BSc

Animal Science

Key Facts

D30F

  • UCAS Tariff

  • Course duration

    4 years

Available for September start 2025

Further details on entry requirements

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This course includes an integrated foundation year.

On the Animal Science degree at Aberystwyth University, you will study the applied science relating to domesticated animals, including farm animals, horses and companion animals. As the home of the only Veterinary School in Wales (Aberystwyth School of Veterinary Science), we have excellent facilities to support your studies, including commercially run university farms, an equine teaching centre, and a range of teaching and research laboratories. 

Course Overview

This four-year course includes an integrated foundation year, after which the syllabus follows that of the standard three-year course, BSc Animal Science (D306).

During your studies you will acquire an understanding of the key biology relating to domesticated animal health, including anatomy, physiology, nutrition, disease diagnosis and behaviour. You will also be able to develop a special interest in either livestock science, equine science or behavioural science, by selecting one of the degree’s three pathways. 

Your academic understanding will be firmly grounded within the practical and applied context of animal science and further enhanced by guest lecturers from different areas of the animal science industry. Our teaching staff are active researchers in areas such as veterinary infectious diseases, nutrition, reproduction, behaviour and more. 

This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.

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
Immunology BR22220 20
Research Methods * BR27520 20
Veterinary Health BR27120 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Animal Behaviour BR21620 20
Human, Equine and Canine Exercise Physiology and Locomotion BR25320 20
Livestock Production and Management BR28020 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Research Project * BR36440 40
Veterinary Infectious Diseases BR34120 20
Veterinary Pharmacology and Disease Control BR36820 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Behaviour and Welfare of Domesticated Animals BR35120 20
Behavioural Neurobiology BR35320 20
Equine Nutrition and Pasture Management BR35720 20
Equine Stud Management BR32520 20
Livestock Production Science BR30820 20

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

Graduates of this degree will be well prepared for professional roles applying scientific insights to practical problems in animal science, within private and public organisations, advisory and consultancy services, welfare law enforcement, as well as animal feed, animal breeding and pharmaceutical industries. 

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 our Year in Employment Scheme.

Teaching & Learning

What will I learn? 

In the first year you will gain an understanding of applied animal biology and physiology, complemented by modules in biochemistry, genetics and microbial diversity. Specialised modules will concentrate on the anatomy and physiology of the horse and the effects of exercise and training upon specific body systems and in the successful management of the performance horse. You will also be introduced to the major farm animal production systems (beef, sheep, dairy, pig, broiler and egg) and their design in the context of UK and world agriculture. Practical sessions combining animal handling and examination training will provide first-hand experience of the techniques used in the diagnosis of diseases, possible treatments and environment management. 

In the second year you will look at key concepts of quantitative genetics and their use to design breeding programmes for the genetic improvement of performance, health and behaviour in domesticated animals. You will explore animal nutrition and the relative merits of foodstuffs for farm livestock, horses or companion animals. You will gain an understanding of immune responses in both humans and veterinary animals, and will become familiar with veterinary terminology and welfare guidelines for the care of sick and injured animals. There will be practical sessions on the examination of sick animals and methods of disease diagnosis. 

In your final year you will study veterinary pharmacology and gain an understanding of the biochemistry, discovery, practical use and legislation relating to veterinary drugs and related treatment strategies. You will learn of the advanced biological aspects of infectious organisms and the infected animals' immune responses, focusing on farm and companion animal species. A compulsory research project will allow you to perform in-depth research on an appropriate topic under the guidance of a supervisor. Your project may be based on laboratory experiments or fieldwork exercises, comprise a computer modelling exercise or involve data analysis. 

How will I be taught? 

Teaching is delivered through a mix of practical classes, field trips, small-group tutorials and interactive lectures that will give you a firm grasp of the subject. 

Assessment 

You will be assessed through a range of methods including essays, practical exercises, presentations, lab reports, exams, posters, feed analysis and / or rationing exercises. 

Student Testimonials

Studying Animal Science at Aberystwyth was the best experience I have ever had. It not only gave me an insight into the field I wished to build a career in, but it also prepared me for my life outside of University. Modules in nutrition, animal breeding and animal health, just to name a few, all feature greatly in my day to day life within my job. From lecturers to the course content, there isn’t one part of University or my course I don’t miss and look back fondly on. Sarah - BSc Animal Science. Feed Formulator, ForFarmers

I love the practical aspect of the Animal Science course as well as the interesting lectures. Being able to choose a pathway means we are able to specialize and study what we are most interested in from the second year. Being based in Aberystwyth means there is plenty of scope for lambing and farm work alongside my studies. Lewis Wescott

The course has greatly increased my knowledge. It has opened many doors for my future career prospects or to go on to further study. Caitlin Jenkins

I chose Aberystwyth University because of the excellent reputation, wide variety of modules available and because of the horse riding facilities. I remember University life as a great mix of life with horses, meeting great friends with similar interests and studying topics that were close to my heart. Barbara - Commercial Manager, Animal Health for Charles River Laboratories

Doing Animal Science at Aberystwyth University was the best decision of my life – it has moulded me into the person I am today. Everyone was so friendly and the course was set at just the right level with great facilities from studying in the libraries to the practical sessions in the labs and field. My course helped me by giving me an insight into the farming industry alongside an in depth knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the animals I work with on a daily basis.

Dawn - Egg Marketing Inspector for Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA), part of DEFRA

Growing up in the east of England, I had never even set foot in Wales until I came to visit Aberystwyth University. I was sold on ‘Aber’ that day. Not only was the location truly beautiful but the Animal Science course really stood out alongside other universities I had applied for, allowing me to specialise in specific subject areas to suit my skills and interests.

Laura - Nutrition Advisor, Dodson and Horrell Ltd

Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff

A Levels Available to candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):

BTEC National Diploma:
Available to candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation

International Baccalaureate:
Available to candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation

European Baccalaureate:
Available to 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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