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Animal Science

  • BSc (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • 21 September 2026
  • Undergraduate
Sutton Bonington Campus
More about University of Nottingham

Course options

2026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

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:

    1. Bioveterinary Science – examine the science behind animal health and disease
    1. Physiology and Biotechnology – study animal structure and function, including stem cell and developmental biology
    1. Livestock Production – investigate the science of farm animal nutrition, productivity and fertility

  • 4.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

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 2 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.

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-Science-BSc-Hons-U6UANMAL.html

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Sutton Bonington Campus

Study options

  • BSc (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years

Start dates

  • 21 September 2026

Apply by
14 January

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:
D320
Institution code:
N84
Campus name:
Sutton Bonington Campus
Campus Code:
S
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
14 January

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:
D320
Institution code:
N84
Campus name:
Sutton Bonington Campus
Campus Code:
S

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

A level
BBB - BBC

BBB or ABC or A*CC including Biology. Alternatively, BBC or ACC including Biology plus A in the EPQ or Level 3 Core Maths.

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

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

We accept the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Animal Management and Animal Management with Science.

We do not accept the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Agriculture.

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.

Access to HE Diploma
D: 21 credits M: 18 credits P: 6 credits

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.

Scottish Higher
BBBBB

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

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 science content studied in the BTEC.

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 science content studied in the BTEC.

Scottish Advanced Higher
BB

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

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
28 points

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.

Extended Project
A

Considered alongside 3 A levels or equivalent including Biology.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
M2, M2, M2

To include Biology.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

GCSE English and Mathematics grade C/4.

AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies (Core Maths)
A

This qualification is considered alongside 3 A-levels (or equivalent). Level 3 Core Maths qualifications from other awarding bodies are also acceptable:

  • Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Certificate in Mathematics in Context
  • OCR Level 3 Certificate in Core Maths A (MEI)
  • OCR Level 3 Certificate in Core Maths B (MEI)

A 1-grade lower offer will only be considered for applicants studying 3 A Levels or equivalent plus a Level 3 Core Maths qualification where A Level Mathematics or Further Mathematics has not been studied.

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.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6Minimum 5.5 in each element.
TOEFL (iBT)80Minimum 17 in Writing and Listening; 18 in Reading and 20 in Speaking.
PTE Academic65Minimum 59 in each element.

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

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

* 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/undergraduate.aspx

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