A young university student in blue scrubs examining a calf with a stethoscope in a university animal teaching facility, representing the hands-on animal care and welfare focus of Animal Sciences degrees

DEGREE GUIDE

Animal Sciences

What do Animal Sciences degrees involve?

Animal Sciences degrees teach you how to understand, care for, and manage animals in a range of settings, from agriculture to conservation and veterinary science. You will explore key areas such as animal physiology, genetics, nutrition, behaviour, and welfare. Some courses also focus on veterinary sciences, preparing you for roles in animal healthcare, disease prevention, and research. These degrees help you develop strong analytical, research, and practical skills while studying how animals interact with humans and their environments. You will also gain hands-on experience through laboratory work, field studies, and placements in farms, zoos, or veterinary settings. With a mix of scientific study and applied learning, you’ll be prepared for careers in animal health, welfare, conservation, and agricultural management.

Example
Modules

Animal Nutrition: Study how nutrients affect growth, reproduction and health across species, and learn to formulate balanced diets for optimal performance.

Animal Physiology: Explore how body systems such as the heart, lungs and reproductive organs function and adapt in different environments.

Veterinary Anatomy: Examine animal bodies through tissue and organ structure, building core knowledge for clinical and scientific work.

Common Degree Names

💼 Placement years are widely available, often in farms, wildlife centres, zoos or animal health labs.
🌍 Study abroad is offered at some universities.

BSc (Hons) Animal Science
BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour
BSc (Hons) Animal Science (Animal Nutrition)
BSc (Hons) Animal Science and Conservation
BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare
MSci Animal Science

MSci is a four-year integrated Master’s with advanced research or placement.

A microscope alongside blood and hair sample vials from different animal species, nutrition charts and a tablet displaying animal health data, illustrating the scientific research and laboratory skills developed in Animal Sciences degrees

Level 3 (A-level / IB Diploma (HL) / Scottish Highers)
Animal Sciences explores the biology, welfare, and management of animals – from farm livestock to companion species. Because you'll need to understand animal biology, universities look for a solid science foundation.

You'll need:

Biology – almost always essential

Subjects that strengthen your application:

Chemistry – often required or strongly preferred, especially for health or lab-based courses
Maths or Physics – useful for data handling and lab work
Psychology or Environmental Science – may be accepted as a second science

✨ Biology and Chemistry together keep the widest range of options open. Many universities also accept Biology with another science or Maths.

Universities also accept vocational and international qualifications:

BTEC Extended Diplomas in Animal Management or Applied Science—often with specific grade profiles and science-related units
T-levels in Agriculture, Animal Care, or Science may be accepted by some institutions

✨ Entry criteria can vary, especially between academic and land-based colleges, so it’s always best to check individual course requirements on university websites.

Level 2 (GCSE / MYP / Nat 5)
You’ll usually need:

GCSE English and Maths at grade 4/C or above, or equivalent qualifications such as National 5s or MYP
Science – either Combined Science or separate subjects like Biology and Chemistry, typically at grade 4/C or above

📘 Some universities may ask for higher grades in science (e.g. 5/B or 6), especially if you don’t have it at A-level (or equivalent).

Having subjects like Geography or Environmental Science can also support your interest in animal ecology and welfare.

💬 Interviews
Most Animal Sciences courses do not require an interview. Some institutions—especially agricultural colleges—may invite you to an informal chat or applicant day to discuss your interest in the subject.

📝 Admissions Tests
There are no standard admissions tests for Animal Sciences.

🔍 Work Experience
Not essential, but very helpful. Experience with animals—whether on a farm, at a kennel, in a zoo, or through volunteering—can make your personal statement stand out and show genuine passion.

If your qualifications don't match the usual entry requirements, there are some other possibilities.

🌱 Foundation Year in Science, Animal Health, or Agriculture
If you don’t meet the subject or grade requirements for direct entry, some universities offer a foundation year to help you build the science skills you’ll need for the degree.

🎓 Access to HE Diploma (Science or Land-Based Studies)
This is a popular route for mature learners or those without A-levels. Look for an Access course with a strong Biology focus, and ideally some Chemistry content too.

💼 Level 3 Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships such as Animal Care and Welfare, Animal Technician, or Veterinary Nursing Assistant can provide valuable hands-on experience. These may lead to university study, especially when combined with strong academic grades or a foundation year.

Is this degree right for you?

Members can explore whether this degree fits who they are:

Skills you'd develop and whether they match your strengths
How this aligns with your interests, motivators and values
Career paths and where graduates end up

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Skills you would develop in an Animal Sciences degree

Scientific & Laboratory Methods: Conduct practical experiments and handle animals responsibly in laboratory and field settings.
Technical & Practical Skills: Learn animal handling techniques, health assessments, and care practices essential for animal management.
Research & Data Analysis: Collect, analyse, and interpret scientific data relating to animal health, behaviour, and welfare.
Problem-Solving: Address challenges in animal welfare, nutrition, breeding, and health through informed solutions.
Attention to Detail: Develop accuracy in monitoring animal behaviours, health indicators, and managing care plans.
Adaptability & Resilience: Effectively manage unpredictable animal behaviour, changing environmental conditions, and evolving industry standards.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Work closely and effectively within teams on animal care, welfare projects, and research initiatives.
Sustainability & Ethical Awareness: Understand and implement practices that enhance animal welfare and sustainability in agriculture and conservation.

Is this a good fit for you?

Use the tabs to explore the kind of person that this would be a good fit for. Do you share the Interests, Motivations and Values that people who thrive in this course tend to have? How does it compare to your Holland code?

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Interests that would make an Animal Sciences degree a good match for you

Careers an Animal Sciences degree could lead you to