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Animal and Bio-veterinary Science

  • Master of Science (with Honours)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-Time
  • 20 September 2027
  • Undergraduate
University Park Campus
More about University of Nottingham

Course options

2026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

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).

Modules

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

Assessment method

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

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • University Park Campus

Study options

  • Master of Science (with Honours) • Full-Time • Integrated masters • 4 Years

Start dates

  • 20 September 2027

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
D322
Institution code:
N84
Campus name:
University Park Campus
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Nottingham has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
D322
Institution code:
N84
Campus name:
University Park Campus

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
BBB

BBB or ABC or A*CC including Biology.

Citizenship Studies, Critical Thinking, General Studies, Science and Society and Leisure Studies are not accepted.

T Level
M

T Levels in the following are accepted: Animal Management and Science; Health.

T Levels in the following are not accepted: Science (Lab Science); Animal Management and Behaviour.

Other T Level qualifications will be considered on a case-by-case basis to ensure sufficient biology has been studied; please contact us for more information.

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

Scottish Higher
BBBBB

This qualification is accepted in combination with two Scottish Advanced Highers at grades BB including Biology.

Access to HE Diploma
Distinction: 21 Merit: 18 Pass: 6

This qualification will be considered where appropriate biology content is being studied.

The requirement is 60 credits overall with 45 graded credits at Level 3. 21 credits must be achieved at Distinction; 18 credits at Merit (including 15 credits from Biology units) and 6 at Pass.

Please contact us if you would like to check the suitability of your specific qualification.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

GCSE English and Maths grade C/4.

Scottish Advanced Higher
BB

To include Biology. This qualification is accepted in combination with five Scottish Highers at grades BBBBB.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DM

This qualification will be considered alongside A Level grade B. Applications are considered on an individual basis to ensure sufficient biology has been studied.

The required A Levels for mixed BTEC and A Level grade profiles depends on the biology content studied in the BTEC. Please contact us for more information.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 28

To include Higher Level Biology 4.

Alternatively, 555 or 744 or 654 in 3 Higher Level Certificates including Higher Level Biology.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
A*-C

This qualification is accepted as equivalent to a non-biology A Level.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DDM

BTEC National Extended Diplomas in Animal Management and Animal Management with Science are accepted.

BTEC National Extended Diploma in Equine Management is accepted.

BTEC National Extended Diploma in Agriculture is not accepted.

We consider the Applied Science (Biomedical Science pathway) qualification on a case-by-case basis depending on units studied. BTEC National Extended Diplomas in other Applied Science pathways are not considered.

Other subjects are considered on an individual basis to ensure sufficient biology has been studied. Please contact us for further information.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D

This qualification will be considered alongside A Level grades B,C. Applications are considered on an individual basis to ensure sufficient biology has been studied.

The required A Levels for mixed BTEC and A Level grade profiles depends on the biology content studied in the BTEC. Please contact us for more information.

Applicants to this course may be eligible for our Additional Qualifications Offer Reduction Scheme. If you achieve a grade A in an EPQ, Core Maths*, IB Extended Essay or additional AS level qualification* then you will receive a one grade reduced offer for this course.

Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer or receive an alternative offer based on taking four A levels, your additional qualification will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6Minimum 5.5 in each element. As well as IELTS, we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check our English language policies and equivalencies for further details: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studywithus/international-applicants/english-language/english-language-requirements.aspx If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Presessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course (https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/cele/pre-sessional/index.aspx). Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.   If you successfully complete your pre-sessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.  Please note: For pre-sessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations.

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

We consider applicants solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential – we use exam grades to prioritise applicants but look at a range of factors and aim to give everyone an equal opportunity to show their achievements.

We understand that background and personal circumstances can have an impact on academic performance at school or college. Applicants who are eligible under our contextual admissions policies may be considered for a reduced contextual offer.

Learn more on the University of Nottingham website

International entry requirements

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Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
EU & InternationalTBC
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland£10050*

* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

View undergraduate tuition fees for UK and international students: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/fees/tuitionfees/202627/index.aspx

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