
Animal Science BSc (Hons)
Course Overview - Animal Science BSc (Hons)
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 ...
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.<br/><br/>You can choose from four options:<br/>+ 1. Bioveterinary Science – examine the science behind animal health and disease<br/><br/><br/>+ 2. Physiology and Biotechnology – study animal structure and function, including stem cell and developmental biology<br/><br/><br/>+ 3. Livestock Production – investigate the science of farm animal nutrition, productivity and fertility<br/><br/><br/>+ 4.Ecology and Conservation – focus on the science, management and welfare of zoo and captive animals<br/><br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>You can enhance your employability with an extra year abroad, on an industrial placement, or studying computer science.<br/><br/><strong>Why choose this course?</strong><br/>+ University Farm - see scientific principles applied in practice <br/><br/><br/>+ Study abroad - for a semester or an additional year<br/><br/><br/>+ Enhance your CV - with an industrial placement, or a year studying computer science<br/><br/><br/>+ Top 5 for Animal Science in the UK (Times Good University Guide 2025)<br/><br/><br/>+ Practical experience - gain practical animal handling experience with guinea pigs, sheep, rabbits, hens and cows<br/><br/><br/>+ Field trips - we work with organisations such as The Stabiliser™ Cattle Company and the charity Peoples Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA)<br/><br/><br/>+ Guest lectures - from industry experts <br/><br/><br/>+ Internationally known - our Sutton Bonington Campus is known internationally for applied animal science research<br/><br/><br/><strong>What is the difference between animal science, zoology and veterinary science?</strong><br/>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.<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/><strong>Graduate Entry to Veterinary Medicine for Nottingham Animal Science Graduates</strong><br/>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.<br/><br/>*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.<br/><br/>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.
Course Information
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
3 Years
Start Date
21/09/2026
Campus
Sutton Bonington Campus
Application Details
14 January
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
D320
Institution Code
N84
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
UCAS Tariff
Not Accepted
Scottish Higher
B,B,B,B,B
This qualification is accepted in combination with two Scottish Advanced Highers at grades BB including Biology.
Access to HE Diploma
D:21,M:18,P: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.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
28
To include Higher Level Biology 4. Alternatively, 555 or 744 or 654 in 3 Higher Level Certificates including Higher Level Biology.
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.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
GCSE English and Mathematics grade C/4.
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.
Scottish Advanced Higher
B,B
To include Biology. This qualification is accepted in combination with five Scottish Highers at grades BBBBB.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
M2,M2,M2
To include Biology.
Extended Project
A
Considered alongside 3 A levels or equivalent including Biology.
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.
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 level
B,B,B
B,B,C
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.
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.
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
A*
C
This qualification is accepted as equivalent to a non-biology A Level.
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Fees and funding
Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year |
---|---|---|---|
England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland | £9,535 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |
EU, International | £33,000 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |