Course summary

It is an exciting time to be an animal scientist. Animals are at the centre of current global challenges including food security, disease control, climate change and animal welfare. Much of the excitement stems from technological advances that enable us to deliver new insights into the biology of animals and thus address these challenges. To keep up in the vibrant industries surrounding this fast-paced subject you need access to the latest research. SRUC is ranked number 1 for research power in the UK’s Research Excellence Framework (REF) in animal science subjects. There is no better place to study animal science, to be exposed to the latest research and its applications and be taught by researchers leading their field. Animals contribute to human society in many ways. They provide food and clothing materials, perform duties in the workplace, play key roles in some leisure activities and as pets they provide us with companionship. The Applied Animal Science degree course at SRUC will give you an understanding of animals and how they function, grow, reproduce and behave. You will explore how we can use and interact with animals effectively whether as livestock, research, companion or wild animals without compromising their health and welfare or the health and sustainability of our ecosystems. SRUC Applied Animal Science graduates go on to pursue a range of careers including research assistant, laboratory technician, animal nutritionist, geneticist, supermarket buyer, animal welfare or rehoming officer, zookeeper, animal care assistant, agriculture or extension officer, technical representative for animal health products. A number of our graduates also choose to enrol in postgraduate study in a range of fields including animal breeding and genetics, marine biology, conservation biology, animal behaviour and welfare, clinical animal behaviour, and statistics. And some use the degree to help them gain access to competitive undergraduate programmes such as veterinary medicine. While the full course is offered at the Edinburgh campus, a top up degree (Years 3 and 4 only) is also offered at the Barony campus. Those with a relevant HND or foundation degrees can apply for entry into year 3 at Barony or Edinburgh.