Animal Science

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 programme 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 livestockand global food systems.



Flexible programme 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 programme 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 programme thereby affording flexibility.The online format of the programme enables students enrolled to combine studying while in employment.



What Will I Learn?

Graduates of this programme 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, 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 on 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-actualisation skills to occupy leadership positions and to take active roles in societal discussions surrounding sustainable animal production systems.



NFQ Level: 9 (90 credits)

Level: Graduate Taught

Award: Master of Science

Stage 1 Options - A) Min 50CR:

Block A: Animal Science modules - select minimum 50 credits and a maximum of 60 credits.



While you can register to 40 credits in a trimester, the recommended workload for a full-time student is 30 credits per trimester - please bear this in mind when selecting your modules.



Please refer to the Animal Science Programme handbook for further information.



ANSC40270: Advanced animal reproduction

ANSC40290: Sustainable livestock systems

ANSC40300: Livestock infection, immunity and One Health

ANSC40280: Advanced animal nutrition

ANSC40310: Animal Genomics and Quantitative Genetics

ANSC40320: Global Food Systems



Stage 1 Options - B) Min 30CR:

Block B: Associated and Transferable Skills modules - select minimum 30 credits and a maximum of 40 credits.



While you can register to 40 credits in a trimester, the recommended workload for a full-time student is 30 credits per trimester - please bear this in mind when selecting your modules.



Please refer to the Animal Science Programme handbook for further information.



ANSC40350: Animal Welfare & Society

ENVB40370: Data Analyses & Interpretation (On-line)

STAT40730: Data Programming with R (Online)

IA20160: Creative Thinking & Innovation (Online)

SCI50020: Research Integrity Online

VET40460: TEARAP

ANSC40360: Equine Reproduction&Fertility

FDSC40890: Animal Foods

HNUT40110: Food Quality and Safety (O/L)

ANSC40330: Research Literacy & Integrity

ANSC40340: Commun & Agri-Innovation

STAT40840: Data Prog with SAS (online)

Applicants must hold a minimum of a second class honours degree in a related science discipline.



Mature candidates have previously been accepted on the basis of relevant experience and prospective candidates are encouraged to contact the Programme Director to discuss their eligibility.



Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme.



Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page (https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax) for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Delivery: Online

D076: 1 year full-time

D080: 2 years part-time

D082: 2 years part-time

D082: Animal Science

Master of Science

Part-Time: Commencing January 2025



D076: MSc Animal Science

Master of Science

Full-Time: Commencing September 2025



D080: MSc Animal Science PT

Master of Science

Part-Time: Commencing September 2025



Graduate Taught

Careers & Employability

There are a wide range of potential employment opportunities for graduates from this programme. 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.