Animal Science

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
• 2. Physiology and Biotechnology – study animal structure and function, including stem cell and developmental biology
• 3. 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.