Animal Science

Animal science is the study of the biology, welfare, production, and management of domesticated and commercial animals, with particular emphasis on those that play a role in agriculture, food production, and the rural economy. It draws on physiology, genetics, nutrition, animal behaviour, and reproductive biology to examine how animals grow, reproduce, and are managed in farming and other contexts, and how their welfare, health, and productivity can be optimised. The field has both immediate practical relevance to the food industry and livestock farming and deeper scientific implications for our understanding of mammalian biology.

At Newcastle University, this three-year full-time programme benefits from Newcastle's strong agricultural research tradition and its location close to some of the most productive farming land in England. You will study animal physiology, genetics and breeding, animal nutrition, reproductive biology, farm animal behaviour and welfare, production systems for cattle, sheep, pigs, and poultry, and the science of meat quality and food safety. The programme includes a sandwich placement year, a year abroad, and a work placement, providing a rich range of professional and international experiences that complement the academic curriculum.

These opportunities allow you to work on farms, in research institutions, with veterinary practices, or in the food industry, depending on your interests and career goals.

Graduates in animal science go on to careers in farm management, agricultural consultancy, animal nutrition and feed industries, veterinary pharmaceutical companies, livestock breeding organisations, food science and quality assurance, research, and public policy related to agriculture and food. Some continue to postgraduate study in animal science, veterinary biosciences, food science, or related disciplines. Newcastle's strong industry connections and the breadth of professional experience available through the placement and year abroad options make graduates from this programme particularly competitive in the agricultural and food industries.