• Applicants must hold a minimum of a Second Class Honours degree in a related science discipline (or international equivalent).

• Candidates with significant prior relevant work experience will also be considered. Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact the Programme Director to discuss their eligibility. Applications are assessed on a case by case basis by the Programme Director.
• Applicants whose ?rst language is not English must also demonstrate English language pro?ciency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information at: https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/ Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Online Application.

Who Should Apply?
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes

Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: Yes

D076: Master of Science in Animal Science Full-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught

D080: Master of Science in Animal Science Part-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught

This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Naturalist

Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.

Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.

Careers & Employability
There are a wide range of potential employment opportunities for graduates from this programme. Agriculture is a global enterprise and as such progressive individuals will identify the contribution this MSc can make across a wide range of career trajectories.

Graduate Roles include:
• Further education including PhD programmes nationally and abroad.
• Policy and advisory roles within governmental departments.
• Senior positions within leading nutrition, health, breeding and pharmaceutical companies.