MSc Animal Science Part-time

About the course

*This course is now closed for international students as we do not have the sponsorship licence to allow part time international students to study with us unless it is a fully online course

The course is delivered at University Centre Myerscough and awarded by the University of Central Lancashire. The MSc Animal Science develops a systematic understanding and a critical awareness of current issues at the forefront of animal science. Enhancing the student’s understanding of scientific techniques applicable to practise, research and scholarship in animal science, the course encourages the original application of knowledge to address complex issues.

This MSc Animal Science, awarded by the University of Central Lancashire, recognises the multidiscipline approach of the subjects. The course aims to extend the student’s existing expertise to the full range of skills and knowledge required to inform and lead industry developments. The MSc will encourage debate and critical evaluation of industry practices and scientific research within this field. The course will also enable students to reflect on current issues and develop problem solving skills which encourage originality of thought.

Please note that this course may run as a roll-on, roll-off programme, so new students may start with either ‘Year 1’ or ‘Year 2’ modules, depending upon their year of entry.

Year 1

Animal Bioscience

To address the fundamental aspects of animal bioscience including metabolism, genetics, nutrition, behaviour, care, health, and the social and environmental impact of domestic animals

Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare Science

To examine and evaluate current stress indicators of welfare, including behavioural attributes and physiological parameters.

Comparative Animal Physiology

To explain the concept and importance of maintaining physiological homeostasis at, molecular, cellular and tissue and body system levels

Year 2

Current Issues and Innovation in the Animal Industry

A quest for solutions for complex issues currently impacting on animal welfare and the animal industry, incorporating consideration of cross-discipline techniques and approaches.

Evidence Based Animal Husbandry

Application of evidence based research to include aquariums, research facilities and zoological collections will allow students to develop a broad knowledge-based approach to solving specific problems and for suggesting management.

Research Methodology and Design

This module provides students with the essential personal, organisational, management, theoretical and statistical skills needed to work at Postgraduate Level. It will explore research philosophies, research process and design and the process of questionnaire development and design. The module will develop skills in advanced data organisation, presentation, dissemination and problem solving.

Year 3

Masters Dissertation

The dissertation is a triple module and allows students to design and conduct a substantial piece of independent, supervised research in the field of equine science. The dissertation is an independent piece of academic work which allows the student to identify and work in an area of interest to them and manage the research process to agreed deadlines.

Entry requirements & additional information

Entry requirements

Applications are sought from individuals possessing a minimum of Lower Second Class (2.2) Honours Degree (or equivalent) in a related discipline.

Candidates not possessing an Honours Degree at the above grade but with relevant professional qualifications and experience will be welcomed. All non-standard applicants may be interviewed to assess suitability for the course.

Career experience plus evidence of study skills may also be considered. Consideration will be given to non-traditional qualifications and relevant work experience. Applicants are encouraged to produce evidence of their potential to benefit from the course. Applicants who believe they may be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Experience/Learning (APE/L) for certain modules will be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to have an English qualification to IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

All offers may be subject to successful interview.

Learning and assessment

Learning Environment:

This course will utilise the new animal centre on site to include the dairy, beef and sheep units off site and equine facilities where appropriate. Students will also have access to specialist IT hardware and software as well as to Myerscough's virtual learning environment. Learning activities on the course are diverse, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops and practical sessions. Students will be expected to undertake extensive independent study and research to support lectures, seminars and assessments.

Assessment:

Students will face a variety of assessments, including written reports, essays, literature reviews, examinations, dissertation, research proposal and presentations.

Other Opportunities

Students are encouraged and supported to submit their research to relevant journals or conferences, subject to the successful application for scholarship funding or self-funding.

Progression

On successful completion of the course, students may apply for PhD.

Careers

Graduates will be in a position to apply for posts in the animal and related industries with examples of possible careers including:

Training assistance dogs

Welfare inspectors

Zoological education/research/keeping

Research and development

Local authority/Defra/HM customs animal welfare officers

Pet behaviour advisors

Professional accreditations

All students are encouraged to pursue membership of the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB) and British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) as well as pursuing scholarships and travel awards with other professional animal organisations.

Learning support

You can contact the College Inclusive Learning team or UCLan Student Services (or let one of the course team know that you have a disability or an issue related to your disability). With your agreement information will be passed on to the relevant service

Special requirements

Extra Costs

Additional costs for items that are essential for the course include:

· Black warehouse coat, £12

· Black combat style trousers £15

· Laboratory Coat - £15

· Strong Boots or Wellingtons and waterproof trousers - £50

Additional costs for opportunities and items that are optional for the course include:

· Binoculars £30

· Field Trips and Visits – optional S Africa £3,500

Latest news, Animal studies

Research

University Centre Myerscough is proud of its commitment to original research. We believe that our teaching and learning, particularly at higher education level, should be underpinned by strong scholarly activities; the pinnacle of which is the Centre's pioneering research programme.

University Centre Myerscough has more than 30 lecturing staff actively engaged in research projects, often working alongside teams of undergraduate and postgraduate students. Relevant research helps to maintain the University Centre Myerscough's position at the forefront of the industries it serves, whilst also adding value and diversity to our curriculum content and styles of teaching.

We host a popular annual research conference (open to students) to highlight our work. Much of this work is undertaken in collaboration with other Higher Education Institutions including the University of Central Lancashire, Lancaster University, The University of Manchester, Anglia Ruskin University and The University of Liverpool.

Our recent Research publications include the following: UCM Research Publications