Animal Science

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).

In the final year, you will complete an individual research project under expert supervision, providing you with a unique opportunity to explore an area of animal science in more depth through laboratory or field-based studies.

If you haven't studied the required subjects, you can opt for our four-year BSc Animal Science with Foundation degree which includes a year of foundational study.

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.

You can apply online for all of our courses, including courses with an Integrated Foundation Year, via the national admissions service, UCAS. You can choose to apply for up to five courses in total, including more than one course at the same institution.

Begin your application

Register at UCAS and complete the application pages online, using the UCAS codes on our course pages. 

Our UCAS code is R12. The University does not have a campus code. 

Write your personal statement

As part of your application, you'll be asked to submit a personal statement to support your application. This is your opportunity to tell us more about why you want to study the course and what interests, skills and experience you have that demonstrate your passion for the subject.

Submit your application

When you're happy with your application and have added the required information such as qualifications, personal statement and reference, you can submit your application. 

A small charge is made by UCAS for applying to university. The application fee for 2022 entry was £22 to apply for a single course and £26.50 for multiple courses (and for applications submitted after 30 June).

Make sure to check the UCAS website for the most up-to-date application deadlines. If you have missed the January deadline, there is still the opportunity to apply (via UCAS), and we are happy to consider late applications until 30 June 2022 (all applications received after 30 June are entered into Clearing). Please be aware that some of our courses may be full after the January UCAS deadline, so we recommend early applications where possible.