Animal Science MSci (Hons) | University of Nottingham

International student

Course overview

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 will be taught by academics at the forefront of research in their fields.

You will 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 will receive advanced training in communication, analytical and project management skills, with support from an academic supervisor.

You can choose from four options to focus on towards the end of our first year. 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

How you will learn

Teaching methods

Lectures
Practical classes
Tutorials
Seminars
Computer labs
Field trips on-site and off-site

How you will be assessed

You will receive a copy of our marking criteria which provides guidance on how we will assess your work. Your work will be marked on time and you will receive regular feedback.

Your final degree classification will be based on marks gained in your second and third (BSc) or second, third and fourth (MSci) years of study.

You must pass each year to progress. This typically means that you will need to achieve marks of at least 40% in each module. Full details on our marking criteria and structure will be provided at your induction.

To study abroad as part of your degree, you must meet minimum academic requirements in year one.

Assessment methods

Exam
Group coursework
Lab reports
Poster presentations
Research project

Contact time and study hours

In your first year, you will take 120 credits in core modules. As a guide, one credit equals approximately 10 hours of work. You will spend around half of your time in lectures, seminars and practicals. The remaining time will be independent study.

Core modules are typically taught by academic staff. PhD students may support teaching on some modules.

Modules

5 modules

Animal Physiology and Anatomy

This module introduces the major physiological systems which are essential for life in animals and humans: the nervous, respiratory, cardiovascular, reproductive, renal, and digestive systems. You’ll learn about the structures and functions of the major organs and the functions of individual cell types. Topics covered in the lectures will refer to genes, proteins and membranes, transport of molecules across membranes, nerve signalling and biorhythms. The lectures will be complemented by anatomy practical sessions to help you understand physiological function. These will cover gross and cellular anatomy through tissue dissection and histology.

Animal Biology

Through lectures and hands-on animal handling and other practical sessions, you'll study:

animal evolution and diversity across the animal kingdom
animal diversity, ecology, and bioethics
animal development and behaviour
animal domestication, breeding, and genetics
sustainability of livestock animal production
systems of livestock production as a food source

Sustainable Agriculture, Food and Nutrition

Nutrients are vital to human and animal health, but how do they work? In this module, you’ll be given a comprehensive introduction to the key concepts in the field of nutrition. Depending on your interests, you can study human or animal nutrition, or both. Understand how the food we eat influences our health. Explore how the food eaten by animals impacts on food production and the global food system.

You’ll study:

micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals
macronutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates and fats
metabolism, and how nutrients give us energy
the influence of nutrition in diseases such as cancer and diabetes

An Introduction to Genetics and Biochemistry

This module will give you a solid foundation in the growth and development of cells. You will gain understanding in cellular processes and the key macromolecules. Understanding the chemistry of these macromolecules is important in many areas of bioscience.

You’ll apply your learning of basic concepts though practical sessions and workshops.

You will study:

Mitosis, meiosis, cell division and differentiation.
Basic genetic principles and gene expression processes
Areas of nucleic acid structure
Genetic variation; mutation and repair

Scientific Skills and Practice

This module is intended to enhance your transition into university and guide you through the academic expectations of your degree. This module includes three generic sessions on ‘study skills and plagiarism’, ‘study opportunities’ and ‘career and personal development’, and a series of small group tutorials with your academic tutor. This willdevelop core skills such as finding crucial information, oral presentation, data handling and presentation of results, preparation for examinations, and essay writing skills all of which are relevant to biosciences.

1 modules

Research Skills for Animal Scientists

The aim of this module is to provide research focussed skills that will support studies on the final year undergraduate research project module. The module will include information on how to plan a research project by incorporating safety, ethical, analytical and experimental design issues as appropriate. In addition you will learn how to present data and use various statistical analyses.

The aim of the module is to develop and consolidate your professional competencies and abilities as a researcher in biosciences.

14 modules

Applied Animal Science

A highly applied module, you’ll learn about animal physiology, nutrition and management and use your knowledge to think critically about production systems. Focusing on the nutrition, growth and welfare of farmed animals, you’ll cover a wide range of subjects, including investigating the energy and protein evaluation systems for ruminants and non-ruminants and the differential maturity of individual carcass components. You’ll compare systems of production for all major species of livestock and explore how these different systems integrate with each other and other enterprises on farms. Visits to local livestock farms give you the opportunity to further develop your understanding within a ‘real-life’ context and are a core component of the module.

Nutritional Regulation, Physiology and Endocrinology

Hormones carry signals between different parts of the body, but how do nutrients determine the interaction between hormones and health? In this module, you’ll carry out an in-depth study of the mammalian endocrine system. You'll look at this from cellular, molecular and anatomical perspectives. You'll explore the role that hormones play in controlling homeostasis and metabolism. We use the latest published nutritional research. You'll study appetite regulation and how endocrine systems determine what, how and when we eat.

You’ll study:

Nutritional energetics and energy expenditure
Appetite regulation by the endocrine system
Homeostasis in relation to the diet

Nutritional Endocrinology

Hormones carry signals between different parts of the body. But how do nutrients determine the interaction between hormones and health? In this module, you’ll carry out an in-depth study of the mammalian endocrine system. You'll look at this from cellular, molecular and anatomical perspectives. You'll explore the role that hormones play in controlling homeostasis and metabolism. We use the latest published nutritional research. You'll look at appetite regulation and how endocrine systems determine what, how and when we eat.

You’ll study:

nutritional energetics and energy expenditure
appetite regulation by the endocrine system
homeostasis in relation to the diet

Reproductive Physiology

In this module you’ll learn about the development, physiology and regulation of mammalian reproduction, the control of avian reproduction, and lactation. You’ll cover mammalian reproduction, including physiological control, cyclicity and reproductive efficiency. You’ll also consider avian physiology and reproduction in domestic fowl, with an emphasis on the nutritional and metabolic challenges associated with commercial rates of egg lay. Lactation will also be covered, where you’ll learn about the development of mammary tissue, the biochemistry of milk synthesis, the endocrine control of milk secretion, and the metabolic correlates of lactation in dairy ruminants. You’ll have a mix of lectures and practical laboratory sessions for experimental work and dissection.

Applied Marketing: Agriculture and Food

The nature of agrifood commodities and products creates particular challenges for those buying and selling these goods, with implications for risk, stability and profitability for the agricultural business. This module examines the role of marketing in the successful operation of an agribusiness. Working in teams, you’ll examine how to use marketing to meet the challenges and opportunities faced by today’s agribusinesses.

Evolutionary Biology of Animals

Introduces key evolutionary concepts and their application in the animal kingdom. Areas you will study include the history of evolutionary thinking, natural selection versus the neutral theory, sexual selection and human evolution.

Ecology

You will learn about the forces determining the distribution and abundance of species and be able to use models to predict the dynamics of populations under a range of conditions. You will recognise how interactions between species can drive co-evolutionary processes leading to an understanding of the organisation of natural systems working systematically from populations through to communities, ecosystems and biogeographical scales.

Economic Analysis for Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Economic analysis can help you answer important management questions:

How much fertiliser should I apply to my wheat?
If demand for beer is going up, how will that affect the price I receive for my barley?

Through this module you’ll gain an understanding of economic ideas and principles and be able to apply them to a range of problems of interest to agricultural and environmental scientists and managers. You’ll also examine the arguments for government intervention to correct ‘market failures’ with reference to the latest government environmental schemes.

Principles of Animal Nutrition

How important is protein quality in your livestock’s diet? How can you formulate an optimum diet? In this module you’ll learn about diet formulation and food analysis. You’ll examine topics such as: dietary energy and nutritional energetics, protein and amino acid nutrition, and regulation of appetite and energy expenditure. You’ll be able to calculate the different energy requirements of animals in different physiological or pathological states. There will be a mix of lectures, seminars and computer-based workshops to apply what you’ve learnt.

Principles of Animal Health and Disease

This module will introduce the major effects of diseases on the body’s physiological and immunological systems. The main types of disease will then be systematically discussed using a range of companion, farm and exotic animal species including poultry, equine, bovine and ovine species. You’ll have lectures and laboratory practicals each week.

Physiology of Electrically Excitable Tissues

Building on the physiology of year one, this module considers the physiology and pharmacology of systems involving the principal electrically excitable tissues in the body i.e. the nervous system, musculature and cardiovascular system. You will investigate how the nervous system controls and modulates these tissues (e.g. muscles including cardiac tissue) in an integrated system. You will have lectures and practical classes to learn how to collect, analyse and present real data from the neuromuscular, somatosensory and cardiovascular systems as well as how to perform a quantitative pharmacological investigation.

Epigenetics and Developmental Biotechnology

This module introduces current concepts of molecular mechanisms in animal development and techniques to study and manipulate animal phenotypes. You will study how developmental programs are remarkably conserved among species, including humans. Insights gained from molecular studies of the fruit fly, zebra fish and chicken are directly relevant to our understanding of mammalian development. Signals and factors regulating key events in establishing the body plan of an animal are discussed. Epigenetic processes in mammals that mediate X-chromosome inactivation and genomic imprinting will be described.

Computer Modelling in Science: Introduction

Modern biological and environmental science includes the study of complex systems and large data sets, including imaging data. This necessitates the use of computer models and analyses in order to understand these systems. This module contains an introduction to computer programming and modelling techniques that are used in the biological and environmental sciences. Specifically, it contains:

(i) An introduction to computer programming and algorithms, using the Python programming language.

(ii) An introduction the construction of mathematical models for biological and environmental systems using difference and differential equations, with a particular emphasis on population dynamics, and the use of computing to simulate, analyse these models and fit these models to data.

Throughout the module, the focus will be on relevant examples and applications, e.g. environmental pollution, growth of microbial populations, disease epidemics, or computer manipulation of images of plants, animals or the natural environment

Animal Behaviour and Physiology

This module examines multiple types of animal behaviour in an evolutionary framework and considers neurophysiology, cognition, and the physiology of two important behaviours: foraging and communication. Practical classes focus on demonstrating the link between physiology, the environment and behaviour in invertebrates. There is a limited number of places on this module. Students are reminded that enrolments which are not agreed by the Offering School in advance may be cancelled without notice.

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1 modules

Animal Science Research Project

You will undertake a research project under the supervision of an academic member of staff. Your work may involve animals (farm livestock, companion species) or laboratory techniques to study animal physiology, biochemistry, and development at the molecular, tissue, organ, and/or whole animal levels. You may also work on a library-based project that lets you carry out an in-depth study of the scientific literature in an area of your interest. Some projects are undertaken through the University Farm and Dairy centre, while other projects are undertaken offsite; we have links with nearby Twycross Zoo.

Our academics conduct cutting-edge research on reproduction, development, growth and health of domestic animals, including programmes in genetics, nutrition, reproduction, early development, animal biotechnology, neurophysiology, and applied bioethics. You will prepare a dissertation of 5000-6000 words and give a presentation on your project.

12 modules

Companion Animal Science

Want to know more about the nutrition of your dog or horse, or maybe what an elephant needs to eat? In this module you’ll study the nutrition, health and welfare of major companion species, including dogs, cats, horses, rabbits and some zoo/exotic species. You’ll learn about the interactions between nutrition, health and longevity within the broad area of ‘clinical nutrition’. Bringing in current research, you’ll look at the problems arising from keeping animals in captivity, and how social interactions between humans and companion animals can impact upon animal health and welfare. You’ll have lectures from current researchers and have a field trip to put what you’ve learnt into practice.

Coordinated Physiological Functions

How does the brain control physiology and behaviour? In this module you’ll build on your knowledge from previous modules to examine the detailed physiological basis of integrated behaviours in animals. You’ll cover; nervous system control of cardiovascular function, respiration, body temperature, emotion, motivation and their associated behaviours. You’ll have lectures on the above along with practical sessions on the integrative aspects of exercise physiology.

Rural Business Management

How do you apply management principles to modern rural businesses? This module will develop your knowledge of business management principles and provide you with an opportunity to apply these principles to the type of problems facing rural businesses at the present time. You’ll construct and interpret business accounts, use investment appraisal techniques, learn about labour and machinery management and explore different forms of farm business organisation. Using a ‘real-life’ case study, you’ll also learn and practice teamwork, time management and data analysis skills, which are vital when working in business. You’ll have a mix of lectures, practical classes and farm visits, as well as guest lectures from invited speakers to give you insights into the management and finance of rural businesses.

Biotechnology in Animal Physiology

Building on the principles of animal development from earlier modules, you will be introduced to the world of the biotechnology industry, the techniques involved, and to the opportunities offered by this growing sector. You’ll learn about the genetic and epigenetic basis of gene regulation, and how this knowledge is used for developing new disease treatments and for improving livestock production and animal welfare.

Applied Bioethics 1: Animals, Biotechnology and Society

Animal-human interactions raise some prominent ethical issues. In this module, you’ll examine the ethical dimensions concerning animal agriculture, modern biotechnologies and research in the biosciences, in relation to both humans and non-human species. You’ll learn about the ethical frameworks used to analyse specific dilemmas raised by the human use of animals. Using specific animal and biotechnology case studies, you’ll interpret the main ethical theories and principles and apply them to the case studies to inform professional decision-making. You’ll have a mix of lectures and seminars to explore these concepts.

Musculoskeletal Physiology

This module will focus on the anatomy and physiology of the limbs in farm and domestic animal species through lectures and hands-on practical sessions. The skeletal structure, arrangement of muscles, and nerve supply in relation to normal and abnormal movement will be covered. Common diseases and injuries of the limbs will also be considered, along with treatment strategies.

Animal Nutrition

This module will further develop your specialised knowledge of animal nutrition. At an advanced level, you’ll learn about the role of micronutrient and trace minerals and organic micronutrients (including vitamins B, choline and essential fatty acids) in the nutritional requirements for animal health and growth in both ruminant and non-ruminant species. You’ll also examine the various factors involved in the regulation of animal growth and product quality and look at selected examples of metabolic disorders. Using the most up-to-date scientific research, you’ll explore specialist aspects of ruminant nutrition and produce scientific work of your own.

Livestock Production Science

How can production systems be adapted to meet demands for animal products in contrasting global markets? In this module, you’ll use your knowledge of physiology, nutrition, genetics, health, welfare and management to study the production of meat, milk and eggs, and the wellbeing of the animals in these production systems. You’ll undertake a detailed study of the integration of the production, nutrition, product quality, management and health of beef and dairy cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry at UK and global scales. You’ll be able to critically analyse key performance indicators and provide solutions to problems encountered in livestock production enterprises. You’ll have a mix of lectures, group work and farm visits to develop and apply your knowledge.

Molecular Nutrition

Cellular signalling and gene expression influence metabolism and growth but how does nutrient supply regulate these processes? In this module, you’ll explore nutrition from a molecular perspective. You'll investigate the regulatory effects of nutrients on eukaryotic systems. You'll look at the potential for manipulating metabolic processes through nutrition. You'll use experimental methodologies to assess how nutrients influence gene expression. You will learn how to analyse molecular data to draw conclusions about regulatory processes.

You’ll study:

molecular mechanisms controlling gene expression
opportunities for modification of metabolic processes using nutrition
direct and indirect regulatory effects of nutrition
variations in genomic sequences and the impact of nutrition on gene expression

Principles of Animal Health and Disease 2

The module will develop concepts introduced in year two with a series of lectures, leading to an advanced understanding of how to assess the health of animals. The effects of disease in domesticated animals will be covered including their physiological and immunological responses to disease, and the economic, welfare and legal impacts of disease. Examples from companion, farm and rodent species will be used.

Systems Neurophysiology

How does the central nervous system sense the environment and react to it? In this module, you’ll learn about central nervous control of sensory and motor pathways and how these systems interact. In particular, you’ll examine the anatomy, physiology and pharmacology of sensory and motor systems and their integration in posture, coordinated movement and protective reflex responses. A strong emphasis will be on the physiology and pharmacology of acute and chronic pain and you’ll study the use of analgesics to treat these conditions. You’ll also gain understanding of the methodology behind a number of neuroscientific techniques and their application in novel research. You’ll have a mix of lectures, computer-based learning and practical laboratory sessions to reinforce and apply your knowledge.

Conservation

Consider a range of approaches to conservation biology, such as the measurement and monitoring of biodiversity, and the legal frameworks and management strategies that exist to protect it. You will discuss particular threats to biodiversity, such as habitat loss and invasive species. You will spend around four hours per week in lectures and have four three-hour practicals to study for this module.

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5 modules

MSci Research Project in Animal Science

This module will train you in the planning, execution and reporting of an independent advanced level research project. The module will help develop the skills associated with planning, recording and executing an individual research project; presenting research both orally and visually to an audience of peers; writing scientific papers; effective time management and assimilating new research skills associated with a specific project.

Statistics and Experimental Design for Bioscientists

This module explains the major principles and techniques of statistical analysis of research data without becoming too involved in the underlying mathematics. It explains the importance to collect data in an appropriate and planned manner for later analysis. There are two routes through the module; one focusing on crop improvement and one focusing on more general issues. You will gain an understanding of the major analytical techniques available, and how they relate to each other, and have developed abilities in experimental design, data analysis using appropriate software and presentation of results.

Writing and Reviewing Research Proposals

This module will train you in the planning, execution and reporting of an independent advanced level research project. The module will help develop the skills associated with: planning, recording and executing an individual research project; presenting research both orally and visually to an audience of peers; writing scientific papers; effective time management and assimilating new research skills associated with a specific project.

Communication and Public Engagement for Scientists

This module considers:

The importance of engaging publics with cutting edge research
Methods of engagement that are suitable for varying audiences
How to write for varied audiences
How to engage with policymakers and industry
Public speaking skills
The planning, development and delivery of an engagement event for the public/policymakers

10 compulsory credits in the Spring semester.

Project Management

Project management skills are a highly transferable skill directly relevant to work. The module covers the fundamentals of project management:

project lifecycles
leadership in project management
managing risk in projects
analysis of project successes and failures
project management software

You will produce a documented project management outline tailored to your research project. You'll identify the key constraints, bottlenecks and milestones. You'll produce a project management visualisation diagram such as Gantt or PERT chart. You'll present an interim verbal report to your supervisors and the module convenor to rehearse such reporting skills.

Language study as part of this degree

Our Language Centre offers many languages, and you may start as a beginner or at a more advanced level and you may be able to choose to study a language as part of this degree.

Learning another language can open career opportunities around the globe and enriches your CV. It could also help you in your studies by being able to access learning materials in other languages. If you are planning to travel or work abroad it will help you to broaden your cultural understanding.

Find out more about learning a language as part of your degree.

Select student type

Quick glance

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements listed apply to 2026 entry.

A levels

BBB

28 points overall

A level and GCSE requirements

A levels

BBB / ABC / A*CC

BBC / ACC plus an A in the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) or Level 3 Core Maths qualification

Required subjects

Biology

Excluded subjects

Citizenship studies, critical thinking, science and society, general studies and leisure studies not accepted

GCSEs

C/4 in English and mathematics

IB requirements

IB score

IB requirements

IB Diploma 28 points including HL4 in biology

IB Higher Level Certificates 5,5,5 or 6,5,4 or 7,4,4 including biology

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and Core Maths

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

If you have already achieved your EPQ at grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject. If you are still studying for your EPQ you will receive the standard course offer, with a condition of one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject if you achieve an A grade in your EPQ.

Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer, your EPQ will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.

Level 3 Core Maths

If you have already achieved your Level 3 Core Maths at grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject. If you are still studying for your Level 3 Core Maths you will receive the standard course offer, and also an alternate offer with a condition of one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject if you achieve an A grade in your Level 3 Core Maths.

If you qualify for a contextual offer, your Level 3 Core Maths will be taken into consideration and the appropriate adjustment will be made to your offer.

Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer, your Level 3 Core Maths will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.

Alternative qualifications

We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.

Consequently we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis, and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:

Access to HE Diploma
Advanced Diploma
BTEC HND/HNC
BTEC Extended Diploma

This list is not exhaustive. The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please see the alternative qualifications page for more information.

RQF BTEC Nationals

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma Animal Management DDM
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma Animal Management with Science DDM

Other applications are assessed on an individual basis to ensure sufficient biology has been studied. We will consider the following:

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma DDM
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma DM plus A level grade B
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate D plus A levels grades BC

The required A levels for mixed BTEC and A level grade profiles depends on the science content studied in the BTEC.

Access to HE Diploma

Access to HE Diploma 21 graded Level 3 credits at Distinction; 18 graded Level 3 credits at Merit (including 15 credits from biology units) plus 6 graded Level 3 credits at Pass

Contextual offers

We make contextual offers to students who may have experienced barriers that have restricted progress at school or college. Our standard contextual offer is usually one grade lower than the advertised entry requirements, and our enhanced contextual offer is usually two grades lower than the advertised entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must have Home/UK fee status and meet specific criteria – check if you’re eligible.

Foundation progression options

If you are a Home applicant and do not meet the entry requirements for direct entry to this course, you may be interested in researching our Science with Foundation Year BSc or Science with Foundation Year MSci course. Students successfully completing and meeting the specific progression requirements of the Science with a Foundation Year course are guaranteed progression on to a selection of undergraduate courses. Please note progression to some courses may require meeting additional criteria such as a successful interview.

You can view all pathways and progression criteria in our progression table.

Mature students

At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.

Study abroad

There are a number of options to apply to study abroad as part of this course. Experience living and learning in a different culture and gain a global perspective of animal science.

International semester abroad

Apply to spend part of your second year abroad, and study at one of our highly-ranked international partner universities. This means that you can still complete your degree within the standard timeframe. Possible destinations include:

Australia
Canada
Ireland
USA

Third year abroad

Apply to add an additional year to your degree and spend your third year abroad at one of our European partner universities, between years two and three of your degree, before returning to Nottingham for your final year. This will give you the unique opportunity to combine animal science with learning a foreign language.

Possible destinations include:

Austria
France
Spain

Funding

You’ll pay a reduced tuition fee for the time that you’re abroad and the university also offers a range of funding opportunities. External funding is also available.

Year in industry

There's a wide range of possible year in industry placements on offer. We have good links with companies, and our dedicated placement team is available to support you in finding the right placement. Often a placement year can help you to secure a graduate job.

Our students have been on placement with:

Waltham Petcare Science Institute
Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust
McDonald's
Chester Zoo

The industry placement takes place between years two and three of your degree. You can apply during year two of your degree, subject to meeting minimum academic requirements.

Disclaimer

Please be aware that study abroad, compulsory year abroad, optional placements/internships and integrated year in industry opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities or placement/industry hosts, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update this information as quickly as possible should a change occur.

Tuition fees

2026/27 (UK undergraduate students)

This is the UK undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 25/26. It may increase for the academic year 26/27 and we will update our information once we have received confirmation of the fee from the UK Government.

For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.

You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies.

Due to our commitment to sustainability, we don’t print lecture notes but these are available digitally. You will be given £5 worth of printer credits a year. You are welcome to buy more credits if you need them. It costs 4p to print one black and white page.

If you do a work placement, you need to consider the travel and living costs associated with this.

Personal laptops are not compulsory as we have computer labs that are open 24 hours a day but you may want to consider one if you wish to work at home.

Scholarships and bursaries

The University of Nottingham offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help. For up to date information regarding tuition fees, visit our fees and finance pages.

Home students

Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary. Full details can be found on our financial support pages.

A 'home' student is one who meets certain UK residence criteria. These are the same criteria as apply to eligibility for home funding from Student Finance.

Quick glance

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements listed apply to 2026 entry.

28 points overall

A levels

BBB

IB requirements

IB score

IB requirements

IB Diploma 28 points including HL4 in biology

IB Higher Level Certificates 5,5,5 or 6,5,4 or 7,4,4 including biology

A level and GCSE requirements

A levels

BBB / ABC / A*CC

BBC / ACC plus an A in the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) or Level 3 Core Maths qualification

Required subjects

Biology

Excluded subjects

Citizenship studies, critical thinking, science and society, general studies and leisure studies not accepted

GCSEs

C/4 in English and mathematics

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and Core Maths

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer, your EPQ will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.

Level 3 Core Maths

If you qualify for a contextual offer, your Level 3 Core Maths will be taken into consideration and the appropriate adjustment will be made to your offer.

Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer, your Level 3 Core Maths will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.

Alternative qualifications

We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.

Access to HE Diploma
Advanced Diploma
BTEC HND/HNC
BTEC Extended Diploma

RQF BTEC Nationals

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma Animal Management DDM
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma Animal Management with Science DDM

Other applications are assessed on an individual basis to ensure sufficient biology has been studied. We will consider the following:

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma DDM
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma DM plus A level grade B
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate D plus A levels grades BC

The required A levels for mixed BTEC and A level grade profiles depends on the science content studied in the BTEC.

Access to HE Diploma

Access to HE Diploma 21 graded Level 3 credits at Distinction; 18 graded Level 3 credits at Merit (including 15 credits from biology units) plus 6 graded Level 3 credits at Pass

IELTS/English requirements

IELTS

6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element)

English language requirements

As well as IELTS (listed above), 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.

For presessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations.

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Presessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course. 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 presessional 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.

High school qualifications

Check our country-specific information for guidance on qualifications from your country.

Visa restrictions

International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.

Foundation progression options

If you don't meet our entry requirements there is the option to study the science foundation programme. You may have the opportunity to progress onto the BSc programme, subject to your performance on the foundation programme. There is a course for UK students and one for EU/international students.

Mature students

Study abroad

There are a number of options to apply to study abroad as part of this course. Experience living and learning in a different culture and gain a global perspective of animal science.

International semester abroad

Australia
Canada
Ireland
USA

Third year abroad

Possible destinations include:

Austria
France
Spain

Funding

You’ll pay a reduced tuition fee for the time that you’re abroad and the university also offers a range of funding opportunities. External funding is also available.

Year in industry

Our students have been on placement with:

Waltham Petcare Science Institute
Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust
McDonald's
Chester Zoo

The industry placement takes place between years two and three of your degree. You can apply during year two of your degree, subject to meeting minimum academic requirements.

Disclaimer

Tuition fees

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.

Additional costs

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.

You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies.

If you do a work placement, you need to consider the travel and living costs associated with this.

Personal laptops are not compulsory as we have computer labs that are open 24 hours a day but you may want to consider one if you wish to work at home.

Scholarships and bursaries

International students

We offer a range of international undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

The course has a great mixture of practical and theory work that covers a wide range of topics, from micronutrition to physiology of tissues. The staff are also so enthusiastic about their subjects that it rubs off on you too, which creates a great learning environment for everyone."

Animal Science student

Careers overview

Animal science opens career and further study options in:

Animal nutrition/feed industry
Animal care and management
Pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries
Academic and industrial research
Government and charity advisory roles
Secondary biology teaching, after one year of further study (Postgraduate Certificate in Education)
Sales and marketing
Further study in veterinary, biomedical and life sciences

Many of our graduates choose to progress to postgraduate study and research. Our MSc Animal Nutrition course enables you to study farm, companion and zoo animal nutrition at an advanced level. The School of Veterinary Medicine and Science offers a three-year part-time MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy. Other Masters and PhD options are available to our graduates at University of Nottingham or elsewhere.

Job prospects

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

Careers advice

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain's leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top 10 in The Graduate Market in 2013-2024, High Fliers Research).

Welcome to your campus

With world-class laboratories, specialist facilities and a close-knit student community, ‘SB’ combines cutting-edge learning with a vibrant setting. Home to our biosciences and veterinary courses, you’ll enjoy a campus full of life –with everything from sports and societies to a farmers’ market right on your doorstep.

Animal Science - U7UANMAL

Course overview

Teaching and learning

Modules

Core modules

5 modules

Animal Physiology and Anatomy

Animal Biology

Sustainable Agriculture, Food and Nutrition

An Introduction to Genetics and Biochemistry

Scientific Skills and Practice

Core modules

1 modules

Research Skills for Animal Scientists

Optional modules

Core modules

1 modules

Animal Science Research Project

Optional modules

Core modules

5 modules

MSci Research Project in Animal Science

Statistics and Experimental Design for Bioscientists

Writing and Reviewing Research Proposals

Communication and Public Engagement for Scientists

Project Management

Language study as part of this degree

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Entry requirements

4 years full-time

£9,535 per year

Entry requirements

4 years full-time

£33,000 per year

Careers

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