Animal Science with Placement Year

Overview

At the University of Reading studying the Animal Science with Placement Year degree includes a relevant industrial placement year in the UK or abroad between the second and final year.

Animal science focuses on the scientific disciplines that underpin the management of captive, productive and companion animals. These include reproduction, nutrition, health and welfare.

Whether you have experience working with animals or not, our supportive academics will give you the individual attention to make sure you get the most out of your studies.

There are plenty of opportunities to gain hands-on research experience on a number of active research projects where you will develop key skills in team working, problem solving and data handling. You can choose to study the science and management of horses, or small animal management studies with specialist organisations, and our award-winning campus and satellite facilities offer a range of opportunities for fieldwork.

We offer two optional field trip modules, a week at Jersey’s Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and a two-week field trip to South Africa.

At Durrell you will learn about the maintenance of the animal collection, which includes primates, bears, birds, bats and reptiles. You will also attend lectures and seminars concerning the wider role of zoos.

In South Africa you will look at the conservation of wild animals in their natural environment and take part in seminars and safari drives while completing practical research activities.

If you haven’t made your mind up about your future career, this degree can help you to discover new areas of interest, as well as offering the flexibility to let you adapt and specialise as you learn.

If you would like to make a difference to the health and well-being of both animals and man in an ever-changing world, then Animal Science at the University of Reading is the degree for you.

What career can you have?

This degree offers strong transferable skills with real-world application, leading to many possible career paths.

Recent graduates have found scientific, technical and management positions in companies concerned with animal health and nutrition, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and food. These companies include Dietex International, DuPont, BOCM Pauls and Innovex UK Ltd and The Ocean Mammal Institute. Other students have progressed into postgraduate education including MSc Animal Science, MSc Conservation Science, MSc Veterinary Microbiology and PhD in Animal Science.