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