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.

Stage 1 - Option



Advanced animal reproductionANSC40270

Advanced animal nutritionANSC40280

Sustainable livestock systemsANSC40290

Livestock infection, immunityANSC40300

Animal Genomics and Quantitative GeneticsANSC40310

Global Food SystemsANSC40320

Research Proposal moduleANSC40330

Precision Livestock ManagementBSEN40510

Meat and Meat Products O/LFDSC40550

Milk and Dairy Products (O/L)FDSC40590

Food Quality and Safety (O/L)HNUT40110

Research Design and StatisticsHNUT40130

Creative Thinking & Innovation (Online)IA20160

Design Thinking for Agricultural InnovationIA40490

Communicating for ImpactIA50000

Research Integrity OnlineSCI50020

Data Prog with SAS (online)STAT40840

TEARAPVET40460

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 ?rst language is not English must also demonstrate English language pro?ciency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.

How to apply?

The following entry routes are available:



MSc Animal Science FT (D076)

Duration 1 Years

Attend Full Time

Deadline Rolling*



MSc Animal Science PT (D080)

Duration 2 Years

Attend Part Time

Deadline Rolling*



* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised

1 Year Full Time, 2 Years Part Time.

MODE OF DELIVERY: Online

NEXT INTAKE: 2024/2025 September.

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