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Graduate Certificate Animal Science FT

GradCert (NFQ Level 9)

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

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The Graduate Certificate in Animal Science is suitable for students who wish to undertake advanced studies in a specific component of animal science in pursuit of upskilling and career development in the livestock sector. This unique postgraduate programme was designed after comprehensive consultation with leading stakeholders including animal nutrition and health industries. As a component of the suite of options available for the MSc, this new certificate also aims to equip graduates with cutting edge skills and position them for progression to 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 livestock and global food systems.

About This Course

Graduates of this programme will acquire the following skills in their chosen subject areas:

A spectrum of understanding of core foundational principles in Animal Science including the latest developments in each discipline.

An 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.

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)20CR:
Animal Science modules
Students will need to complete 20 credits from this block.
Please refer to the Animal Science Programme handbook for further information,
ANSC40270 Advanced animal reproduction Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Animal Science modules
Students will need to complete 20 credits from this block.
Please refer to the Animal Science Programme handbook for further information,
ANSC40290 Sustainable livestock systems Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Animal Science modules
Students will need to complete 20 credits from this block.
Please refer to the Animal Science Programme handbook for further information,
ANSC40300 Livestock infection, immunity and One Health Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Animal Science modules
Students will need to complete 20 credits from this block.
Please refer to the Animal Science Programme handbook for further information,
ANSC40280 Advanced animal nutrition Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Animal Science modules
Students will need to complete 20 credits from this block.
Please refer to the Animal Science Programme handbook for further information,
ANSC40310 Animal Genomics and Quantitative Genetics Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:
Animal Science modules
Students will need to complete 20 credits from this block.
Please refer to the Animal Science Programme handbook for further information,
ANSC40320 Global Food Systems Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B)10CR:
Associated and Transferrable Skills modules
Students will need to complete 10 credits from this block.
Please refer to the Animal Science Programme handbook for further information,
ANSC40350 Animal Welfare & Society Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - B)10CR:
Associated and Transferrable Skills modules
Students will need to complete 10 credits from this block.
Please refer to the Animal Science Programme handbook for further information,
ENVB40370 Data Analyses & Interpretation (On-line) Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - B)10CR:
Associated and Transferrable Skills modules
Students will need to complete 10 credits from this block.
Please refer to the Animal Science Programme handbook for further information,
STAT40730 Data Programming with R (Online) Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - B)10CR:
Associated and Transferrable Skills modules
Students will need to complete 10 credits from this block.
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)10CR:
Associated and Transferrable Skills modules
Students will need to complete 10 credits from this block.
Please refer to the Animal Science Programme handbook for further information,
SCI50020 Research Integrity Online Autumn&Spring&Summer(separate)  5
Stage 1 Options - B)10CR:
Associated and Transferrable Skills modules
Students will need to complete 10 credits from this block.
Please refer to the Animal Science Programme handbook for further information,
VET40460 TEARAP Autumn&Spring&Summer(separate)  5
Stage 1 Options - B)10CR:
Associated and Transferrable Skills modules
Students will need to complete 10 credits from this block.
Please refer to the Animal Science Programme handbook for further information,
ANSC40360 Equine Reproduction&Fertility Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - B)10CR:
Associated and Transferrable Skills modules
Students will need to complete 10 credits from this block.
Please refer to the Animal Science Programme handbook for further information,
FDSC40890 Animal Foods Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B)10CR:
Associated and Transferrable Skills modules
Students will need to complete 10 credits from this block.
Please refer to the Animal Science Programme handbook for further information,
HNUT40110 Food Quality and Safety (O/L) Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B)10CR:
Associated and Transferrable Skills modules
Students will need to complete 10 credits from this block.
Please refer to the Animal Science Programme handbook for further information,
ANSC40340 Commun & Agri-Innovation Summer  10
Stage 1 Options - B)10CR:
Associated and Transferrable Skills modules
Students will need to complete 10 credits from this block.
Please refer to the Animal Science Programme handbook for further information,
STAT40840 Data Prog with SAS (online) Summer  5

Graduate Certificate Animal Science FT (D084) Full 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


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

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D084
Graduate Certificate Animal Science FT
Graduate Certificate

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Graduate Taught
* you can change options at the top of the page