Animal Biology (with foundation year) BSc (Hons)

UCAS code: C30X

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Level of study:
Undergraduate
Typical offer:
56 - 64 UCAS tariff points
Start date:
September 2026
Duration:
Four years full-time or five years with placement
Attendance:
Full-time, Placement year
Course delivery:
On-campus (Brackenhurst)

Student looking into fish tank taking notes

Information for 2026

About this course

This course is an integrated foundation degree, where you'll progress onto our BSc (Hons) Animal Biology course, once you successfully complete your foundation year.

Our integrated foundation degrees offer a unique gateway to our BSc courses for those who currently don't meet the degree-level entry criteria. The foundation year acts as a launch pad, supporting you with the transition to university learning. Anticipate a year filled with the development of robust study skills, increased confidence in tackling intricate problems, and the cultivation of independent learning. Rest assured, by the end of this transformative year, you'll emerge well-prepared for the exhilarating challenges that await you at degree level.

About the BSc course

Explore the fascinating animal kingdom and the scientific principles that underpin this important and wide-ranging subject area. The course will give you a sound knowledge and understanding of animal biology. Your lectures will cover major scientific principles, including anatomy and physiology, behaviour, genetics, ecology, and nutrition. The course focuses on the study of companion and livestock species. Core scientific study is supported by practical animal handling in our specialist unit.

Which course is right for you?

We offer three animal science degrees, each with a different focus:

BSc (Hons) Animal Biology / BSc (Hons) Animal Biology (with foundation year) (this course) - focuses on managed domestic species such as companion, working and farm animals.
BSc (Hons) Zoo Biology / BSc (Hons) Zoo Biology (with foundation year) - focuses on captive housed zoo animals and exotic species.
BSc (Hons) Zoology / BSc (Hons) Zoology (with foundation year) - covers a diverse range of invertebrate and vertebrate species in relation to their biology, evolution, taxonomy and identification.

Brackenhurst - an inspirational campus

which gives you access to our Animal Unit with over 250 animals from 70 different species. You'll also benefit from our working farm, including a flock of sheep, a herd of Lincoln Red cattle, and a specialist cattle roundhouse.
96%

of BSc (Hons) Animal Biology (full-time) students are positive about the academic support on their course (National Student Survey 2025).
4th in the UK

for Animal Science and Agriculture courses (Guardian University Guide 2026).
100%

of our BSc (Hons) Animal Biology graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degrees (of those available for work or study, latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022/23).

Your lectures will cover major scientific principles, including:

anatomy and physiology
behaviour
genetics
ecology
nutrition.

You'll apply these principles in a range of contexts and focus on the key aspects of animal welfare, breeding and management. The course focuses on the study of companion and livestock species, and their housing, management and nutrition.

Module information

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll be studying throughout the course:

This is your foundation year. You'll study five modules and there's a detailed breakdown of what's included in each below.

From Year Two onwards, you'll study the modules of the degree course.

This is a placement year for students on the sandwich course.

We regularly review our course content based on student and employer feedback to ensure they remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or availability in future years. Optional modules will only run where there is sufficient demand. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis to protect the academic and student experience.

Martina van Gorp

Animal, Equine and Veterinary Sciences student

“I feel like they have given me a very well-rounded education when it comes to animal biology.”
Read Martina's profile
Amy Senior

Animal, Equine and Veterinary Sciences student

“The course is extremely interesting and will cover a wide range of topics and animals. The lecturers are exceptional, friendly and approachable and will help where they can.”
Read Amy's profile
Huwariya Aslam

Animal, Equine and Veterinary Sciences student

“I chose Nottingham Trent University for its strong reputation in biological sciences and its hands-on, practical approach that aligned with my dream of becoming a veterinarian.”
Read Huwariya's profile

Throughout the course, you’ll hear from external industry professionals and NTU researchers through lectures and will complete projects with a local animal establishment. You’ll learn through lectures, seminars, debates, team work, lab-based work, field-work (e.g. behaviour observations), workshops and practical work.

You will be assessed using coursework (e.g. video presentations, practical reports, posters, research projects, and case studies) and formal examinations. You will also complete research and have the opportunity to complete a work placement in the UK or abroad.

A sandwich placement is encouraged between year 2 and the final year of study.

You’ll also be encouraged and supported to gain important and relevant industry experience at appropriate companies, such as welfare organisations or feed manufacturers, throughout the course. Our students have previously been placed with organisations such as Alderney Animal Welfare Society, Alderney Wildlife Trust, Butcher’s Pet Care, Pfizer, the Animal Health Trust, the Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition, GLW Feeds, and at commercial farms.

Please note that field trip locations may vary and are subject to availability and change.

Contact hours

For each 20-credit module, you’ll spend about 200 hours learning overall. Around 40 of those hours will be taught in lectures or seminars. The rest of the time is for independent study, reading, research, or working on assignments.

Adele Lloyd

Senior Lecturer

Dr Adele Lloyd is a Senior Lecturer and Module Leader for Undergraduate Animal Science courses at NTU's Brackenhurst Campus.
Visit Adele Lloyd's staff profile
Jacqueline Boyd

Senior Lecturer

Dr Boyd is a lecturer in the School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, specifically teaching across Animal and Equine courses. Her research relates to aspects of parasitology, genetics, performance animal biology and anthrozoology.
Visit Jacqueline Boyd's staff profile
Emily Burton

Professor

Emily Burton is a Director of the Safety and Sustainability Strategic Research Theme and Professor of Sustainable Food Production who leads the University’s poultry nutrition research team.
Visit Emily Burton's staff profile
Chris Royle

School Standards and Quality Manager

Dr Chris Royle is the School Standards and Quality Manager and is a Principal Lecturer in Animal Sciences. teaches modules including Anatomy and Physiology and Adaptive Physiology. Chris’ research interests include stress and animal welfare.
Visit Chris Royle's staff profile
Samantha Ward

Professor

Samantha Ward is a Professor of Zoo Animal Welfare and Legislation, part of NTU's School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences (ARES).
Visit Samantha Ward's staff profile
Alexandre Bordin

Senior Lecturer

Alex trained as a veterinarian at UFRGS in Brazil, later specialising in animal behaviour in the UK and Austria. He now leads the FdSc in Animal Science at NTU.
Visit Alexandre Bordin's staff profile
Frank Ruedisueli

Senior Lecturer

Frank Ruedisueli teaches on BSc, FdSc and MSc Animal and Equine Sciences courses, specialising in parasitology, microbiology, animal disease, immunology and nutritional health.
Visit Frank Ruedisueli's staff profile
Alex Dittrich

Senior Lecturer

Dr Alex Dittrich is a Senior Lecturer for BSc (Hons) Zoology at NTU's Brackenhurst Campus.
Visit Alex Dittrich's staff profile
Charlotte James

Senior Lecturer

Charlotte James staff profile, School of Animal Rural and Environmental Sciences, Animal department
Visit Charlotte James's staff profile
Dr Stefano Kaburu

Senior Lecturer

Dr Stefano Kaburu is a Senior Lecturer in Conservation Biology at NTU and course leader of the MSc/MRes Endangered Species Recovery and Conservation. His research expertise is on primate behaviour and conservation. Dr Kaburu is currently leading two projects: one project explores human-macaque interactions in India, Malaysia and Nepal, while another project aims to develop an AI-based automatic system to monitor the welfare of zoo-housed animals
Visit Dr Stefano Kaburu's staff profile
Jaime Martin

Senior Lecturer

Dr. Jaime Martin is a lecturer/senior lecturer in the department of animal and equine sciences. He is a departmental lead for statistical analysis and zoology.
Visit Jaime Martin's staff profile
Ruth Bentley

Senior Lecturer

Ruth Bentley is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Animal, Rural & Environmental Sciences (ARES) in the Animal Science department. She is the Course Leader for Integrated Foundation Year in ARES.
Visit Ruth Bentley's staff profile

Entry requirements

UK students

Standard offer: 64 UCAS Tariff points from three qualifications.

Contextual offer: 56 UCAS Tariff points from three qualifications.

Other requirements: GCSE English, Maths and Science grade C / 4.

To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.

Additional requirements for UK students

Access to Higher Education courses

If you’re aged 19+ and don’t have the qualifications to meet the entry criteria, you can study an Access to HE course right here at NTU. These one-year courses are designed specifically as an alternative route to university.

Contextual offers

If you don’t quite meet our entry requirements, we might be able to make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, including your background (such as where you live and the school or college you attended), your experiences and your individual circumstances (you may have been in care, for example). This is called a contextual offer, and we get data from UCAS to help make these decisions. We do this because we believe everyone with the potential to succeed at NTU should have the opportunity to do so, no matter what barriers you may face.

Contextual offers

Meeting our entry requirements

Hundreds of qualifications in the UK have UCAS Tariff points attached to specific grades, including A-levels, BTECs, T Levels and many more. You can use your grades and points from up to three different qualifications to meet our criteria. Enter your predicted or achieved grades into our Tariff calculator to find out how many points your qualifications are worth.

Other qualifications and experience

NTU welcomes applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds, either for year one entry or for advanced standing beyond the start of a course into year 2 or beyond.

We consider study and/or credit achieved from a similar course at another institution (otherwise known as credit transfer), vocational and professional qualifications, and broader work or life experience.

Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route. If you wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning, please contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.

International students

Academic entry requirements: 64 UCAS Tariff points from three qualifications.

Other requirements: GCSE English, Maths and Science grade C / 4.

We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.

English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.

Additional requirements for international students

There are no additional requirements for this course.

English language requirements

View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.

If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.

Other qualifications and experience

If you have the right level of qualifications, you may be able to start your Bachelors degree at NTU in year 2 or year 3. This is called ‘advanced standing’ entry and is decided on a case-by case basis after our assessment of your qualifications and experience.

You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.

Sign up for emails

Sign up to receive regular emails from the International Office. You'll hear about our news, scholarships and any upcoming events in your country with our expert regional teams.

Getting in touch

If you need advice about studying at NTU as an international student or how to apply, our international webpages are a great place to start. If you have any questions about your study options, your international qualifications, experience, grades or other results, please get in touch through our enquiry form. Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world.

Policies

We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.

Fees and funding

UK students

- see the fees for this course, as well as information about funding and support.

£9,790 per year

If you choose to do a placement year, you'll pay a reduced fee for that year of £1,905.

Find out about the extra support we may be able to provide to help pay for uni, including NTU bursaries and scholarships.

You will need to pay tuition fees for each year that you are at university. The tuition fees, including the placement year and study abroad options are subject to government policy and may change in future years of study.

Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but we don’t want you to feel anxious or confused about it. Visit our fees and funding pages if you have any concerns.

International students

- see the fees for this course, as well as payment advice and scholarships.

£17,950 per year
If you choose to do a placement year, you'll pay a reduced fee for that year of £1,905

You will need to pay tuition fees for each year that you are at university. The tuition fees might increase from the second year of your undergraduate course, in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government.

Scholarships

We offer international scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for a scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.

Living costs

See our advice on managing your money and the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham.

Paying fees

As an international student, you'll need to make an advance payment as part of your offer conditions. You'll then need to pay your tuition fees in full, or have an agreement to pay in two further instalments, in order to enrol on the course.

Find out how and when to pay your fees, including information about your advance payment, instalment dates and how to make payments securely to the University.

Enquiries

If you have any queries relating to advance payments or arrangements to pay, please contact our friendly and experienced international enquiries team.

Additional costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses. There are just a few additional things you may need to budget for:

Textbooks and library books

Your modules will point you to key textbooks and recommended reading. Many are available online, and in our libraries, but some students choose to buy their own copies. You’ll receive resource lists showing where to access eBooks, digital resources and physical copies. Our friendly Library team is always on hand to help you find what you need.

Printing and photocopying costs

The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the printing and photocopying information on the Library website.

Field trips

Non-residential UK day excursions are included in the tuition fee. You will be charged a maximum of 20% of the price per student cost for any compulsory residential trips or courses in the UK, as a contribution towards travel, accommodation and entrance fees where applicable. For example, a typical 5-day UK residential field trip cost would be approx. £500 per student, and we would ask for a £100 contribution from students. You will be charged a maximum of 30% of the price per student cost for any compulsory overseas residential courses, as a contribution towards travel, accommodation and associated trip fees where applicable. For example, a typical 6-day residential overseas field trip cost would be approx. £600 per student, and we would ask for a £180 contribution from students. Other non-compulsory field trip opportunities in the UK and abroad may also be offered, and these will be charged at 80% cost to students. A valid passport and any associated visas will also be required for field trips outside of the UK.

Placements

If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.

Fieldwork clothing costs

All students will also be expected to provide their own appropriate fieldwork clothing, including walking boots (with ankle support), wellingtons, waterproof trousers, coat and overalls for working on the animal unit.

Year abroad

If you choose to study abroad for a year, you may need to consider additional costs such as visas, vaccinations, accommodation and travel expenses.

Fees and funding advice

For more advice and guidance, phone the Student Money Team on +44 (0)115 848 2494.

Cost of living information and support

Managing your money can help you make the most of life at NTU. Here's how we can support you, and now you can make your funding go further.

Cost of living in Nottingham

Our student benefits and free services

Money advice for international students

Careers and employability

Your future career

Developed in conjunction with representatives from industry, the course is designed to maximise your potential in a broad range of animal-related careers.

100% of our BSc (Hons) Animal Biology graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degrees (of those available for work or study, latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022/23).

Your potential areas for employment include:

welfare organisations
feed companies
governmental department
non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Placement opportunities

During your course you'll be supported to gain relevant industry experience and have the opportunity to take a year-long placement. Our students have previously been based at places such as welfare organisations or feed manufacturers.

Students have carried out placements at companies such as:

Pfizer
the Animal Health Trust
the Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition
GLW Feeds
commercial farms.

You will be given the opportunity to focus your studies/work placements on the species of animal that is of most interest to you.

Employability Promise

Personalised support, one-on-one coaching and industry-specific advice – it’s all part of our Employability Promise. And it doesn’t end when you leave NTU – you’ll have access to all our careers services for three years after you graduate (conditions apply).
Graduate employers

Graduates from this course have successful careers in organisations such as:
- Guide Dogs for the Blind
- Cats Protection
- Source Bioscience
- Animal and Plant Health Agency
- Vets4Pets
- Field Studies Council
Our graduates are…

Graduates from this course now work in a wide range of roles such as:
- Animal Technician
- Veterinary Client Care Manager
- Rehoming and Welfare Assistant
- Medical Laboratory Assistant
- Biodiversity Content Officer
Assessed work-like experience

We’ve embedded at least eight weeks of assessed work-like experience into all of our courses. This gives you the opportunity to apply your learning in real-world scenarios, build your confidence, and develop the experience employers are looking for.
NTU Enterprise

If you’re a budding entrepreneur, NTU Student Enterprise can help you to develop your ideas and innovations and turn them into a reality. We also offer training, mentoring, workshops, financial advice and more to develop your business skills.

Where your degree could take you

Discover how our students and alumni used their Animal, Equine and Veterinary Sciences degree to further their careers. Take a look at our other profiles and explore the possibilities awaiting you.

Debra’s career in animal nutrition

From conferences across the globe to formulating poultry diets, Debra walks us through a typical day as an animal nutritionist at DSM.

View Debra Holliday's profile
Molly’s role at Waltham Petcare Science Institute (WPSI)

Molly talks us through her career at WPSI, including her roles and responsibilities as a Tasking Operations Trainer and previous volunteering for the Dogs Trust.

View Molly Malyon's profile
Chloe’s surprising agricultural career

When considering roles in agriculture, you might not think of the fast food industry. Read about Chloe’s job developing animal welfare strategies at McDonald’s.

View profile

Campus and facilities

As a dedicated home for our animal, rural and environmental science courses, the Brackenhurst Campus has a character all of its own. From the population of almost 2,000 students and staff to the animals themselves — cats and cattle, sheep and horses — it’s all about community. Relax with a coffee in the Orangery; kick back with your coursemates in the Brack Bar; enjoy the peace and quiet of our Victorian walled garden or Eco-Library; grab a pal and wander through 500 acres of stunning countryside.

During this course, your theoretical studies will be complemented by the use of our specialist Animal Unit. Housing over 250 animals and more than 70 species, you'll get the opportunity to study a diverse range of companion animals, reptiles, birds, fish and other small animals, as well as larger animals including donkeys, horses and goats. Qualified and experienced academic and technical staff provide expert tuition in animal handling, animal training, environmental enrichment and much more.

You'll also use our specialist cattle roundhouse that can be used for animal observations and to develop your handling skills of larger breeds.

Our Brackenhurst Campus sits on the doorstep of Southwell: a picture-perfect market town filled with rustic pubs, cosy cafés, and boutique shops. A little further afield, and served by reliable buses that run late into the night, you’ve got Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. It’s stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure: enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.

Research

You’ll find a variety of equipment available at the Animal Unit to support your research project:

A thermal camera
Digital camcorders with specialist software
Time lapse camera
Mammal traps
Digital video recording facilities in some animal rooms

Volunteering

Why not broaden your horizons and give something back by taking part in our Animal Unit’s successful volunteer programme?

The animal unit volunteer programme is an extra-curricular opportunity open to all students at Nottingham Trent University. You’ll get the chance to work closely with our qualified and skilled team of technicians on a variety of tasks such as maintenance, health checks, medical administration and behaviour management such as enrichment and training.

These sessions are recognised and verified by the Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR) to support your CV and boost your employability.

Applying

UK students

Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.

Keeping up-to-date

After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page. Good luck with your application!

Apply through UCAS

International students

You can apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on our NTU applicant portal.

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.