepare you for careers in communications, media, marketing, public relations, and cultural industries.
Audio Production BA
Study of how audio is recorded, edited, and produced, combining creativity, technical skill, and storytelling to prepare you for careers in music, podcasting, radio, film, and digital media.
Film and Television Studies BA
Study of film, television, and screen cultures - combining analysis, research, and creative practice to understand how visual media shapes stories, society, and audiences.
Media and Communications BA
Study of how media shapes communication, culture, and society, combining analysis, creativity, and digital skills.
Marketing & Public Relations BA
Study of how organisations build their brand, communicate with audiences, and promote products or messages, combining marketing strategy with public relations skills for careers in media, business, and creative industries.
English & Journalism BA
Study of writing, storytelling, language, and news reporting, combining literary analysis with practical journalism skills to prepare you for careers in media, publishing, writing, and communication.
Broadcast Journalism BA
Study of how to produce and present stories for television, radio, and digital platforms - combining communication, creativity, and technical skills for a fast-paced career in modern media.
Social Media Management BA/BSc
Study of how social media platforms are used to create content, build brands, and engage audiences, combining creativity, analytics, and communication skills to prepare you for careers in digital marketing, content creation, and online communication.
Media Studies BA
Study of how media shapes culture, society, and communication, combining analysis, creativity, and research to prepare you for roles in media, content creation, journalism, marketing, and cultural industries.
Media Production BA
Study of how media content is planned, created, and produced, combining creativity, technology, and communication to prepare you for modern roles in film, television, audio, and digital media.
Digital Media and Communications BA
Study of how digital platforms shape communication and creativity, combining media analysis, digital production, and communication skills to prepare you for careers in content creation, media, marketing, and online communication.
Communications and Media BA
Study of how communication works across society and how media shapes culture, combining analysis, creativity, and digital skills to prepare you for careers in media, communications, marketing, and public relations.
Photojournalism and Documentary Photography BA
Study of how to tell real stories through images - combining photography, journalism, and visual communication to capture moments that inform, inspire, or create change.
Digital Content Creation BA
Study of how digital content is planned, produced, and delivered across online platforms, combining creativity, storytelling, and technical skills to prepare you for careers in content creation, social media, digital media, and creative industries.
Multimedia Journalism BA
Study of how to tell stories across multiple media platforms - combining writing, video, audio, and digital production for a career in journalism, broadcasting, or content creation.
Journalism BA
Study of how to find, tell, and share stories - combining writing, research, and digital media to prepare for a fast-moving career in news, broadcasting, and content creation.
