You’ll gain the knowledge base and the analytical and management skills for you to have a career helping improve the productivity and sustainability of the equine industry.
Find out more about the Bachelor of Animal Science parent structure
The Bachelor of Animal Science (Equine Science)) will help you understand nutrition, growth, health and performance in the Equine athlete.
The equine industry is large, diverse and economically important both in New Zealand and worldwide. When you graduate you will be prepared for a wide variety of equine enterprises anywhere in the world and acquire a broad understanding of health and production issues.
The Equine Science major will also give you knowledge of equine welfare, behaviour and health and an understanding of performance nutrition and responses to training of horses. When you graduate you will have up-to-date, scientifically-based knowledge.
Your learning will cover the scientific principles of equine husbandry, agriculture, and agronomy with business skills. You will learn about equine health, nutrition, reproduction, structure, and function. You will also obtain knowledge of production and management issues, including equine welfare and regulatory issues. The role of new technologies, industry structures and practices and their issues will also be part of the programme.
Massey University’s Bachelor of Animal Science is a new degree in 2020. It is the only degree in New Zealand that focuses entirely on animal science and is ideal if you are interested in a career that combines your love of science and animals.
Massey University’s animal, agricultural and veterinary science professionals are among the best in the world and they will teach you about the latest developments in animal science. As well as animal nutrition and growth, you will obtain expertise in genetics, breeding and animal welfare.
This degree has a distinct New Zealand flavour and is equivalent to other established international animal science programmes. This allows you to study part of your programme overseas.
Massey has a number of internationally recognised animal-based research centres including the Equine Research Centre and Equine Parentage Genetic Services Centre. These centres are used to enhance the learning experience throughout the degree.
The production and companion animal industries, government departments and agencies, iwi-owned agribusinesses recognise the importance of animal science in what they do and employ our graduates.
Our rigorous programme is supported by industry. You will develop problem-solving skills and learn how to analyse a range of theoretical and practical problems relevant to the equine industry. You will develop skills in written and oral presentation, information technology, innovation, and work with professional colleagues, clients, and employers.
Massey is world-ranked and New Zealand’s number one university in agriculture according to the QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) rankings.
Our proud record dates back to 1927 when we offered New Zealand’s first degrees in agriculture. We are also recognised in the QS rankings as a world leader in veterinary education. Massey University is home to the only animal science team in New Zealand and one of the largest in Australasia. As a Massey University animal science student, you will benefit from our internationally-recognised capability and leadership in these areas.
Practical components of the programme are taught on site at our sheep, beef and dairy farms and at our feline and canine facilities and state of the art teaching laboratories.
As an athlete friendly University we have facilities on site (The Equestrian Centre) that allows you to bring your horse with you to Massey.
A 2017 Ministry of Education publication The post-study earnings and destinations of young domestic graduates showed that those who complete a qualification in a science, agriculture, technology, computer science, engineering or mathematics field of study have high relative earnings after they complete their study compared to the national median. Earnings can be substantially more than other graduates.
The equine industry is large, diverse, and economically important both in New Zealand and worldwide. The equine major will prepare you for a career in a wide variety of equine enterprises anywhere in the world. You will acquire a broad understanding of health and production issues, and you'll be able to offer the equine industry up-to-date, scientifically-based knowledge.
The Bachelor of Animal Science will provide you the knowledge, attributes and expertise you require for the careers of the future.
Potential employers include equine regulatory, breeding, racing, breed, and sport organisations, and other equine enterprises in New Zealand and around the world. Roles could be in:
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