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MSc Animal Science

MSc (NFQ Level 9)

This course is available through the following application route(s)

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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. 

About This Course

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.

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

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type 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
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,
 ANSC40290 Sustainable livestock systems Autumn  10
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,
 ANSC40300 Livestock infection, immunity and One Health Autumn  10
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,
 ANSC40280 Advanced animal nutrition Spring  10
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,
 ANSC40310 Animal Genomics and Quantitative Genetics Spring  10
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,
 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
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,
 ENVB40370 Data Analyses & Interpretation (On-line) Autumn  5
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,
 STAT40730 Data Programming with R (Online) Autumn  5
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,
 IA20160 Creative Thinking & Innovation (Online) Autumn and Spring (separate)  5
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,
 SCI50020 Research Integrity Online Autumn&Spring&Summer(separate)  5
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,
 VET40460 TEARAP Autumn&Spring&Summer(separate)  5
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,
 ANSC40360 Equine Reproduction&Fertility 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,
 FDSC40890 Animal Foods Spring  5
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,
 HNUT40110 Food Quality and Safety (O/L) Spring  5
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,
 ANSC40330 Research Literacy & Integrity Summer  15
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,
 ANSC40340 Commun & Agri-Innovation Summer  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,
 STAT40840 Data Prog with SAS (online) Summer  5

Niamh Keane
MSc Animal Science (2024); Farmer and Tirlán Milk Supply Manager

...it was the variety and choice of modules, the online and flexibility for part time work that allowed you to complete it over 2 years. The workload was very manageable and group projects helped you to get to know others in the class and network.
It was really great value for money compared to international programmes. I have a BSc in Animal and Crop Production and even with that background, I was surprised by how much knowledge I gained learning about global foods, international markets, other cultures etc. This is particularly relevant for me working in Tirlán as it is such a Global organization. I also feel that the MSc in Animal Science gave me the technical knowledge and helped future proof my career in terms of opportunities that may come along.
I would highly recommend the course to anyone who is thinking about pursuing it.

Maeve Cuff - Junior Brand Manager Forte Healthcare Ltd. 

I graduated from UCD in 2021, with a BSc in Agricultural Science, and I am now working as the Junior Brand Manager for large animal products at Forte Healthcare Ltd. I'm originally from an equine farm but also have experience working with dairy, beef and pigs. I chose the MSc Animal Science at UCD as I wanted to expand my knowledge of Animal Sciences to gain the necessary knowledge required for my career. As the MSc is online, this makes studying easily adaptable to working life as you can manage study around work, allowing you to progress your career and education simultaneously. I expect that upon graduating, the MSc will have given me an in-depth knowledge of animal sciences which I can utilise at a professional level. While I had a BS in Agricultural Science when I started my professional career, I found that my knowledge had some gaps, which I have gained from completing this MSc. By completing a Masters degree, you are at an advantage in your career. While the workload of any MSc course can be daunting, as this MSc is online, it gives you extra flexibility as you can complete the coursework in your own time.

MSc Animal Science (D076) Full Time
EU/NONEU    fee per year - € 10430

MSc Animal Science PT (D080) Part Time
EU/NONEU    fee per credit - € 128

***Fees are subject to change

  • 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. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

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


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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to MSc Animal Science:

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D082
Animal Science
Master of Science

Part-Time
Commencing January 2025
Graduate Taught
Not available to International applicantsApply
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D076
MSc Animal Science
Master of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Graduate Taught
Apply
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt
D080
MSc Animal Science PT
Master of Science

Part-Time
Commencing September 2025
Graduate Taught
Apply
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