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.

Module/Trimester/Credits



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 Autumn 10

ANSC40280 Advanced animal nutrition Autumn 10

ANSC40290 Sustainable livestock systems Autumn 10

ANSC40300 Livestock infection, immunity and One Health Spring 10

ANSC40310 Animal Genomics and Quantitative Genetics Spring 10

ANSC40320 Global Food Systems Spring 10



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 Autumn 5

ENVB40370 Data Analyses & Interpretation (On-line) Autumn 5

STAT40730 Data Programming with R (Online) Autumn 5

IA20160 Creative Thinking & Innovation (Online) Autumn&Spring&Summer(separate) 5

SCI50020 Research Integrity Online Autumn&Spring&Summer(separate) 5

VET40460 TEARAP Autumn&Spring&Summer(separate) 5

ANSC40360 Equine Reproduction&Fertility Spring 10

FDSC40890 Animal Foods Spring 5

HNUT40110 Food Quality and Safety (O/L) Spring 5

ANSC40330 Research Literacy & Integrity Summer 15

ANSC40340 Commun & Agri-Innovation Summer 10

• Applicants must hold a minimum of a Second Class Honours degree in a related science discipline (or international equivalent).



• Candidates with significant prior relevant work experience will also be considered. Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact the Programme Director to discuss their eligibility. Applications are assessed on a case by case basis by the Programme Director.

• 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 for further information at: https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/ Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Online Application.



Who Should Apply?

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EU) applicants: Yes



Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EEA) applicants: Yes

D076: 1 year full-time

D080: 2 years part-time

Delivery: Online

D076: Master of Science in Animal Science Full-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught



D080: Master of Science in Animal Science Part-Time

Commencing September 2026

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.