BSc Bioveterinary Sciences with Foundation

Gain the expertise to succeed in an animal-related career with our BSc Bioveterinary Sciences with Foundation degree.

Please note that this course is now closed for 2023 applicants.

This four-year programme includes a foundation year that leads directly into our three-year BSc Bioveterinary Sciences course. It offers an excellent route to a degree in bioveterinary sciences if you do not have the typical entry requirements.

The foundation year will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed at university. You’ll develop core skills in academic study, writing, mathematics, and research, as well as subject-specific skills in biology, ecology and sustainability.

Choose BSc Bioveterinary Sciences with Foundation at the University of Reading

Bioveterinary scientists play a vital role in the challenges facing our society:

• contributing to sustainability and food security by ensuring the optimal health, welfare and management of farmed animals
• applying scientific approaches to the management of the health, welfare and behaviour of domestic and captive animal populations
• engaging in research at the interface of animal biology, veterinary science and animal management.

At Reading, you’ll develop the specialist knowledge, research expertise, and laboratory skills to tackle these global challenges.

You’ll gain a solid grounding in biosciences and an understanding of animal function from molecular to whole-animal level. Your studies will cover:

• cell biology
• biochemistry
• physiology of body systems
• health, welfare, and behaviour sciences
• nutritional sciences.

You will learn how to apply this knowledge in the management of animal health and welfare in a range of settings, including farms, zoos, and domestic households.

You’ll also gain vital transferable skills – including team-working, problem-solving, data-handling and statistical analysis skills – which are highly regarded and sought after by employers.

Studying bioveterinary sciences at the University of Reading will enable you to make a difference to the health and wellbeing of animals in an ever-changing world.

Our academics employ a variety of teaching methods – including lectures, tutorials, practical classes and lab work – and provide one-to-one support to help you get the most from your studies.

Throughout your degree, we’ll help you develop essential employability skills. You’ll benefit from dedicated careers curiosity and skills sessions, exploring the possible jobs you could do and building the communication skills needed for successful applications and interviews. You can also gain hands-on professional experience and networking opportunities with a placement year, or complete a mini placement in your final year.

If you haven’t decided on your future career, our flexible degree will help you discover new areas of interest, and enable you to adapt and specialise as you learn.

Bioveterinary science facilities

Our specialist research and teaching facilities, including laboratories and University-owned farms, offer excellent opportunities for practical research projects.

Unique facilities such as the Centre for Dairy Research (CEDAR), with its dairy herd of 550 cows and other livestock species, are used to enhance your learning experience.

The University also has strong connections with local equine centres, veterinary clinics, small animal facilities and zoos, providing further opportunities for field visits and practical work.

Placement opportunities with BSc Bioveterinary Sciences with Foundation

You can opt for a 35-hour mini work placement as part of your degree, or gain in-depth insight into the animal or veterinary industries with a year-long work placement leading to our BSc Bioveterinary Sciences with Placement Year degree, a five-year version of this course with an integrated work placement between your third and final year.

We have a dedicated placements team who can provide advice and support in finding a suitable placement, as well as developing your CV and interview skills.

You’ll benefit from our links with the animal and bioveterinary science community, including leading organisations and companies in the sector.

Past students have undertaken placements at Danisco Animal Nutrition (DuPont), Paignton, Chester and Jersey Zoos, and the RSPCA.

Study abroad

As part of your degree, you could choose to spend time abroad.

We'll help you to decide where to go and for how long, guide you through the application process, and support you while you're abroad.

To find out more about the benefits of studying abroad, and discover where you could go, visit the Study Abroad website.