Undergraduate Agriculture and Animal Science Degrees
Build your career in farming, animal welfare, crop health, technology and innovation, agricultural policy and research and development.
Study agriculture or animal science
Agriculture and animal science hold the solutions to sustainably feeding the world, protecting the planet and improving animal welfare.
Our courses will help you make a real impact in environmental innovation and animal care. This is an exciting time to be joining this important sector with its research science and advanced technological innovations.
We are:
- protecting natural habitats and resources
- conserving biodiversity
- supporting rural economies
- producing nutritious food sustainably
At Newcastle you’ll have exclusive access to our two commercial farms and state-of-the-art facilities in the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences.
What is animal science?
Animal science is an applied science that takes elements from biology, zoology, veterinary science and agriculture. It helps us understand our domestic animals, their science, management, business considerations and sustainability.
Animal science spans all animal life from insects to mega-fauna. It examines everything from biomolecules and evolution to conservation and how animals interact with their natural habitats.
Our Animal Science BSc focuses on farm animals and pets (including horses), but you can also take modules in:
- exotic pets
- animals in research
- zoo animals
- wild animals
What's the difference between animal science and zoology?
At Newcastle, there’s some overlap between zoology and animal science, because both courses require a fundamental understanding of animal biology.
However, our Animal Science BSc is unique because it:
- provides insight into supply chains
- includes optional business modules
As an animal scientist you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of how to:
- apply scientific theories to animal breeding
- manage, use and interact with domestic animals
- ensure sustainability with high standards of animal welfare
Lecturers and academics
Your lecturers are the scientists researching important developments in the field.
- Professor Lucy Asher covers dogs to poultry, using high-tech wearable sensors to understand animal welfare problems.
- Dr Miguel Velazquez researches animal fertility and the effects of environmental factors during gestation on the traits of the off-spring.
- Dr Abdul Chaudhry investigates additives to reduce enteric methane production in ruminants.
- Dr Fritha Langford explores sustainable animal management practices, such as mob grazing and if it's good for the environment and for cow welfare.
During your Stage 3 dissertation, you can contribute to their ongoing research or focus on a topic you’re interested in.
Studying abroad
Explore life in another country and make connections with new people and communities with a year studying abroad. You'll graduate as a globally aware professional, ready for your future career.
Your year abroad will:
- extend your degree by a year
- be at one of our exchange partner institutes
- be between Stage 2 and 3
Work placements
Spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world. You'll get University support from our dedicated team to secure your placement. Get first-hand experience and put your learning into practice.
Your placement will:
- extend your degree by a year
- take place between Stage 2 and 3
Placements are subject to availability.