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.You can choose from four options:Bioveterinary Science – examine the science behind animal health and disease
Physiology and Biotechnology – study animal structure and function, including stem cell and developmental biology
Livestock Production – investigate the science of farm animal nutrition, productivity and fertility
Ecology and Conservation – focus on the science, management and welfare of zoo and captive animals
You do not have to decide which option to focus on until the end of your first year. Whichever option you choose, you can study modules from other options, and other areas of biosciences, including microbiology, nutrition and agriculture.You will study at Sutton Bonington Campus, home to the University Farm and Dairy Centre. The farm is commercially run, with facilities for research and teaching. Farm staff contribute to teaching.You can enhance your employability with an extra year abroad, on an industrial placement, or studying computer science.
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
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.You can carry out your final year project at other research institutes or zoos. We have links with Twycross Zoo and the Durrell Wildlife Park in Jersey.
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.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 nutritionfeed industry
government advisory roles
academic and industrial research
agricultural consultancy
sales and marketing
