Contributes to sustainable development in Animal Science
Provide knowledge needed to work in the field of animal science
Flexible specialization within a single degree
Registration deadline: 15 January 2027
Course start date: 30 August 2027
Course scope: 2 years, 120 credits
Study location: Uppsala
Are you interested in animals and would you like to contribute to sustainable development in animal husbandry? Would you like to specialize in animal welfare and protection, animal nutrition or animal genetics and breeding? Then this is the Master's programme for you.
Programme information
Welcome to a comprehensive programme that gives you the opportunity to learn about how to maintain the importance of animals in our society. Farm animals primarily supply us with food, while our sport and companion animals provide us a range of social, recreational and welfare benefits. Regardless of their role, it is essential that they have a high functionality for their purpose, are healthy and experience a high level of welfare.
Attracting both Swedish and international students, this unique Master's programme provides the knowledge and skills you need to for a career in the field of animal science, with focus on domestic animals.
The programme is closely linked to ongoing research, giving students the opportunity to learn from leading researchers throughout the education and gain access to modern research facilities such as the Swedish Livestock Research Centre.
As a student you can have a high degree of flexibility and you can shape your own academic profile through course selection or specialize by following one of the programme’s main areas: ethology-animal welfare-animal protection, genetics-breeding or nutrition-feeding. This flexibility allows you to develop a unique specialization while gaining a holistic understanding of domestic animals and their role in a sustainable society.
Want to chat with a student who’s studying this programme right now? Get in touch with one of SLU’s Unibuddies!
Tuition Fees:Citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland are required to pay application and tuition fees.
First semester:91000
Total:SEK 364000
Application deadline for international students:2027-01-15
Application deadline for Swedish students:2027-04-15
Study location:Uppsala
Pace of study:Full-time
Teaching form:On-campus
Application code for Swedish students:81230
Application code for international students:81036
Requirements:
To be admitted to Animal Science Master’s programme, the following criteria must be met:
General entry requirements: first-cycle qualification comprising at least 180 credits or a corresponding qualification from abroad.
Specific entry requirements: specialisation comprising 90 credits in one of the following subjects/disciplinary domains: biology, animal science, equine science, veterinary nursing, veterinary medicine or agricultural science, including at least 30 credits of animal science/zoology.
The specific entry requirements can also be met by someone who has acquired the equivalent knowledge through a corresponding qualification from abroad or in some other way.
In addition, knowledge equivalent of English 6 is required. SLU regulations state that applicants may meet this requirement if they were awarded a first-cycle degree from a Swedish university, or have completed 120 credits at SLU.
There are specific entry requirements for each course included in the programme.
Degree:
Degree awarded on completion of the programme
The Animal Science – Master’s programme leads to a Degree of Master of Science in Animal Science, which is a general qualification. Other degrees may be awarded, provided that the requirements for the degree are fulfilled. See the qualification requirements and SLU’s system of qualifications.
Students who fulfil the qualification requirements will be provided with a degree certificate upon request. The degree certificate will specify the qualification as Degree of Master of Science in Animal Science (120 credits).
Degree requirements
A Degree of Master of Science in Animal Science is obtained when the student has a full course portfolio of 120 credits with the following requirements:
at least 30 credits of courses with specialised study in animal science (A1N; A1F)
at least 30 credits of degree project for second-cycle studies in the field of animal science (A2E)
In addition, the prior award of a Degree of Bachelor, Degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts, professional or vocational qualification of at least 180 credits or a corresponding qualification from abroad is required.
Admission: There are two admission rounds for this Master's programme. The first admission round is open to all international applicants at www.universityadmissions.se. SLU strongly encourage all international students to apply in this first admission round.
Content
The programme provides a strong scientific foundation and research training, enabling students to identify, analyse, and solve complex challenges in animal science while considering the needs of both animals and society. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, practical exercises, group work, and project-based learning.
During the first semester, students gain an advanced understanding of animal science theories and the research methods used to address current challenges in the field. They also explore the relationships between animal needs, behaviour, environment, and welfare, developing a comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence animal welfare.
In the second semester, students begin to shape their academic profile by choosing courses in either:
Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, with a focus on nutrition, health, and welfare, or Animal Genetics and Breeding, focusing on genetic improvement and its links to animal health, behaviour, and welfare. During the second year, students can further deepen their knowledge through advanced courses in areas such as animal welfare and animal protection or animal nutrition. They also strengthen their skills in research methodology and experimental design.
The programme concludes with an independent Master's thesis project (30 credits), allowing students to apply their knowledge and research skills to a real-world scientific question within animal science.
Welcome to SLU Campus Uppsala
Uppsala, Sweden's fourth-largest city, serves as the hub of SLU's educational activities. Situated just outside the city center, SLU's Uppsala campus offers a spacious, leafy, and picturesque environment. It is a fitting setting for Sweden's only agricultural university and possibly the most research-intensive university. With two universities in Uppsala, students can immerse themselves in a lively, dynamic, and stimulating atmosphere.
Career
Animal scientists can work both in academia and continue with a PhD education or work in the industry, both nationally and internationally. Example of jobs after graduation:
- PhD candidate
- Research and Product development
- Research and Sustainability consultant
- Animal Nutritionist
- Breeding Manager
- Animal Welfare Officer
Degree awarded
Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a Major in Animal Science.
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