Animal and Bio-veterinary Science

Animal science is the study of managed animals in settings such as farms, zoos, and laboratories. It focuses on their health and management by finding more effective ways to breed, raise and care for these animals.

Our course blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on learning. You’ll be taught by academics at the forefront of research in their fields.

You’ll gain practical experience in laboratories and with animal handling and health assessment in various species, including rodents, rabbits, dogs, horses, sheep, chickens, pigs and cows. Learning is supported by guest lectures from industry experts and field trips on-site and off-site.

Our MSci degree provides a further year where you will work on a substantial research project. You’ll 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.

Towards the end of your first year on the course, you can choose from four options to focus on. Whichever option you choose, you can study modules from other options and other areas of biosciences, including microbiology, nutrition and agriculture.

• 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

What is the difference between animal science, zoology and veterinary science?
While zoology looks at wild animals in their natural habitats, animal science focuses on the study of managed animals in settings such as farms and zoos.

Veterinary science focuses on supporting animals through illness and injury. In contrast, animal science looks into their health and care by finding more effective ways to breed, raise and look after animals.

Graduate entry to veterinary medicine for Nottingham animal science graduates
We now offer a specific graduate-entry route directly to year two of the April cohort of D100 Veterinary Medicine for those who have studied the BSc or MSci Animal Science (Bioveterinary Science option) at the University of Nottingham. The earliest start date available for students applying for the course during their final year of study on the Animal Science degree is the April after your graduation. Applicants cannot proceed to the Veterinary Medicine course before graduating from their Animal Science degree.

Students studying graduate entry veterinary medicine undergraduate courses are not eligible for the same Student Loans Company support as for first undergraduate degree courses. This is because of government funding rules for students studying a course leading to a qualification which is equal to, or lower than, one they already hold. These rules mean that while eligible students on a graduate entry veterinary medicine course can apply for a maintenance loan, they will not be able to access a loan for tuition fees. More information about ELQ rules: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studentservices/documents/elq.pdf.

Course highlights

• You’ll gain practical experience in laboratories, as well as handling and conducting health assessments in various animal species.

• The University Farm gives you chance to see scientific principles being used in real-world practice.

• You’ll gain the latest insights with a packed schedule of talks from industry experts.

Proven results

• We’re ranked 7th in the UK for animal science (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026).

• The average starting salary for School of Biosciences undergraduates within 15 months of graduation was £29,189 (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2022/23).

Course Modules

For detailed information about the modules you will study, please visit the course page.

https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studywithus/ugstudy/courses/UG/Animal-and-Bio-veterinary-Science-MSci-Hons.html

For detailed information about the course assessment methods please visit the course page: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studywithus/ugstudy/courses/UG/Animal-and-Bio-veterinary-Science-MSci-Hons.html