Bachelor of Animal Science (Animal Welfare)

Summary

The Bachelor of Animal Science (Animal Welfare) will help you understand the science behind how animals feel, what influences that and how that affects their behaviour and performance.

You will gain a relevant, up-to-date, scientifically-based knowledge of animal welfare that will make you well-placed to make a difference in the lives of animals.

A unique degree

Massey University’s 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 will obtain a solid base of knowledge in animal welfare. You’ll also learn about nutrition and growth as well as animal genetics and breeding.

Internationally relevant

Massey has a number of internationally recognised animal-based research centres. These include the world-leading Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre (AWSBC).

The Centre's research focuses on areas including developing fresh frameworks for understanding animal welfare. It evaluates husbandry practices and systems. It also covers pest control and analysing ethical dimensions of welfare problems.

The AWSBC was the first animal welfare focused research centre in the world to become an OIE Collaborating Centre (with the World Organisation for Animal Health). This recognises the AWSBC as being a group with internationally relevant expertise.

Careers

The Bachelor of Animal Science with a major in animal welfare will provide you the knowledge, attributes and expertise you require for the careers of the future. You will be qualified for technical, advocacy and management roles across different types of industries and animals. These include:

• Government animal welfare officers
• Animal welfare investigators
• Local government animal control officers
• Biosecurity
• Customs
• SPCA animal welfare officers
• Policy and regulation

Structure

Students must complete 360 credits including 195 credits from the core courses and 120 credits of major courses. No more than 150 credits at 100-level and a minimum of 90 credits at 300-level.