Animal Genetics and Breeding – Bachelor of Animal Science

Massey University

New Zealand, Palmerston North

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Home/New Zealand/Palmerston North /Massey University/Animal Genetics and Breeding – Bachelor of Animal Science

Massey University

New Zealand , Palmerston North

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Manawatū campus (Palmerston North)

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesMay-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 3 year(s)

Next Intake May-2026

Animal Genetics and Breeding – Bachelor of Animal Science

About

Specialise in Animal Genetics and Breeding for your Bachelor of Animal Science at Massey

The Bachelor of Animal Science (Animal Genetics and Breeding) is ideal for you if you have an interest in genetics in relation to animals. You’ll learn:

how effective breeding strategies can both improve animal health and be more effective for farming and agriculture
about reproductive physiology and reproductive technologies
how breeding and genetics can help improve the performance of animals
how to set up a genetic improvement programme based on breeding goals
how to collect relevant information, analyse it and make decisions to attain those goals.

Learn from the best

Massey University’s animal, agricultural and veterinary science professionals are among the best in the world. They will teach you about the latest developments in animal science. As well as animal breeding and genetics, you will also obtain expertise in nutrition, growth and animal welfare.

Join a world-leading university

Massey University is home to the only animal science team in New Zealand and one of the largest in Australasia. You will benefit from our internationally-recognised capability and leadership in these areas.

Our staff have significant and ongoing interaction with farm and service animal genetic improvement programmes with commercial partners.

Practical components of the qualification are taught on site at our sheep, beef and dairy farms and at our feline and canine facilities and state of the art teaching laboratories.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

Massey University entry requirements

Specific requirements

There are no specific entry requirements for this qualification, outside of university admission regulations.

To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.

Expected high school preparation

Knowledge gained in the following NCEA subjects (or the equivalent in Cambridge International Examinations, International Baccalaureate, or similar) will give you the expected background knowledge to succeed in this qualification.

At least 14 credits in NCEA Level 3 Biology.

At least 14 credits in NCEA Level 3 Chemistry.

English language skills

If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

Can't meet the entry requirements?

If it’s some time since you have studied mathematics at school you can find out if you have the required background by taking this maths quiz.

Haven’t studied the right subjects at high school?

The following pathways will get you prepared to study this qualification:

If you have not studied NCEA Level 3 Biology (or equivalent) take the following course first:

162103 Introductory Biology

If you have not studied NCEA Level 3 Chemistry (or equivalent) take the following course first:

123103 Chemistry for Modern Sciences.

These courses are available in summer school and can be taken as a Certificate in Science and Technology or Certificate of Proficiency. One 100-level course can be counted as an elective towards the Bachelor of Animal Science.

English Program Requirements

English Evidence Academic IELTS^: 6.0 overall and minimum 5.5 in each band

English Evidence TOEFL iBT: Overall score 80, minimum 19 in Writing

English Evidence Pearson Test of English (PTE): 50 overall and minimum 42 in each communicative skills

Career

The BAniSc (Animal Genetics and Breeding) gives you the skills to go into a variety of interesting careers. You will gain the knowledge, attributes and insights into new technologies and processes, that are relevant for careers of the future.

Sought-after by employers

The production and companion animal industries, government departments and agencies, and iwi-owned agribusinesses recognise the importance of animal science in what they do and employ our graduates. Our rigorous qualification is supported by industry and provides you with the valuable skills employers are looking for.

Whether you are interested in working on small companies or farms, or for a large multinational, this degree will give you the technical, advocacy and management skills that are required. Possible careers include:

reproductive management of animals
livestock genetics companies
corporate ram and bull breeding units
developing country genetic improvement programmes
on-farm animal technician
animal-related consultancy.

A 2017 Ministry of Education publication "The post-study earnings and destinations of young domestic graduates" showed that those who complete a qualification in a science, agriculture, technology, computer science, engineering or mathematics field of study have high relative earnings after they complete their study compared to the national median. Earnings can be substantially more than other graduates.