MSc Animal Science
Dublin, Ireland
DURATION
1 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
EUR 9,690 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
* full time EU/NONEU fee per year - € 9690; part time EU/NONEU fee per year - € 108
Introduction
The MSc in Animal Science is suitable for students who wish to undertake advanced studies in pursuit of a career in the livestock sector. This unique programme was designed after comprehensive consultation with leading stakeholders including animal nutrition and health industries. This new MSc aims to equip graduates with cutting-edge skills and position them for leadership roles in a dynamic and critically important sector of the global economy.
This innovative program enables students to focus their studies on specific aspects of animal science including genetics & genomics, reproduction, nutrition, and health. For those with an enquiring mind, a deeper understanding of scientific principles relevant to solving issues currently limiting system sustainability will be reflected in new modules developed for this MSc, including immunobiology, sustainable livestock, and global food systems.
Flexible program choices enable students to focus their studies on an area of specific interest for the development of deeper expertise or tailor their module choice for a broader selection. A key strategy of the MSc is to foster the development of communication and transferable skills to enable the student to best represent their skillset and become leading ambassadors for sustainable animal production systems.
The MSc Animal Science has been designed in collaboration with Industry stakeholders and will be delivered by internationally renowned discipline experts. Guest lectures and new modules will showcase the latest developments in national and international research informed by innovative projects taking place at UCD Lyons Farm.
This program is delivered and assessed entirely online and can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis. The minimum registration to the MSc is one year, however, students have four years in which to complete the program thereby affording flexibility. The online format of the program enables students enrolled to combine studying while in employment.
Ideal Students
Who should apply?
Full-Time option suitable for:
- Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
- International (Non-EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes
Part-Time option suitable for:
- Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
- International (Non-EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes
Admissions
Curriculum
Stage 1 - Option
- ANSC40270 Advanced animal reproduction
- ANSC40280 Advanced animal nutrition
- ANSC40290 Sustainable livestock systems
- ANSC40300 Livestock infection, immunity, and One Health
- ANSC40310 Animal Genomics and Quantitative Genetics
- ANSC40320 Global Food Systems
- ANSC40330 Research Proposal module
- ANSC40340 Commun & Agri-Innovation
- FDSC30240 Animal Products
- HNUT40110 Food Quality and Safety (O/L)
- IA20160 Creative Thinking & Innovation (Online)
- SCI50020 Research Integrity Online
- STAT40840 Data Prog with SAS (online)
- VET40460 TEARAP
Program Outcome
Graduates of this program will acquire:
- A spectrum of understanding of core foundational principles in Animal Science including the latest developments in each discipline.
- A deep understanding of the current and future challenges of animal production enterprises and how research is meeting these challenges.
- The ability to comprehensively synthesize and articulate the role of education, and strategic and applied aspects of agriculture in identifying the solutions for the Agri-food systems of tomorrow.
- The ability to apply animal science knowledge (e.g. Nutrition, Genetics, Reproduction, and Health) for the sustainable production of livestock in a welfare-friendly and ethically responsible manner.
- The capacity to demonstrate and apply a foundation knowledge of how cutting-edge developments in Animal Science ensure a safe food supply for consumers.
- Knowledge of how to employ a range of media to effectively communicate with the multiple and diverse stakeholders in the Irish and International Agri-food sector.
- The ability to apply relevant scientific evidence and other knowledge, to positively affect policy, regulation, and public health relating to animal production systems.
- The self-actualization skills to occupy leadership positions and to take active roles in societal discussions surrounding sustainable animal production systems.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
There is a wide range of potential employment opportunities for graduates from this program. Agriculture is a global enterprise and as such progressive individuals will identify the contribution this MSc can make across a wide range of career trajectories.
Graduate Roles include:
- Further education including PhD programmes nationally and abroad
- Policy and advisory roles within governmental departments
- Senior positions within leading nutrition, health, breeding, and pharmaceutical companies