Animal Science BSc
Study of the biology, behaviour, and management of animals, focusing on their health, welfare, and production.
Is this for you?
This degree could suit you if you:
Are interested in animals and agriculture
Enjoy biology
Want to work with livestock or animal health
Like practical and scientific work
Are interested in food production
Popular Career Fields
Veterinary & Animal Health
Agriculture & Farming
Research & Academia
Zoo & Wildlife Management
Your Personality Might Be:
Scientific curiosity
Agriculture & Farming
Compassionate towards animals
Methodical approach
What is it?
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.
Course Summary
Study of the biology, behaviour, and management of animals, focusing on their health, welfare, and production.
What you'll study
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.
Skills You'll Gain
An Animal Science degree builds both scientific and professional skills, including:
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.
Explore Uni Open Days
Pathways, Placements and Work Experience
CAREERS
Career Pathways
Animal Science graduates work in a wide range of industries, including:
Animal health, nutrition, and welfare
Agriculture and livestock production
Research and biotechnology
Veterinary or pharmaceutical industries
Conservation, education, and policy
Work Experiences & Placements
Many universities offer:
Placements or sandwich years with farms, zoos, research centres, veterinary practices, or feed companies.
Summer internships in animal nutrition, breeding, or welfare research.
These experiences help you apply your skills, gain confidence with animals, and explore different career paths.
Salary Profile
Coming soon
Qualifications, Personal Satement, What to do Next?
AM I ELIGIBLE?
Entry Requirements
A-levels or equivalent including Biology plus a second Science (such as Chemistry, Maths, Physics, or Environmental Science).
Personal Statement Tips
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.
What to do Next
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.
Wider Reading
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.