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If you would like a future working with animals, our BSc Animal Science degrees can offer an excellent route into a wide range of careers.
Are you keen to take our BSc Animal Science course but haven't taken the necessary A level subjects? Our BSc Animal Science with Foundation is a four-year programme that includes a year of foundational study and leads directly into the three-year course.
Animal science focuses on the scientific disciplines that underpin the management of productive, captive and companion animals. These include physiology, reproduction, nutrition, 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.
Further afield, we currently offer an optional residential module: a week studying captive animal management at Durrell Conservation Academy in Jersey. 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.
Placement
You will complete an 80-hour mini work-placement as part of your degree and, in addition, have the option of taking a year-long work placement which provides a key opportunity to gain an in-depth insight into an animal industry career.
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