Animal Welfare – Bachelor of Animal Science

Massey University

New Zealand, Palmerston North

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Home/New Zealand/Palmerston North /Massey University/Animal Welfare – 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 Welfare – Bachelor of Animal Science

About

Specialise in Animal Welfare for your Bachelor of Animal Science at Massey

The Bachelor of Animal Science (Animal Welfare) will help you understand the science behind how animals experience their environment. You’ll also examine what influences that and how that affects their behaviour and performance.

You’ll gain a relevant, up-to-date, scientifically-based knowledge of animal welfare. So you’ll be well-placed to make a difference in the lives of animals.

A new, unique degree

Massey University’s Bachelor of Animal Science (BAnSci) is the only degree in New Zealand that focuses entirely on animal science. It is ideal if you are interested in a career that combines your love of science and animals.

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. You will obtain a solid base of knowledge in animal welfare. You’ll also learn about nutrition and growth as well as animal genetics and breeding.

Internationally relevant

Massey has a number of internationally recognised animal-based research centres. These include the world-leading Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre (AWSBC).

The Centre's research focuses on areas including developing fresh frameworks for understanding animal welfare. It evaluates husbandry practices and systems. It also covers pest control and analysing ethical dimensions of welfare problems.

The AWSBC was the first animal welfare focused research centre in the world to become an OIE Collaborating Centre (with the World Organisation for Animal Health). This recognises the AWSBC as being a group with internationally relevant expertise.

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 take 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.

If you won’t have reached University Entrance before summer school begins, you may be able to apply through Discretionary Entrance.

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 Bachelor of Animal Science with a major in animal welfare will provide you the knowledge, attributes and expertise you require for the careers of the future. You will be qualified for technical, advocacy and management roles across different types of industries and animals. These include: