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If you would like a future working with animals, our BSc Animal Science with Placement Year degree offers the perfect route into a wide range of careers in industry, research, education or the veterinary sector.
The difference between this degree and BSc Animal Science is that it includes a relevant placement year in the UK or abroad between the second and final year.
Animal science encompasses the scientific disciplines underpinning the management of farm, companion and captive animals, including; physiology, biochemistry, nutrition, growth, lactation, reproduction, health, behaviour and welfare.
Our flexible degrees ensure you have a sound grounding in the biosciences, including cell biology, biochemistry, physiology and the nutritional sciences, while enabling you to apply this knowledge to areas of interest, such as: livestock production, canine, feline and equine science, small animal management, zoo animal management and conservation.
Through a variety of teaching methods, you will not only acquire specialist knowledge and key laboratory skills, but also skills in team working, problem-solving, numeracy, data handling and statistical analysis, all of which are skills that are highly regarded by employers.
University-owned farms, including the renowned Centre for Dairy Research (CEDAR) with its dairy herd of 550 cows and other species, provide excellent facilities for practical research projects. Connections with zoos, equine centres, vet clinics and small animal facilities locally provide further opportunities for field visits and practical work.
You will also be encouraged to consider a study abroad experience as part of your degree programme. The University has a wide range of exchange partners in Europe and across the world in Australia, Canada and the USA (subject to availability).
Whether you have experience working with animals or not, our supportive academics will give you the individual attention to make sure you get the most out of your studies. If you haven’t made your mind up about your future career, this degree can help you to discover new areas of interest, as well as offering the flexibility to let you adapt and specialise as you learn.
If you would like to make a difference to the health and well-being of both animals and humans in an ever-changing world, then Animal Science at the University of Reading is the degree for you.
For more information, please visit the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development website.
Placement
This degree includes a relevant industrial placement year in the UK or abroad between the second and final year. You will benefit from our links with the animal science community, including leading organisations and companies, and we have a dedicated member of staff providing support and advice on suitable placements.
In the past, students have undertaken placements at Danisco Animal Nutrition (DuPont), Paignton and Chester Zoos, and the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation.
For more information about securing and completing a placement for your placement year, please visit our Important Information page.
Overview
If you would like a future working with animals, our BSc Animal Science with Placement Year degree offers the perfect route into a wide range of careers in industry, research, education or the veterinary sector.
The difference between this degree and BSc Animal Science is that it includes a relevant placement year in the UK or abroad between the second and final year.
Animal science encompasses the scientific disciplines underpinning the management of farm, companion and captive animals, including; physiology, biochemistry, nutrition, growth, lactation, reproduction, health, behaviour and welfare.
Our flexible degrees ensure you have a sound grounding in the biosciences, including cell biology, biochemistry, physiology and the nutritional sciences, while enabling you to apply this knowledge to areas of interest, such as: livestock production, canine, feline and equine science, small animal management, zoo animal management and conservation.
Through a variety of teaching methods, you will not only acquire specialist knowledge and key laboratory skills, but also skills in team working, problem-solving, numeracy, data handling and statistical analysis, all of which are skills that are highly regarded by employers.
University-owned farms, including the renowned Centre for Dairy Research (CEDAR) with its dairy herd of 550 cows and other species, provide excellent facilities for practical research projects. Connections with zoos, equine centres, vet clinics and small animal facilities locally provide further opportunities for field visits and practical work.
You will also be encouraged to consider a study abroad experience as part of your degree programme. The University has a wide range of exchange partners in Europe and across the world in Australia, Canada and the USA (subject to availability).
Whether you have experience working with animals or not, our supportive academics will give you the individual attention to make sure you get the most out of your studies. If you haven’t made your mind up about your future career, this degree can help you to discover new areas of interest, as well as offering the flexibility to let you adapt and specialise as you learn.
If you would like to make a difference to the health and well-being of both animals and humans in an ever-changing world, then Animal Science at the University of Reading is the degree for you.
For more information, please visit the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development website.
Placement
This degree includes a relevant industrial placement year in the UK or abroad between the second and final year. You will benefit from our links with the animal science community, including leading organisations and companies, and we have a dedicated member of staff providing support and advice on suitable placements.
In the past, students have undertaken placements at Danisco Animal Nutrition (DuPont), Paignton and Chester Zoos, and the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation.
For more information about securing and completing a placement for your placement year, please visit our Important Information page.
Entry requirements A Level BBB | IB 30 points overall
Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.
Typical offer
BBB, including Biology and one other science subject (Chemistry preferred)
Acceptable science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Studies, Applied Science, Geology.
International Baccalaureate
30 points overall, including Biology and one other science subject at higher level (Chemistry preferred)
Extended Project Qualification
In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.
BTEC National Diploma
DDM (Modules taken must be comparable to A level subjects specified)
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5
For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.
Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students
For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.
International Foundation Programme
If you are an international or EU student and do not meet the requirements for direct entry to your chosen degree you can join the University of Reading’s International Foundation Programme. Successful completion of this 1 year programme guarantees you a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. English language requirements start as low as IELTS 4.5 depending on progression degree and start date.
Pre-sessional English language programme
If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.
Structure
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
AP1A26 | Animal Science In Practice 1 | DR Caroline Rymer |
AP1A27 | Introductory Physiology | DR Kate Johnson |
AP1A18 | Digestion and Nutrition | DR Sokratis Stergiadis |
BI1MB2 | Metabolic Biochemistry | DR Craig Hughes |
BI1BEC1 | Building Blocks of Life | PROF Phillip Dash |
BI1S1 | Introductory Microbiology | DR Geraldine Mulley |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
MM1F10 | Student Enterprise | DR Lebene Soga |
ML1IL | Introduction to Linguistics | DR Federico Faloppa |
AP1SB1 | Introduction to Management | DR Yiorgos Gadanakis |
AP1A24 | Introduction to Livestock Production | DR Sokratis Stergiadis |
BI1ED2 | Mammals: diversity, behaviour & conservation | DR Phil Baker |
BI1EC2 | Ecology | DR Manuela Gonzalez-Suarez |
BI1AB1 | Animal Behaviour | PROF Richard Sibly |
CL1G1 | Ancient Greek 1 | MRS Jackie Baines |
CH1FC1 | Fundamental Concepts in Chemistry 1 | DR David Nutt |
CL1L1 | Latin 1 (C) | MRS Jackie Baines |
EC118 | Economy, Politics and Culture in the Roman World | PROF Ken Dark |
EC110 | The Economics of Climate Change | DR Stefania Lovo |
PP1RA | Reason and Argument | DR Jumbly Grindrod |
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
AP2A35 | Animal Health and Disease | DR Partha Ray |
AP2A67 | Animal Nutrition | DR Partha Ray |
AP2A68 | Mini Work Placement and Professional Development for Animal Scientists | DR Rachael Neal |
AP2A63 | Animal Science in Practice 2 | DR Caroline Rymer |
AP2A61 | Experimentation and Data Analysis | DR Lindsay Todman |
AP2A50 | Animal Growth, Lactation and Reproduction | DR Darren Juniper |
AP2PP1 | Professional Placement | DR Gillian Rose |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
LS2LAT | Introduction to English Language Teaching | MRS Suzanne Portch |
LS2LNM | Language and New Media | PROF Rodney Jones |
MM270 | Practice of Entrepreneurship | DR Norbert Morawetz |
ML2STA | Society, Thought, and Art in Modern Europe | DR Athena Leoussi |
ML2UNR | Unity, Nationalism and Regionalism in Europe | DR Athena Leoussi |
ML2GF | Science, perversion, and dream in global fantastic literature | DR Daniela La Penna |
AP2A43 | Small Animal Management | MRS Rebecca Morgan |
AP2A36 | Animal Production | DR Darren Juniper |
AP2A59 | Nature Conservation | DR Laura Girling |
AP2A56 | Grassland Management & Ecology | PROF Simon Mortimer |
AR2F17 | Forensic Archaeology and Crime Scene Analysis | PROF Mary Lewis |
AR2M8 | Medieval Europe: power, religion and death | DR Gabor Thomas |
CL2CGH | Greek History: Persian Wars to Alexander | PROF Timothy Duff |
BI2BB4 | Endocrinology | PROF Phil Knight |
BI2BC45 | Cells and Immunity | DR Mike Fry |
BI2BMG4 | Molecular Genetics | DR Eva Kevei |
BI2EEE4 | Biodiversity: Exploiters and Exploited | DR Paul Hatcher |
BI2EV45 | Vertebrate Zoology | DR Graham Luke |
BI2EY5 | Birds: Diversity, Behaviour and Conservation | MR Christopher Foster |
ED2TS1 | Development of transferable skills through a school placement 1 | DR Caroline Foulkes |
ED2TS2 | Development of transferable skills through a school placement 2 | DR Caroline Foulkes |
CL2RO | Roman History: From Republic to Empire | PROF Annalisa Marzano |
CL2DR | Ancient Drama | PROF Barbara Goff |
MT2CC | The Science of Climate Change | PROF Nigel Arnell |
PO2MIR | Modern International Relations | DR Joseph O' Mahoney |
PO2PWS | Politics of the Welfare State | DR Brandon Beomseob Park |
PO2THI | Political Thinking | DR Alice Baderin |
PP2IDR1 | Ignorance, Doubt, and Relativism 1 | DR Jumbly Grindrod |
PP2MM1 | Meaning and the Mind 1 | DR Jumbly Grindrod |
PP2OID1 | Oppression, Inequality, and the Enemies of Democracy 1 | MR George Mason |
PP2EA1 | Ethical Argument 1: Philosophy and How to Live | DR Luke Elson |
PP2GP1 | Global Philosophy 1 | DR Shalini Sinha |
PP2HKW1 | Hume, Kant, and Wittgenstein 1 | DR Severin Schroeder |
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
AP3A81 | Dissertation | DR Gillian Rose |
AP3A67 | Animal Welfare | MS Holly Vickery |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
LS3IC | Intercultural Communications | DR Erhan Aslan |
LW3CRY | Criminology | PROF Paul Almond |
MM302 | Entrepreneurial Project | MR Keith Heron |
ML3IC | Identity and Conflict in Modern Europe | DR Athena Leoussi |
ML3LP | Language and Power | DR Federico Faloppa |
GV3TRC | Tropical Rainforests, Climate & Lost Civilisations | PROF Frank Mayle |
GV3ESM | Ecosystems Modelling | DR Shovonlal Roy |
GV3CC | Climate Change | DR Maria Shahgedanova |
AP3A100 | Equine Science | DR Kate Johnson |
AP3A101 | Canine and Feline Science | MRS Rebecca Morgan |
AP3A104 | Meat Production and Quality | DR Darren Juniper |
AP3A98 | Equine Science and Management | DR Kate Johnson |
AP3A93 | Dairy Production | PROF Christopher Reynolds |
AP3AE75 | Wildlife and Farming | PROF Simon Mortimer |
AP3A83 | Practical Animal Nutrition | DR Darren Juniper |
BI3BE8 | Cardiovascular Disease | DR David Leake |
BI3BT78 | Cancer and Cell Communication | DR Mike Fry |
BI3BH8 | Mammalian Reproduction | PROF Phil Knight |
BI3BI8 | Neurobiology | DR Nandini Vasudevan |
BI3EW8 | Conservation Biology | DR Graham Holloway |
BI3EP7 | Wildlife Diseases | DR Phil Baker |
BI3EF7 | Urban Ecology | DR Phil Baker |
ED3TS3 | Development of transferable skills through a school placement 3 | DR Caroline Foulkes |
ED3TS4 | Development of transferable skills through a school placement 4 | DR Caroline Foulkes |
PO3FPT | Feminism and Political Theory | PROF David Marshall |
PO3IPE | International Political Economy | DR Jonathan Golub |
PO3USF | US Foreign and Defence Policy since 1950 | DR Graham O'Dwyer |
Fees
New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250 per year
New international students: £23,700 per year
UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes
UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.
EU student fees
With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.
Additional costs
Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.
Placement Year fees
If you spend a full year on placement – including professional and research placements and industrial experience – you’ll pay a discounted tuition fee for that year.
For home/Republic of Ireland students, the discounted fee is subject to parliamentary approval and is currently capped at £1,385.
For nternational students, the discount is 15% of your normal tuition fee.
For more information, please contact placements@reading.ac.uk.
Financial support for your studies
You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.
Careers
Our courses equip you with numerical, laboratory, scientific, research and work skills useful for any animal-based career, whether in industry, research, education or the agriculture, food and veterinary sectors.
Recent graduates have found scientific, technical and management positions in companies concerned with animal health and nutrition, the pharmaceutical sector and the biotechnology sector, including DuPont, BOCM Pauls, Mars Petcare and Envigo Ltd. Other students have progressed into teaching, master's degrees or postgraduate research programmes, or accelerated veterinary medicine programmes.