Animal Science

Our domestic animals are of great importance for our society. Farm animals primarily supply us with food and clothing, whilst our sporting and companion animals bring us other benefits. Whatever we expect of our animals, it is important that they both function well and are in good health. We also have to consider the various needs of our society.

Through advisory work, education, research and animal husbandry, animal scientists can improve the production and wellbeing of our animals. Within the international collaboration, animal science plays an increasing role when it comes to improving and developing animal husbandry practices. The program has a duration of 2 years and will prepare you for a number of careers, for instance research.

Future Prospects

The interest in animals and their interactions with man and society has led to a strong current job market in animal science. Your education will give you a Master degree in Animal Science with excellent preparation for a research career. As an animal scientist you can work with agricultural/animal advisory services, evaluation, research or product development, but there are also exciting career opportunities in teaching, information, journalism and in the developing countries.

The program holds a number of elective courses within various profile areas, such as: 1) Farm animals, 2) Animals for sports and companion, 3) Animal behaviour, welfare and housing, 4) Biomedicine and animal health, 5) Animal nutrition and management, 6) Animal breeding and genetics. Course from these areas may be combined in a suitable way.

The animals primarily covered by the programme are horses, dogs, cats, dairy and beef cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, reindeer and poultry, although parallels are drawn to other animal species. Courses are available ranging from 5 to 15 credits and the 120 credit program is completed with a Masters degree project of 30 credits.

The aim of the programme is to give you a scientific basis for the identification, analysis and solving of problems, taking into consideration the needs of the animal and society. Teaching is done in various ways, including group work, lectures, laboratory experiments, seminars, study trips, field trips and project work.

Qualification Awarded

Master's degree in Animal Science

Equivalent to a Degree of Bachelor of at least 180 credits including at least 90 credits in one of the following subject areas:Animal ScienceBiology with focus on ethology and animal welfareBiology or equivalent within the main field of the educationEquine ScienceVeterinary NursingVeterinary MedicineProficiency in English corresponding to at least English B (2) from Swedish Colleges. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 TOEFL paper-based test score : 575 TOEFL iBT® test: 90

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Want to improve your English level for admission?
Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• Flexible study schedule
• Experienced teachers
• Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

Scholarships are available for fee-paying students admitted to Master's programmes. The scholarships are granted by both SLU and the Swedish Institute (SI). Scholarships offered by SLU cover tuition fees only (not the cost of living). The number of scholarships awarded changes from year to year. Information about scholarships at SLU, including how to apply, is sent out to all applicants applying in time.