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2022/23
2023/24

BSc Animal Science with Placement Year

  • UCAS code
    D300
  • Typical offer
    BBB
  • Year of entry
    2023/24
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  4 Years
  • Year of entry
    2023/24
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  4 Years

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.

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250

New international students: £24,500

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, you will only pay 15% of your usual tuition fee for that year. For more information, please see our fees and funding pages or 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.

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.