Animal Science BSc Honours

Clearing - How to apply

What is Clearing?

Each year, universities may have spaces left on their courses after the application window has closed in June.

UCAS Clearing is your opportunity to snap up one of these places, even if you didn't apply to the university prior to the June deadline.

It also gives you a second chance to go to university if you didn't get the grades you needed for your firm and insurance offers.

How do I get in touch?

Our Clearing entry requirements may differ from those advertised. Please contact our friendly advisers to find out if you’re eligible for a place. You can get in touch through our hotlines: 

• For domestic students please call us on 0800 073 5050
• If you’re an International student calling from outside the UK, call: +44 191 222 5000

Not available in Clearing

This course is not available in Clearing 2025.

This means there are no spaces available for Clearing 2025. If you can't find vacancies in your original course or subject area, try exploring other subjects in a related field.

Search our courses in Clearing

Course overview

Imagine a mix of biology, zoology, veterinary science, agriculture, some business, sustainability and more – this is Animal Science at Newcastle University.

Our Animal Science students learn alongside biologists and agriculture students. You will focus on farm and companion animals, although you can also study laboratory, zoo and wild animals. You will apply the scientific principles of biology, health, nutrition, physiology and behaviour to enhance animal welfare, management, productivity, and importantly, sustainability.

Our course draws on the latest scientific discoveries where you'll study the lifecycle of an animal from:

• microbiology to supply chains
• animal behaviour and interaction with habitats
• animal reproduction and genetics
• local legislation to global issues

Download information about this course as a PDF

Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions  
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2025-26.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

Quality and ranking

Professional accreditation and recognition

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.

Modules and learning

Modules

The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage. 

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions

This stage provides a solid base in the underlying science of domestic animals, covering:

• health
• microbiology
• biochemistry
• physiology

We’ll also introduce you to the important concepts of sustainable development. You'll understand the importance of supply chains in how animals are managed. You also choose between introduction to business or a deep dive into the research conducted by scientists across the university and its positive impact on society. Our academic and professional skills training supports you as you transition to university. It will enhance your success in your degree and beyond.

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Introduction to Business Management	10
Agri-Food Supply Chains	10
Animal Health	10
Introduction to Animal Physiology	10
Sustainability in Practice	20
Academic and Professional Skills	20
Introduction to Sustainability	20
Cells and Biomolecules	20

You’ll continue to develop your knowledge of animal biology, applying the scientific principles from Stage 1 to more applied topics such as:

• sustainable farm animal production systems
• behaviour of animals in wild and domestic settings
• nutrition and feed science
• reproduction and genetic improvement

During your Sustainable Solutions module, you’ll have an exciting opportunity to solve a real-world problem. You’ll form a consultancy team and develop a solution to a genuine business issue posed by industry collaborators.

We encourage all our students to consider a professional placement or study abroad year between Stage 2 and 3.

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Animal Feed Science and Technology	10
Domestic Animal Reproduction and Genetic Improvement	10
Sustainable animal production systems	20
Dissertation and Research Preparation	10
Sustainable Solutions	10
Macro- and Micronutrients	20

Optional Modules	Credits
Human Resource Management	20
Career Development for second year students	20
Farm Business Management	10
Marketing Strategy	20
Qualitative Research Methods	10
Animal Behaviour	10
Animal Function (Physiology and Development)	20
Vertebrate Biology	20

Other optional modules may also be available.

In your final year, you will enjoy the independence of choosing and undertaking a new scientific research project. You could be contributing to the latest scientific discoveries. Some of our students present their findings at renowned conferences before they graduate.

Your research project, guided by your supervisor, will be 25% of your marks. It can be lab-based, carried out at one of our University farms, or an animal centre. You may join a team of scientists working on an existing project, or develop the idea yourself in collaboration with your supervisor.

Another highlight of your degree will be is working as a group to organise a public conference on current issues in animal science. It’s a great opportunity to improve your skills in project management, organisation and teamwork. The experience and transferable skills gained impresses future employers. You and your fellow students will be proud of this tremendous collective personal achievement.

For your optional modules, you can follow your interests and choose between business, biology, farm animals or an animal-related short-placement at one of Newcastle’s many animal establishments. Throughout your degree you’ll explore the latest research, technologies and get a global perspective.

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Animal Science Conference - Current Issues and Debates	20
Reproduction in Farm and Companion Animals	10
Applied Animal Nutrition	10
Animal Welfare and Behaviour	20
Dissertation	30

Optional Modules	Credits
Career Development for final year students	20
Your Future - occupational awareness	10
Insight, Innovate, Impact	10
Physiological Zoology	20

Information about these graphs

We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They are based on the modules chosen by our students in 2024-25.

Teaching time is made up of:

• scheduled learning and teaching activities. These are timetabled activities with a member of staff present.
• structured guided learning. These are activities developed by staff to support engagement with module learning. Students or groups of students undertake these activities without direct staff participation or supervision

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

On average, you'll spend 25 hours a week with your lecturers and academic staff. This time will include a combination of:

• lectures
• seminars
• group tutorials

To reinforce your theoretical learning, you’ll experience:

• practical laboratory sessions
• visits to animal establishments
• field trips to Newcastle University farms
• guest speakers and networking events

Throughout the course, you’ll carry out varied and interesting project work and submit reports and presentations in groups and individually.

Assessment methods

You'll be assessed through a combination of:

• 

  Assignments – written or fieldwork

• 

  Case studies

• 

  Coursework

• 

  Dissertation or research project

• 

  Examinations – practical or online

• 

  Group work

• 

  Practical sessions

• 

  Presentations

• 

  Projects

Skills and experience

Practical skills

We’ll arrange frequent field trips to a range of animal-related centres and our farms. These trips will help you:

• apply your learning
• develop your practical lab skills
• understand the wider context of the animal science sector
• form a close-knit bond with your peers

There are plenty of opportunities to get more hands-on experience with animals through our farms and a variety of animal establishments around Newcastle. These are valuable additions if you are planning on careers in eg veterinary or dog behaviour.

Business skills

We encourage all our students to take a placement year between Stages 2 and 3. You can spend this year working in the industry or studying abroad.

If you study abroad, you’ll join one of our many global partner universities where teaching is in English. Many of our modules have input from industry. This can include:

• guest lectures
• industry-set challenges
• business visits
• industry events
• student membership of professional bodies

Many of your assessments are designed to be of use in the various roles an animal scientist can enter. For example, devising an animal welfare audit, a short policy brief, a conference poster or science communication. These authentic assessments real-life experience to your degree and enhance your confidence and employability.

Newcastle University also offers a range of paid internships, career development modules and extra-curricular opportunities.

Research skills

Research is at the heart of what we do. You'll learn about the latest research from our school and your lecturers, whose research extends from the molecular to the whole animal.

Our research colleagues have expertise in a range of specialisms including:

• nutrition
• reproduction
• health
• welfare and behaviour
• sensor and precision technologies

This research has positive impact in areas of industrial and social importance to address real-world challenges. Our research-led approach to teaching means you are aware of the direction of scientific discovery. It also introduces you to various methods and latest thinking, and ensures your degree keeps you at the cutting edge of scientific understanding.

Your dissertation project is a great example of where you contribute your discoveries to the discipline. You will develop skills for this research in our dissertation preparation module at Stage 2. Some students publish their research in scientific journals or present it at eminent conferences where they network with other researchers.

You can progress to a PhD and research a specific project. Students have also developed research skills through paid internships, mini-placements and year-long placements.

Opportunities

Study abroad

Gain a global perspective, enhance your academic profile and open doors to exciting new experiences by studying abroad for one semester or a full academic year at one of our partner universities overseas. Study abroad usually takes place in stage 3 of your studies and extends your degree by one year.

You'll have the choice to study at a leading international university, including:

• Monash University
• University of Hong Kong
• University of Pittsburgh

You can also opt for short-term global opportunities like summer schools, virtual exchanges or internships that usually take place over the summer months.

Work placement

During your degree you can apply to spend 9 to 12 months on a professional industrial placement, in the UK or abroad. Your work placement is a great opportunity to gain practical experience, acquire key business skills and make industry contacts. You’ll get University support from our dedicated team. Work placements usually take place between Stages 2 and 3 and extend your degree by a year.

Recent Agriculture and Animal Science industrial placements include:

• Agricultural Graduate Sales Trainee with Davidsons Animal Feeds
• Agronomist at Marks and Spencers
• Ruminant Technical Adviser at Carr's Billington
• Placement student at OSI Food Solutions UK
• Placement student at For Farmers
• Placement student at Oaklands Farm Eggs Ltd

Facilities and environment

Facilities

The Agriculture Building is the home of Agriculture and Animal Science, based in the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, and located on our vibrant, city-centre campus.  Here some of our state-of-the-art facilities include laboratories, plant growth incubators and vertical farming units.

During your studies, you'll have access to Newcastle University Farms. NU Farms encompasses mixed animal, arable and biomass operations, with a commercial dairy and beef herd and a planned bed-and-breakfast pig enterprise. The farms are used for commercial, teaching and research purposes where you develop skills relating to data gathering and analysis, soil sampling, animal and plant health, pests and weed identification. At NU Farms we promote innovation to shape policy and support scientific research. We have extensive collaborations including:

• UK Agri-Tech Centre with on-site facilities 
• Fera Science (Fera)
• Institute of Agri-Food and Rural Innovation (IAFRI)
• Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF)

With a focus on sustainability, input from industry and research-driven teaching led by top academics we will prepare you for a successful career in agriculture, animal science and related fields.

We have extensive links with other farms, businesses and animal enterprises to broaden and deepen your understanding.

Animal Science students will also be interested in the high tech gait lab; our laboratories for dissections, microscope work etc and the UK's first our mobile dog behaviour research pod.

Support

We take your health and wellbeing seriously and are committed to supporting you throughout your studies so you can fulfil your potential at university. This support includes:

• your degree welcome event where, in small groups, you get to know those on your course
• a personal tutor who is an academic member of staff who can help you with academic and personal issues throughout your degree
• a peer mentor scheme which pairs you with a current student from your course to help you navigate your first year at university
• a staff-student committee, to give you an opportunity to have a say in how your degree works
• support, treatment and guidance on mental and physical health from our wellbeing team

Your future

An Animal Science BSc degree can prepare you for a career in animal science, agriculture, the companion animal sector and the environmental sector or anything that requires biological science degree.

Many fulfilling careers are open to you in:

• animal welfare
• animal nutrition
• animal breeding
• animal health
• food supply chain

Career examples could include:

• research scientist working in product development
• account manager for an animal health company

Join a network of successful graduates

Newcastle graduates have a strong reputation in the industry. They’re sought after for many animal-based roles, including graduate schemes in the:

• food supply sector, such as Cranswick
• animal reproduction and genetic improvement, such as Genus

Recent graduates have found roles as:

• Dairy Customer Agricultural Manager at Arla Foods
• Dog Behaviourist at the Dogs Trust
• Junior New Product Developer at Mars Pet Nutrition Europe
• Animal Welfare Advisor to the New Zealand Government
• Wildlife Conservation Project Officer

Others have progressed to veterinary, teaching, medicine, set up their own animal-related businesses, or entered other graduate roles requiring a general degree and the transferable skills this offers.

Enterprising students

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The Sustainable Solutions module at Newcastle University offers you the opportunity to collaborate with industry professionals on projects that address real-world sustainability challenges. This hands-on experience enhances your problem-solving skills and prepares you for successful careers in sustainability-focused roles.

You'll have many opportunities to interact with industry through:

• guest speakers
• visits
• industry networking events
• opportunities to attend conferences

Careers support

Our Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Tuition fees and scholarships

Tuition fees for academic year 2026-2027

The 2026 entry home fees have not yet been confirmed.

Qualification: BSc Honours
Home students full time 3 years	Tuition fees (Year 1) Not set
International students full time 3 years	Tuition fees (Year 1) 31,500

Home Fee Students

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course. £9,535 is the maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for home fee-paying students for the academic year 2025-26. This is set by the UK government. This fee has not yet been confirmed for 2026-27.

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Read more about fees and funding

International Fee Students

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Read more about fees and funding

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our undergraduate scholarship page for more information.

Year abroad and additional costs

For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year. 

Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.

Scholarships

Find out more about:

• scholarships for UK, EU and international students
• Student Loans and Government financial support for UK and EU students

How to apply

Apply through UCAS

To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:

• the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
• the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
• the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college

If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.

Apply through UCAS

Apply through an agent

International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.

Visit our International pages