MAg

Agriculture with Animal Science

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Key Facts

D4DF

  • UCAS Tariff

  • Course duration

    5 years

Available for September start 2025

Further details on entry requirements

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This course includes an integrated foundation year. 

This five-year Integrated Masters degree in Agriculture with Animal Science at Aberystwyth University offers you the opportunity to combine a BSc with an extra year of study so that you graduate with a Masters-level qualification. The course will develop the breadth and depth of your knowledge of agriculture and animal science and prepare you to be a subject specialist, able to make effective use of state-of-the-art innovations within the agricultural and related industries.  


Course Overview

This five-year course includes an integrated foundation year, after which the syllabus follows that of the standard four-year course, MAg Agriculture with Animal Science (D4D4).

The first three years of the course will follow the same syllabus as BSc Agriculture with Animal Science (53C8), which is then followed by an additional year of study, after which you will graduate with a Masters-level qualification. 

On the MAg Agriculture with Animal Science degree you will establish a firm foundation of practical skills and subject knowledge in agriculture and agricultural production systems. Alongside this core knowledge, you will immerse yourself in the science, production and management of livestock, benefitting from the insights of our active researchers. With this skill set you will be ready to tackle the challenges of livestock production and be primed for success in your agricultural or animal-related career. 

Aberystwyth is surrounded by a great diversity of farmland and agricultural terrain. The 800 hectare commercially managed university farms provide the setting for your practical learning. This is supplemented by field visits to farms and agricultural and food businesses throughout the UK that are industry leaders in innovation and technical expertise, which will reinforce your academic learning. 

Our Staff

The majority of teaching staff in the Department of Life Sciences are qualified to PhD level and are research active. Vocational courses also have staff whose background lies within industry. The Department has a large number of research only staff with whom students may have contact.

Modules September start - 2025

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Communication Skills BR01520 20
Molecules and Cells BR01340 40
Organisms and the Environment BR01440 40
Practical Skills for Biologists BR01220 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Animal Breeding: Genetics and Reproduction BR25220 20
Applied Nutrition of Livestock, Horses and Companion Animals BR20720 20
Livestock Production and Management BR28020 20
Research Methods * BR27520 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Agronomy and Crop Improvement * BR27620 20
Farm Business Management and Appraisal BR21020 20
Food, Farming, Technology and the Environment BR29020 20
Immunology BR22220 20
Veterinary Health BR27120 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Critical Review BR36320 20
Research Project * BR36440 40
Advances in Agriculture * BR39920 20
Livestock Production Science BR30820 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Advances in Crop and Grassland Production BR37220 20
Behaviour and Welfare of Domesticated Animals BR35120 20
Farm Planning and Advanced Farm Management BR31620 20
Veterinary Infectious Diseases BR34120 20
Veterinary Pharmacology and Disease Control BR36820 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
MBiol Research Project BRM2860 60

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Animal Breeding and Genetics BRM5820 20
Grassland Science BRM5120 20
Infection and Immunity BRM1620 20
Livestock Nutrition BRM0320 20
Livestock Production Science BRM5420 20

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

The Integrated Masters degree in Agriculture with Animal Science has been specifically created to meet the increasing demand for suitably qualified personnel to work at high level within the agricultural and allied industries. The subject specialist skills developed on this course will allow you to target careers in agricultural consultancy, agronomy, farm management, livestock health and nutrition and all other allied roles. The MAg is also a recognised alternative to MSc for progression to a PhD studentship, as well as an excellent foundation for a career as a professional scientist. 

What work experience opportunities are available to me while I study?  

Find out about the various opportunities that our Careers Service offers. 

Enhance your employability prospects with GO Wales and our Year in Employment Scheme. 

Teaching & Learning

What will I learn? 

In the first year you will be introduced to the technologies that are increasingly being developed for and adopted by the agricultural industry. You will examine the major farm animal production systems, agricultural grassland and cereal crops as well as the factors that underpin a range of cropping strategies. You will investigate the factors that influence land use and will gain useful business management skills, including the preparation of farm budgets and the analysis of commodity markets. 

In the second year you will look at the factors that influence animal productivity, health and welfare, efficiency of resource use, financial performance and product quality. You will focus on animal nutrition, anatomy and physiology. 

In the third year you will explore the way in which research is used to develop more efficient animal production systems. You will consider agriculture and agricultural issues from a range of specific, multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives and gain an understanding of the relationship between policy, socio-economic factors, agricultural practices and the rural economy.

Visits to farms, research stations, rural businesses and organisations involved in the regulation and management of the countryside are an integral part of the course and will highlight the key issues at stake and enable you to see the practical business applications of your theoretical and academic learning. 

In your final year you will undertake an independent research project, normally analytical in nature and involving data collection and analysis on a topic related to agriculture or animal science. This offers you the opportunity to specialise in a particular aspect of the discipline under the guidance of a dissertation supervisor. 

How will I be taught? 

This course will be delivered through a programme of lectures, seminars, workshops and field visits. You will have numerous opportunities to apply your academic learning in practical activities and workshops. 

Assessment 

You will be assessed through a range of methods including essays, practical exercises, oral presentations, worksheets, reports, statistical exercises, business plans, literature reviews, field notebooks and exams. Research projects in your third and fourth year will allow you to perform in-depth research under the guidance of a supervisor.  

Personal Tutor  

You will be assigned a personal tutor who will be your main contact throughout the duration of your studies. Your personal tutor can help you to settle in when you first arrive and will be available to help you with academic or personal matters. 

Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff

A Levels Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (eg, A-Levels or BTEC diploma) and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):
English or Welsh, Mathematics and a Science subject

BTEC National Diploma:
Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (eg, A-Levels or BTEC diploma) and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation

International Baccalaureate:
Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (eg, A-Levels or BTEC diploma) and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation

European Baccalaureate:
Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (eg, A-Levels or BTEC diploma) and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation

English Language Requirements:
See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements:
International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

The University welcomes undergraduate applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma or T-level qualifications, provided that relevant subject content and learning outcomes are met. We are not able to accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas or T-levels as a general qualification for every undergraduate degree course.
Our inclusive admissions policy values breadth as well as depth of study. Applicants are selected on their own individual merits and offers can vary. If you would like to check the eligibility of your qualifications before submitting an application, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for advice and guidance.

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