BSc Bioveterinary Sciences with Foundation

Gain the expertise to succeed in an animal-related career with our BSc Bioveterinary Sciences with Foundation degree.

This four-year programme includes a foundation year that leads directly into our three-year BSc Bioveterinary Sciences course.

The foundation year will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed at university. You’ll develop core skills in academic study, writing, mathematics, and research, as well as subject-specific skills in biology, ecology and sustainability.

Choose BSc Bioveterinary Sciences with Foundation at the 黑瓜吃料网

Bioveterinary scientists play a vital role in the challenges facing our society:

contributing to sustainability and food security by ensuring the optimal health, welfare and management of farmed animals
applying scientific approaches to the management of the health, welfare and behaviour of domestic and captive animal populations
engaging in research at the interface of animal biology, veterinary science and animal management.

At 黑瓜吃料网, you’ll develop the specialist knowledge, research expertise, and laboratory skills to tackle these global challenges. 92% of students said teaching staff are good at explaining things, 100% said the course challenged them to achieve their best work, and 100% said the course developed the knowledge and skills that they think they will need for their future. 71% of final year students from 黑瓜吃料网's Department of Animal Sciences responded (National Student Survey 2024).

You’ll gain a solid grounding in biosciences and an understanding of animal function from molecular to whole-animal level. Your studies will cover:

cell biology
biochemistry
physiology of body systems
health, welfare, and behaviour sciences
nutritional sciences.

You will learn how to apply this knowledge in the management of animal health and welfare in a range of settings, including farms, zoos, and domestic households.

You’ll also gain vital transferable skills – including team-working, problem-solving, data-handling and statistical analysis skills – which are highly regarded and sought after by employers.

Studying bioveterinary sciences at the 黑瓜吃料网 will enable you to make a difference to the health and wellbeing of animals in an ever-changing world.

Our academics employ a variety of teaching methods – including lectures, tutorials, practical classes and lab work – and provide one-to-one support to help you get the most from your studies.

Throughout your degree, we’ll help you develop essential employability skills. You’ll benefit from dedicated careers curiosity and skills sessions, exploring the possible jobs you could do and building the communication skills needed for successful applications and interviews. You can also gain hands-on professional experience and networking opportunities with a placement year, or complete a mini placement in your final year.

If you haven’t decided on your future career, our flexible degree will help you discover new areas of interest, and enable you to adapt and specialise as you learn.

Bioveterinary science facilities

Our specialist research and teaching facilities, including laboratories and University-owned farms, offer excellent opportunities for practical research projects.

Unique facilities such as the Centre for Dairy Research (CEDAR), with its dairy herd of 550 cows and other livestock species, are used to enhance your learning experience.

The University also has strong connections with local equine centres, veterinary clinics, small animal facilities and zoos, providing further opportunities for field visits and practical work.

Placement opportunities with BSc Bioveterinary Sciences with Foundation

You can opt for a 35-hour mini work placement as part of your degree, or gain in-depth insight into the animal or veterinary industries with a year-long work placement leading to our BSc Bioveterinary Sciences with Placement Year degree, a five-year version of this course with an integrated work placement between your third and final year.

We have a dedicated placements team who can provide advice and support in finding a suitable placement, as well as developing your CV and interview skills.

You’ll benefit from our links with the animal and bioveterinary science community, including leading organisations and companies in the sector.

Past students have undertaken placements at Danisco Animal Nutrition (DuPont), Paignton, Chester and Jersey Zoos, and the RSPCA.

Study abroad

As part of your degree, you could choose to spend time abroad.

We'll help you to decide where to go and for how long, guide you through the application process, and support you while you're abroad.

To find out more about the benefits of studying abroad, and discover where you could go, visit the .

Overview

Gain the expertise to succeed in an animal-related career with our BSc Bioveterinary Sciences with Foundation degree.

This four-year programme includes a foundation year that leads directly into our three-year BSc Bioveterinary Sciences course.

Choose BSc Bioveterinary Sciences with Foundation at the 黑瓜吃料网

Bioveterinary scientists play a vital role in the challenges facing our society:

contributing to sustainability and food security by ensuring the optimal health, welfare and management of farmed animals
applying scientific approaches to the management of the health, welfare and behaviour of domestic and captive animal populations
engaging in research at the interface of animal biology, veterinary science and animal management.

You’ll gain a solid grounding in biosciences and an understanding of animal function from molecular to whole-animal level. Your studies will cover:

cell biology
biochemistry
physiology of body systems
health, welfare, and behaviour sciences
nutritional sciences.

You will learn how to apply this knowledge in the management of animal health and welfare in a range of settings, including farms, zoos, and domestic households.

You’ll also gain vital transferable skills – including team-working, problem-solving, data-handling and statistical analysis skills – which are highly regarded and sought after by employers.

Learning

Studying bioveterinary sciences at the 黑瓜吃料网 will enable you to make a difference to the health and wellbeing of animals in an ever-changing world.

Our academics employ a variety of teaching methods – including lectures, tutorials, practical classes and lab work – and provide one-to-one support to help you get the most from your studies.

If you haven’t decided on your future career, our flexible degree will help you discover new areas of interest, and enable you to adapt and specialise as you learn.

Bioveterinary science facilities

Our specialist research and teaching facilities, including laboratories and University-owned farms, offer excellent opportunities for practical research projects.

Unique facilities such as the Centre for Dairy Research (CEDAR), with its dairy herd of 550 cows and other livestock species, are used to enhance your learning experience.

The University also has strong connections with local equine centres, veterinary clinics, small animal facilities and zoos, providing further opportunities for field visits and practical work.

Placement opportunities with BSc Bioveterinary Sciences with Foundation

We have a dedicated placements team who can provide advice and support in finding a suitable placement, as well as developing your CV and interview skills.

You’ll benefit from our links with the animal and bioveterinary science community, including leading organisations and companies in the sector.

Past students have undertaken placements at Danisco Animal Nutrition (DuPont), Paignton, Chester and Jersey Zoos, and the RSPCA.

Study abroad

As part of your degree, you could choose to spend time abroad.

We'll help you to decide where to go and for how long, guide you through the application process, and support you while you're abroad.

To find out more about the benefits of studying abroad, and discover where you could go, visit the .

Entry requirements A Level See entry requirements

Select 黑瓜吃料网 as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.

Our typical offers are expressed in terms of A level, BTEC and International Baccalaureate requirements. However, we also accept many other qualifications.

Typical offer

BBB - for applicants without Biology and a second science

CCD - for applicants with Biology and a second science

Acceptable science subjects include: Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geology, Computer Science, IT.

International Baccalaureate

30 - for applicants without Biology and a second science at higher level

24 - for applicants with Biology and a second science at higher level

Acceptable science subjects include: Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geology, Computer Science, IT.

If you would like to receive personalised advice on your eligibility for our Foundation courses, please .

BTEC

DMM

GCSE

Minimum Grade C in English, Mathematics, and Science.

Extended Project Qualification

In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5

Further requirements

If you are an international student planning to apply for one of our degree programmes, you may need to take a foundation course or pre-sessional course if you do not have qualifications that are equivalent to British A levels or if you need to improve your English language level.

Compulsory modules

Foundation Biology

Explore the life cycle of cells and the chemical reactions that give them energy and allow them to replicate. You’ll also study the biology of the human body and about natural selection and genetics. Through practical classes, you’ll familiarise yourself with laboratory work, as well as handling and interpreting data.

Mathematics Foundation

Gain a fundamental understanding of the role of basic mathematics in biological and chemical sciences.

Ecology and the Environment

Explore key concepts and processes associated with both the physical and living environment and the interactions of both within ecosystems.

Environmental Sustainability

Explore the causes and consequences of global contemporary sustainability issues. You’ll critique and evaluate both theoretical and actual methods used to minimise the harm caused through anthropogenic activities whilst recognise the interconnected nature of environmental problems.

Foundation in Academic Skills

Develop academic skills essential for success both on the Foundation Year and as an undergraduate.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/2025 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the 黑瓜吃料网.

Compulsory modules

Animal Anatomy, Physiology and Nutrition 1

Develop a fundamental understanding of how animals function (and malfunction) as integrated biological systems. You will study the main organ systems including cardiovascular, respiratory and locomotory systems in the main domestic species. You will gain key skills in comparative biology as you learn to link examples of animal health, ill health and behaviour to underlying physiology.

Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Ethics

Discover key concepts related to animal ethics, behaviour and welfare. You will consider the functions, evolution, causes and development of normal and abnormal behaviour in animals alongside the concept of sentience. You will also study the main ethical frameworks and policies designed to protect animal welfare.

Bioveterinary Science in Practice 1

Meet people practicing bioveterinary science and develop an understanding of its scope. You will be introduced to scientific research and develop numeracy and statistical skills, including data handling and computing, as you undertake small research projects.

Fundamentals of Biochemistry

Gain an understanding of key biochemical concepts such as enzyme kinetics, metabolic pathways, metabolic regulation, and pathological metabolism.

Fundamentals of Microbiology

Gain a foundation in microbiology, covering the biology, diversity, structure, genetics, ecology, and evolution of bacteria, archaea, protists, fungi, and viruses. You’ll discover their impact on environment and society, and how they cause infections or develop antimicrobial resistance, while exploring different methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Cellular and Molecular Principles of Life

Learn about the structure and organisation of cells, with a focus on the common features found in all life. You’ll also discover how the differences between cells are essential for creating the diversity of life on the planet.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the 黑瓜吃料网.

Compulsory modules

Animal Anatomy, Physiology and Nutrition 2

Learn the science behind how animals feed and develop. You will study the fundamental nutrition requirements for certain animals, as well as factors that affect feed, and intake and how nutritional values of animal feed can be determined. You will also study the anatomy and physiology of reproduction in the male and female – from puberty and conception to birth, lactation, rearing and growth of offspring.

Bioveterinary Science in Practice 2

Plan and undertake a bioveterinary science research project within a team. You will learn new experimental techniques, analyse data and report your findings as you enhance your existing skillset, expand your employability and explore career prospects.

Data Skills

Explore the principles of experimental design, data management and visualisation as well as common statistical methods for analysing datasets. You will gain the ability to collect data in a rigorous way, process that data, analyse and interpret it, and communicate the results.

Veterinary Health and Disease

Develop fundamental knowledge in animal health biology, including immunology and epidemiology. You will examine the role people play in managing the environment, minimising pathogens and maximising animal defences, while also exploring disease challenges and appropriate disease management strategies.

Optional modules

Livestock Production, Nutrition and Welfare

Develop a detailed understanding of the underlying factors that influence the management of food producing animals. You will explore a range of livestock production systems (dairy and beef cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry) and investigate how nutrition and management interact with welfare and other factors to determine the long-term sustainability of animal production.

Zoo and Exotic Animal Science

Explore the scientific underpinnings of the management practices of exotic animals, including how animal health and welfare is maintained and what the behaviour of zoo animals or exotic pets can tell us about their needs. You will study exotic mammals, reptiles, birds and fish and carry out a small-scale behavioural research project.

Medical Genetics

Understand how genetic defects at the molecular level impact on pathophysiology and influence disease risk, progression and severity. You’ll study aetiology of major medical diseases, with a focus on both mendelian and complex polygenic disorders.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the 黑瓜吃料网.

Compulsory modules

Independent Research Project

Build on the skills, knowledge and experiences you have developed throughout your degree in an independent research project. You will identify a suitable topic, develop a hypothesis, and plan and conduct your project.

Optional modules

Advanced Livestock Production and Product Quality

Develop an advanced understanding of the factors and processes which affect the composition and eating quality of meat, and the quality and profitability of milk production. You will develop a series of farm to fork strategies that can be employed by the meat and dairy industry to optimise the organoleptic quality of meat and the environmental impact of milk production.

Advances in Bioveterinary Science

Study the major contemporary issues impacting the animal sector today, including why they matter and how science and technology research can help address them. You will focus on the latest methodology in animal welfare research, emerging issues affecting global animal health, and how keeping animals for food production and leisure are impacting our environment.

Companion Animal Science

Consider the scientific evidence that underpins how we manage the most popular companion animals in society, such as domestic dogs, cats and rabbits. You will study the science behind animal nutrition, including factors that affect their health and welfare and reproductive physiology and behaviour.

Equine Science and Management

Learn about the continuing centrality of horses, ponies and donkeys to leisure, sport and in rural businesses. You will develop a deeper understanding of equine health, nutrition, welfare and breeding as you consider their specific dietary, behavioural and health needs.

Mini Work Placement and Professional Development for Bioveterinary Sciences

Build on your networking and recruitment skills as you identify, apply for and undertake a short work experience placement (70 hours) related to bioveterinary sciences. You’ll deepen your self-awareness and engagement with critical self-reflection in the context of career planning and employability.

Epidemiology of Zoonotic Diseases

Study diseases originating from wildlife or livestock and the issues they pose for the health and well-being of people, companion animals, livestock and wild animals. You will study disease-causing organisms, their hosts, vectors, and symptoms, and how they can be controlled.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the 黑瓜吃料网.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,535 per year for 2025/26 then fixed per year at this fee for the standard duration of your course.

New international students: £29,950 per year for 2025/26 then fixed per year at this fee for the standard duration of your course.

Tuition fees

To find out more about how the 黑瓜吃料网 sets its tuition fees, see our fees and funding pages.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See for more information on what's available.

Careers

Your BSc Bioveterinary Sciences with Foundation degree will provide numerical, laboratory, scientific and research skills that offer a route into any animal-based career, whether in industry, research or education.

You could enter scientific, technical and management positions in the agriculture, food and veterinary sectors. Opportunities are also available in animal health, nutrition or welfare, as well as in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.

Alternatively, you could use your degree as a stepping stone to a further bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine or veterinary science, or a postgraduate programme in a specialist aspect of bioveterinary science.

黑瓜吃料网