This course is available through the following application route(s)
The Diploma in Animal Science is suitable for students who wish to undertake advanced studies in specific components 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 diploma also 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 including immunobiology, sustainable livestock and global food systems.
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.
| Trimester | Credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 30CR: Animal Science modules Students will need to complete a minimum of 30 credits and a maximum of 40 credits from this block over their programme registration. The recommended maximum workload for a part-time student is 25 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 30CR: Animal Science modules Students will need to complete a minimum of 30 credits and a maximum of 40 credits from this block over their programme registration. The recommended maximum workload for a part-time student is 25 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 | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 30CR: Animal Science modules Students will need to complete a minimum of 30 credits and a maximum of 40 credits from this block over their programme registration. The recommended maximum workload for a part-time student is 25 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 30CR: Animal Science modules Students will need to complete a minimum of 30 credits and a maximum of 40 credits from this block over their programme registration. The recommended maximum workload for a part-time student is 25 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 | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 30CR: Animal Science modules Students will need to complete a minimum of 30 credits and a maximum of 40 credits from this block over their programme registration. The recommended maximum workload for a part-time student is 25 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 30CR: Animal Science modules Students will need to complete a minimum of 30 credits and a maximum of 40 credits from this block over their programme registration. The recommended maximum workload for a part-time student is 25 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 20CR: Associated and Transferable Skills modules Students will need to complete a minimum of 20 credits and a maximum of 30 credits from this block over their programme registration. The recommended maximum workload for a part-time student is 25 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 20CR: Associated and Transferable Skills modules Students will need to complete a minimum of 20 credits and a maximum of 30 credits from this block over their programme registration. The recommended maximum workload for a part-time student is 25 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 20CR: Associated and Transferable Skills modules Students will need to complete a minimum of 20 credits and a maximum of 30 credits from this block over their programme registration. The recommended maximum workload for a part-time student is 25 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 20CR: Associated and Transferable Skills modules Students will need to complete a minimum of 20 credits and a maximum of 30 credits from this block over their programme registration. The recommended maximum workload for a part-time student is 25 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&Spring&Summer(separate) | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 20CR: Associated and Transferable Skills modules Students will need to complete a minimum of 20 credits and a maximum of 30 credits from this block over their programme registration. The recommended maximum workload for a part-time student is 25 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 20CR: Associated and Transferable Skills modules Students will need to complete a minimum of 20 credits and a maximum of 30 credits from this block over their programme registration. The recommended maximum workload for a part-time student is 25 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 20CR: Associated and Transferable Skills modules Students will need to complete a minimum of 20 credits and a maximum of 30 credits from this block over their programme registration. The recommended maximum workload for a part-time student is 25 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 20CR: Associated and Transferable Skills modules Students will need to complete a minimum of 20 credits and a maximum of 30 credits from this block over their programme registration. The recommended maximum workload for a part-time student is 25 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 20CR: Associated and Transferable Skills modules Students will need to complete a minimum of 20 credits and a maximum of 30 credits from this block over their programme registration. The recommended maximum workload for a part-time student is 25 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 20CR: Associated and Transferable Skills modules Students will need to complete a minimum of 20 credits and a maximum of 30 credits from this block over their programme registration. The recommended maximum workload for a part-time student is 25 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 |
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: Yes
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Graduate Diploma Animal Science PT:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | D087 Graduate Diploma Animal Science PT Graduate Diploma Part-Time Commencing September 2026 Graduate Taught |