Type of qualification
Level of study
An undergraduate qualification is usually the first one you study.
Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.
Time to complete
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Study a Bachelor of Animal Science – BAnSci
The Bachelor of Animal Science (BAnSci) is the only degree in New Zealand that focuses entirely on animal science. It is ideal if you are interested in a career that combines your love of science and animals.
Learn from the best
Massey University’s animal, agricultural and veterinary science professionals are among the best in the world. They will teach you about the latest developments in animal science. You'll obtain expertise in genetics and breeding, nutrition and growth, and animal welfare. This degree also offers a speciality in equine.
Internationally relevant
This degree has a distinct New Zealand flavour and is equivalent to international animal science qualifications.
Research-led learning
Massey has a number of internationally recognised animal-based research centres including: AL Rae Genetics Centre, Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre, Centre for Feline Nutrition, Equine Parentage Genetic Services Centre, Equine Research Centre, International Sheep Research Centre, Monogastric Research Centre and the Working Dog Centre.
Join a world-leading university
Our proud record dates back to 1927 when we offered New Zealand’s first degrees in agriculture. 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 qualification 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.
A BAnSci is a good fit if you:
- want to work with production or companion animals
- are interested in solving contemporary New Zealand animal production challenges
- enjoy sciences.
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
Recommended high school preparation
Knowledge gained in the following NCEA subjects (or the equivalent in Cambridge International Examinations, International Baccalaureate, or similar) will give you the expected background knowledge to succeed in this qualification.
- At least 14 credits in NCEA Level 3 Biology
- At least 14 credits in NCEA Level 3 Chemistry
- At least 16 credits in NCEA Level 2 Mathematics
If it’s some time since you have studied mathematics at school you can find out if you have the required background by taking this maths quiz.
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
Haven’t studied the right subjects at high school?
The following pathways will get you prepared to study this qualification:
If you have not studied NCEA Level 3 Biology (or equivalent) take the following course first:
- 162103 Introductory Biology
If you have not studied NCEA Level 3 Chemistry (or equivalent) take the following course first:
- 123103 Chemistry for Modern Sciences.
These courses are available in summer school and can be taken as a Certificate in Science and Technology or Certificate of Proficiency. One 100-level course can be counted as an elective towards the Bachelor of Animal Science.
Prior learning, credit and exemptions
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
- review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
- contact us through the Get advice button on this page.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates.
Returning students
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Structure of the Bachelor of Animal Science
If you study full-time, in your first year, you’ll take eight 15-credit courses, making a total of 120 credits.
If you wish to study over two semesters, you should aim for 60 credits per semester. You may be able to take some courses at summer school. Make sure you include courses that are prerequisites for the next level of courses you wish to study.
Please note that if you start the BAnSci (Animal Genetics & Breeding) or BAnSci (Animal Nutrition & Growth) in semester two without the appropriate level of preparation in Biology and Chemistry, it will extend your time to completion from 3 years to 3.5 years.
Typical pattern for the Bachelor of Animal Science
Core courses These courses are a compulsory part of your qualification.
Major courses Choose from a selection of courses appropriate for your specialisation.
Elective courses Follow your interests. Your qualification may have selection guidelines for elective courses.
Year one |
---|
117107 Introduction to Animal Behaviour & Welfare |
117155 Introduction to Animal Science |
122102 Biochemistry |
123104 Chemistry for Biological Systems |
124103 Biophysical Principles |
162101 Cell Biology |
199103 Animals & the Environment |
247111 Science & Sustainability for Agriculture & Horticulture |
Year two |
---|
161140 Agri-Statistics |
117201 Livestock Production Science |
117202 Animal Science |
200-level major |
200-level major |
200-level major |
200-level major |
Elective |
Year three |
---|
117371 Animal Production |
117381 Solving Problems in Animal Production OR 235312 Case Studies in Māori Agribusiness |
300-level major |
300-level major |
300-level major |
300-level major |
Elective |
Elective |
Courses are each worth 15 credits
Courses and specialisations
Key terms
- Courses
- Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
- Course code
- Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
- Credits
- Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
- Specialisations
- Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.
Credit summary
360 credits
- Core courses – 195 credits
- Major courses – 120 credits
- Electives – 45 credits
Ensure that overall, you have:
- No more than 150 credits at 100 level
- At least 90 credits at 300 level
Course planning key
- Prerequisites
- Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
- Corequisites
- Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
- Restrictions
- Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
Schedule A: Core Courses (Choose 195 credits from)
Course code: 117107 Introduction to Animal Behaviour and Welfare credits 15
An introduction to common ethical frameworks for animal use with a focus on domestic animal species. Principles of the behaviour and welfare of domestic animal species. Theory of safe and effective animal handling.
View full course detailsCourse code: 117155 Introduction to Animal Science credits 15
An introduction to animals and animal science, covering a range of animal species and incorporating the principles of nutrition, reproduction, lactation, genetics and growth. A overview of New Zealand’s livestock production systems and consideration of animal ethics, welfare and biosecurity issues.
View full course detailsCourse code: 117201 Livestock Production Science credits 15
Developing understanding of the important drivers underpinning New Zealand’s livestock and companion animal industries and how these can be altered to achieve the desired outcomes. Knowledge will be gained on the major animal welfare and environmental issues facing New Zealand agriculture and how these might be mitigated against.
View full course detailsCourse code: 117202 Animal Science credits 15
An exploration of scientific principles underpinning animal husbandry practices. Emphasis will be on examining biological systems in relevant animals, how they are purposely or inadvertently manipulated, and the impact of these manipulations on production, welfare, and the environment.
View full course detailsCourse code: 117371 Animal Production credits 15
The impacts of breeding, nutrition, reproduction and lactation in New Zealand animal production. A modularised course requiring students to select three topics from dairy cattle production, animal, fish & insect protein production, sheep production, pig & poultry production, beef cattle production and the working dog.
View full course detailsCourse code: 122102 Biochemistry credits 15
An introductory biochemistry course covering the fundamental concepts of protein structure and function as well as metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and amino acids. The focus will be on energy transactions in a physiological context including glucose homeostasis and muscle metabolism in mammals. A lecture and problem-based tutorial course involving specific case studies will be complemented by a hands-on laboratory course.
View full course detailsCourse code: 123104 Chemistry for Biological Systems credits 15
Building on basic chemical principles, this course provides the atomic and molecular foundations for understanding chemistry and the life sciences. Starting from the structure of the atom and an understanding of Gibbs energy, it builds a chemical model for bonding, the composition of molecules, non-covalent interactions, chemical equilibria, acids/bases, chemical reactivity, and biological macromolecules. The theory is supported by practical experiments.
View full course detailsCourse code: 124103 Biophysical Principles credits 15
Students will develop understanding of biophysical principles including the description of motion, forces, equilibrium, fluids and flow, heat as energy, heat transfer, waves and sound, and the use of spreadsheets. Application of foundational knowledge of mathematical principles to biophysical systems, including the rules of arithmetic, fractions, simple algebra, trigonometry, transcendental functions, SI units and unit conversions, and creating and interpreting graphs. A practical course.
View full course detailsCourse code: 161140 Agri-Statistics credits 15
An introduction to statistics in an agricultural context, including the presentation, analysis and interpretation of quantitative data.
View full course detailsCourse code: 162101 Cell Biology credits 15
An introduction to the cellular basis of life. Spanning eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells; cellular structure and function; core biochemical components; mechanisms for generating genetic diversity; the flow of information within cells and between generations; gene expression; and a survey of the landscape of modern genomics, this course provides the conceptual foundation for subsequent courses on molecules, cells and organisms.
View full course detailsCourse code: 199103 Animals and the Environment credits 15
An introductory biology and natural history course presented within an evolutionary framework that investigates the diversity of animal life, human-animal interactions, nutrient and energy flows, conservation and sustainability. This course places emphasis on wild animals and ecological processes operating within New Zealand and globally.
View full course detailsCourse code: 247111 Science and Sustainability for Agriculture and Horticulture credits 15
The pursuit of environmental sustainability is a complex societal issue. This is a problem-based course, where students will develop their critical thinking, communication and information literacy and management skills as they evaluate interdisciplinary approaches to the contemporary sustainability challenge of climate action. Students will explore the intersection of science and community through exemplars of partnership between research and Te Ao Māori (the Māori world) in the context of primary production in Aotearoa New Zealand.
View full course detailsCourse code: 117381 Solving Problems in Animal Production credits 15
The critical evaluation of specific aspects of breeding, nutrition, reproduction, lactation, meat/growth and health on animal production and the design and development of improved production systems, focusing on the underlying science.
View full course detailsCourse code: 235312 Case Studies in Māori Agribusiness credits 15
This course explores Māori agribusiness through a series of case studies in the field with an emphasis on the temporal understanding of Māori agribusiness. Each case study has an emphasis on analysis and decision making and is applied to a range of Māori agribusinesses.
View full course detailsSchedule B: Specialisations
Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.
Animal Genetics and Breeding
Learn how animal breeding and genetics can have a positive impact on animal industries and the New Zealand economy.
Animal Nutrition and Growth
Combine your love of animals and science with the only animal science degree available in New Zealand. This degree focuses on how nutrition contributes to the performance and health of animals.
Animal Welfare
Keen to make a difference in the lives of animals? Combine your love of animals and science to make a difference to their health and welfare.
Equine Science
Gain the knowledge base and the analytical and management skills for a career helping improve the productivity and sustainability of the equine industry.
Before you start
Laboratory streams
In your first year lecture and laboratory streaming information will be available on Stream (Massey’s online learning platform) through your student homepage (you will receive access to this page after you have received your Admission Letter of Offer – see the ‘Applying and enrolling’ section on this page for more information).
A link will be emailed to you prior to lectures commencing for first semester.
Laboratory sessions commence in week one of the semester.
Fees and scholarships
Fees, student loans and free fees scheme
Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.
There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
- Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
- View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable
Already know which courses you're going to choose?
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.
Current and returning Massey students can find their National Student Number in the student portal.
- Student loans (StudyLink)
- Fees Free
- Student portal
Scholarship and award opportunities
- Ann Sinclair Charitable Trust
- David Levene Foundation Bursaries
- Demetrians Agricultural Bursary
- Dr Warren Parker and Pāmu Agricultural Scholarship
- Maniototo Lions Agricultural Scholarship
- Massey University Undergraduate First Year Scholarship – School Leavers
- New to Massey University First Year Animal Science Scholarship
- Pacific Science and Technology Scholarships
- Rongotea Lions Club Student Assistance Fund
- Sydney Campbell Foundation New to Massey University First-Year Undergraduate Scholarship
- Thornton Memorial Dairy Bursary
Fees disclaimer
This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.
Careers and job opportunities
The Bachelor of Animal Science will provide you with the expertise you require for the careers of the future. You will be qualified for technical, advocacy and management roles across the production animal, equine and companion animal science industries.
These include:
- animal management
- technical/managerial roles both domestically and overseas in a wide range of animal and primary production industries
- consultancy
- animal breeding
- animal nutrition and health
- sales and technical
- laboratory roles in nutrition, meat science and animal health
- feed/pet food manufacturing
- agricultural biotechnology
- biosecurity and customs
- animal welfare officers
- policy and regulation
- disease control
- equine sport and racing
- academic teaching and research.
Accreditations and rankings
QS Ranking - Agriculture and Forestry
Massey is world-ranked and New Zealand’s No 1 university in agriculture according to QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) rankings.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz