Animal Science, MSci (Hons)

Our courses integrate theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on learning, delivered by leading academics at the forefront of their fields. Students gain real-world animal handling experience with species such as guinea pigs, sheep, hens, and cows through sessions and field trips. You can select from four specialisms—Bioveterinary Science, Physiology and Biotechnology, Livestock Production, or Ecology and Conservation—without committing until the end of your first year. This flexibility allows exploration of modules across options, including microbiology, nutrition, and agriculture, all studied at Sutton Bonington Campus, which features a commercial University Farm for research and teaching.In the first year, core modules cover animal biology, genetics, biochemistry, physiology, anatomy, and nutrition via lectures, tutorials, and practicals. Later years offer specialisation with optional modules, culminating in a third-year research project supervised by experts, potentially involving the farm or external sites like Twycross Zoo. An optional fourth year provides an integrated master's, focusing on independent research and project management skills, alongside opportunities for study abroad, industrial placements, or computer science to boost employability.

During year one, you'll study core modules to ensure everyone has the same level of science knowledge. You'll cover animal biology, genetics, biochemistry, physiology, anatomy and nutrition. There is a mixture of teaching with large group lectures, small group tutorials, and practical sessions. In years two and three, you get to choose your specialist option. You can choose from different optional modules regardless of your specialist option. The third year project will further develop your skills by working on a piece of original research or a critical literature review. You'll be supervised and mentored by our academics and researchers. You can study livestock, companion, laboratory or zoo animals. Some projects involve the University Farm and Dairy Centre. You can work also on projects offsite, for example at Twycross Zoo. The additional fourth year enables you to graduate with an integrated masters level qualification. You'll carry out an independent piece of research, and have modules to support this. You'll develop further skills in the coordination and management of research projects.