BSc (Hons) Bioveterinary Science | Hartpury University

Develop your specialist scientific knowledge with this Bioveterinary degree. Prepare for a veterinary medicine degree or an exciting career within animal science.

This degree is for you, if you want to pursue a range of scientific areas that focus on the processes underpinning disease. You’ll develop your expertise in disease diagnosis, microbiology, physical therapies and rehabilitation.

Key Information

Course Duration: 3 or 4 years full-time; part-time available

UC UCAS Code: D390

Part or Full Time: Full Time / Part Time

Level of Study: Undergraduate Degrees

Placement Year: Optional

Typical Offer: 112 UCAS tariff points

Course information

Download Programme Specification

Study bioveterinary science in professional-standard laboratories, volunteer within our animal collection, commercial farm and large equine centre to develop your experience working with animals.

Apply theory to practice as you get hands on in our dissection and microbiology laboratories, learning more about a range of species. Investigate notifiable and zoonotic diseases, study farm animals, equine and companion species.

You’ll have the opportunity to complete biochemistry and genetics modules, as well as livestock production with practical sessions on our campus farm. You could experience rehabilitation first-hand in our commercial equine and canine therapy centres with our animal therapy modules, and evaluate cutting-edge hydrotherapy research.

UCAS tariff points | Typical offer is 112 UCAS tariff points or equivalent including a biological science.

GCSE | A minimum of 5 GCSE A* to C, (or 9 to 4 where numeric grades are being awarded) or equivalent, to include English Language, Mathematics and a Science.

A-level | Typical offer is BBC or equivalent. This must include a minimum of two A Levels including one in a Biology at grade D or above.

Vocational award | Typical offer is a DMM in an Extended Diploma in a relevant subject.

Access | Typical offer is 112 UCAS tariff points in an Access to Higher Education Diploma to include a minimum of a pass in a Biology module at Level 3.

IB | Typical offer is 112 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, to include a minimum of two Highers at H3 or above, including one in a Biology.
This must also include Maths and English Language at a minimum of Standard Level S3 if equivalent GCSEs have not been obtained.

Scottish Highers | Typical offer is 112 UCAS tariff points in Scottish Highers. This must include a minimum of one Advanced and One Higher, to include Biology.

Irish leaving Certificate | Typical offer is 112 UCAS tariff points in the Irish Leaving Certificate. This must include a minimum of two Highers including one in Biology at H4 or above. This must also include Maths and English Language at a minimum of Ordinary Level.

OCR Cambridge Technical | Typical offer is a DMM in a Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in a relevant subject.

T Level | Typical offer is Merit in your T Level overall grade in a relevant subject

We may interview mature applicants and those with non-traditional qualifications to ensure this is the right course for you.

The minimum academic entry requirement for this programme is 96 UCAS tariff points or equivalent providing this is combined with relevant experience.

Please contact us for further information.

Email us

Your career

Industry opportunities on this course are diverse, to ensure you develop the skills, experience and connections needed for your graduate career. Many of our students get their graduate roles with their work placement employers.

Work placements and experience

These form part of optional modules, alongside an optional integrated placement year. We’ll support you to secure a placement with a UK-based or international employer, to match your interests and career goals - you’ll complete coursework. Placements can be paid or unpaid, depending on position. Students have worked with organisations such as the Blue Cross, Cotswold Dog Spa, Wood Veterinary Group and BSAVA.

Our commercial canine and equine therapy centres also offer opportunities for students to gain industry experience ready for their careers - either on work placements or as part of voluntary roles. Alongside this, we’ll encourage you to find a voluntary role with a local organisation such as an animal rescue shelter, veterinary laboratory, wildlife rehabilitation centre or a zoo.

Field trips and guest lecturers

Field trips and industry professionals in lectures form an important part of your learning, enabling you to experience different businesses, careers and best practices.

Recent guest lecturers have included veterinarians from NOAH and the RVC and a member of the StreetVet team in addition to academic researchers from a range of subject areas.

Graduate destinations

As a Bioveterinary graduate, you may go on to a career in research or clinical laboratories, pharmaceuticals, science communication, lecturing or to study veterinary medicine as a graduate. You’ll also have the transferable skills you need for other graduate careers. Our careers team can support you to find and prepare to secure your perfect role. Recent graduate destinations have included:

Veterinary medicine
Canine Hydrotherapist
Journal Editor, Wiley
Research Assistant, Animal Health Trust
Master's and PhD programmes
Laboratory Technician
Research Assistant, Animal and Plant
Health Agency
Scientific Editor, BSAVA

Success Stories

Your support network

You'll benefit from a strong support network from day one to be the best you can be. This will range from your personal tutor and specialist academic support team (our Achievement and Success Centre) to dedicated wellbeing and employability (Innovation, Careers and Enterprise) centres.

Academic support

You’ll have your own personal tutor while you’re here who will support you to succeed in your studies. You’ll also have access to our academic and wellbeing support teams who run regular workshops and one-to-one sessions on campus and online.

Alongside this, we have a comprehensive bank of online study skills resources to help you make the most of your qualification.

Your learning experiences

You'll experience a range of teaching methods to strengthen your digestion of topics, including lectures, workshops and practical sessions, as well as supported work placement learning as part of many courses.

Your career

Each year of your course will be made up of two semesters, within which you’ll study compulsory and optional modules on different industry-focused topics, enabling you to develop your own unique portfolio of knowledge, skills and experience, ready for your career. The course is taught in English.

Course information

Overview

Study bioveterinary science in professional-standard laboratories, volunteer within our animal collection, commercial farm and large equine centre to develop your experience working with animals.

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff points | Typical offer is 112 UCAS tariff points or equivalent including a biological science.

GCSE | A minimum of 5 GCSE A* to C, (or 9 to 4 where numeric grades are being awarded) or equivalent, to include English Language, Mathematics and a Science.

A-level | Typical offer is BBC or equivalent. This must include a minimum of two A Levels including one in a Biology at grade D or above.

Vocational award | Typical offer is a DMM in an Extended Diploma in a relevant subject.

Access | Typical offer is 112 UCAS tariff points in an Access to Higher Education Diploma to include a minimum of a pass in a Biology module at Level 3.

IB | Typical offer is 112 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, to include a minimum of two Highers at H3 or above, including one in a Biology.
This must also include Maths and English Language at a minimum of Standard Level S3 if equivalent GCSEs have not been obtained.

Scottish Highers | Typical offer is 112 UCAS tariff points in Scottish Highers. This must include a minimum of one Advanced and One Higher, to include Biology.

Irish leaving Certificate | Typical offer is 112 UCAS tariff points in the Irish Leaving Certificate. This must include a minimum of two Highers including one in Biology at H4 or above. This must also include Maths and English Language at a minimum of Ordinary Level.

OCR Cambridge Technical | Typical offer is a DMM in a Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in a relevant subject.

T Level | Typical offer is Merit in your T Level overall grade in a relevant subject

We may interview mature applicants and those with non-traditional qualifications to ensure this is the right course for you.

The minimum academic entry requirement for this programme is 96 UCAS tariff points or equivalent providing this is combined with relevant experience.

Please contact us for further information.

Employability

Your career

Work placements and experience

Field trips and guest lecturers

Field trips and industry professionals in lectures form an important part of your learning, enabling you to experience different businesses, careers and best practices.

Recent guest lecturers have included veterinarians from NOAH and the RVC and a member of the StreetVet team in addition to academic researchers from a range of subject areas.

Graduate destinations

Veterinary medicine
Canine Hydrotherapist
Journal Editor, Wiley
Research Assistant, Animal Health Trust
Master's and PhD programmes
Laboratory Technician
Research Assistant, Animal and Plant
Health Agency
Scientific Editor, BSAVA

How you'll study

Your support network

Academic support

Alongside this, we have a comprehensive bank of online study skills resources to help you make the most of your qualification.

Your learning experiences

Your career

Modules

What you'll study

Your degree will focus on the cause, transmission and diagnosis of animal diseases.

This course is comprised of both compulsory and optional modules, which you'll be able to choose from to suit your interests and career goals.

Optional modules change each year in line with student, industry and research demands - you'll find recent topics studied below. You can attend introductory sessions for optional modules before deciding which ones to study.

Module credits

On successful completion of your modules, you’ll gain academic credit that accumulates towards your award. The marks you gain in your second and final year contribute towards your final degree classification.

This year will focus on key underpinning subjects, such as anatomy and physiology, genetics and biochemistry, to help you to gain the fundamental skills required for your course. First year modules will equip you to study at higher levels by providing essential practical and transferable skills alongside essential knowledge of a wide range of key topics integral to your degree.

Compulsory Modules

Anatomy and Physiology

Introduction to basic veterinary anatomy and physiology, including the different bodily systems and the interactions between them.

Animal Genetics

Explore the fundamental concepts of genetics and hereditary conditions in animals.

Animal Health and Disease

Learn about the factors that affect disease transmission and signs of health in common companion species.

Animal Nutrition

Study key nutritional principles and learn how these relate to health and disease in animals.

Introduction to Biochemistry

Examine the molecular and chemical processes that underpin normal physiology.

Animal Behaviour and Welfare

Gain an understanding of key concepts in the fields of animal behaviour and animal welfare.

Professional and Academic Skills in Animal Biology

Develop key academic and professional skills and the personal attributes needed to be successful in a career in the animal industry.

You’ll cover a range of concepts, including pathology and the implications of management practices for animal disease. Optional modules will allow you to explore subjects such as microbiology, animal therapy, animal biomechanics and animal production, to develop your interests at a higher level.

Compulsory Modules

Animal Disease and Parasitology

Gain knowledge of advanced disease diagnosis, treatment and key pathogenic causes of disease in both companion and production animals.

Research Methods for Agricultural and Animal Scientists

This module introduces students to the process of academic research, methods of research and analysis, helping to prepare them for reading research literature and conducting research projects in the future.

Pathology

The pathophysiological processes associated with acute and chronic inflammation and how these can be observed on both a gross and histopathological level.

Optional Modules

Animal Microbiology

This module will also provide students with the opportunity to develop clinical awareness of animal behaviour and develop skills to interpret behavioural expression during patient interactions.

Animal Production

This module gives students a first look at animal production systems within the UK and abroad. The most common methods of producing cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry are discussed and these systems are evaluated with respect to the producer, the market, the environment, animal health and welfare as well as their impacts on the consumer. Upon completion of the module, students will possess a suitable grounding to progress onto further animal production and/or livestock based animal and agriculture modules.

Animal Structure and Motion

This module provides students with a basis of biomechanics and animal locomotion.

Animal Therapy 1

The first of two animal therapy specific modules that introduce a wide range of animal therapies.

Management of Domestic Animals

Develop an ability to evaluate animal welfare legislation and justify industry-relevant improvements to the keeping of captive animals. Knowledge will also be developed regarding how to appropriately handle and sex a range of non-human animal species.

Professional Experience in the Animal Sector 1

Reflect on and evaluate a period of industry experience within the animal sector.

An optional integrated placement year between your second and final years gives you the opportunity to put your knowledge and skills into practice and gain valuable industry experience.

Your final year allows you to focus on the areas you’re particularly interested in and gain skills that will support you in your future career. You’ll undertake a dissertation module, a substantial research project that enables you to experience being responsible for planning, implementing and reporting on a specialist topic. In addition, you’ll be exposed to contemporary challenges in the subject area and more advanced theory and practice, including gaining an insight into current research in the field of bioveterinary science.

Compulsory Modules

Animal and Agriculture Dissertation

This module involves independent research and analysis in an animal or agriculture‐related field with one-to‐one support from an academic.

Immunology and Animal Disease

Address the immunological basis of disease, disease transmission and how animal disease can impact on public health.

Pharmacology

Pharmacology covers the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of common drug classes used in veterinary species. The module also examines topics such as resistance and residues, as well as controlled drug prescription, storage and disposal requirements.

Optional Modules

Advanced Animal Microbiology

Advanced Animal Microbiology builds on the knowledge and understanding obtained from the Animal Microbiology module at level 5. This module analyses a range of biotechnologies and diagnostics used in the study of animal microbiology, providing students with an in-depth understanding of the underlying principles behind these advanced techniques. Students will evaluate current developments in microbial molecular genetics and how this research is applied to advance treatment and control strategies in veterinary science.

Animal Therapy 2

This is the second module specifically exploring the details of types of therapies used within the animal industry.

Developments in Livestock Science

The module will investigate a broad range of topics that will allow the student to gain further knowledge and understanding of the key developments in sustainable livestock production and management and be able to critically analyse and evaluate development impact on all stake holders in the industry (producers, consumers and animals).

Epidemiology

You will study how diseases are transmitted and spread through populations and understand how the dynamics of this spread can be studied and monitored. You will use this knowledge to analyse appropriate methods to help avoid, track and control disease epidemics.

Modules

Overview

What you'll study

Your degree will focus on the cause, transmission and diagnosis of animal diseases.

This course is comprised of both compulsory and optional modules, which you'll be able to choose from to suit your interests and career goals.

Module credits

Level four (year one)

Compulsory Modules

Anatomy and Physiology

Introduction to basic veterinary anatomy and physiology, including the different bodily systems and the interactions between them.

Animal Genetics

Explore the fundamental concepts of genetics and hereditary conditions in animals.

Animal Health and Disease

Learn about the factors that affect disease transmission and signs of health in common companion species.

Animal Nutrition

Study key nutritional principles and learn how these relate to health and disease in animals.

Introduction to Biochemistry

Examine the molecular and chemical processes that underpin normal physiology.

Animal Behaviour and Welfare

Gain an understanding of key concepts in the fields of animal behaviour and animal welfare.

Professional and Academic Skills in Animal Biology

Develop key academic and professional skills and the personal attributes needed to be successful in a career in the animal industry.

Level five (year two)

Compulsory Modules

Animal Disease and Parasitology

Gain knowledge of advanced disease diagnosis, treatment and key pathogenic causes of disease in both companion and production animals.

Research Methods for Agricultural and Animal Scientists

Pathology

The pathophysiological processes associated with acute and chronic inflammation and how these can be observed on both a gross and histopathological level.

Optional Modules

Animal Microbiology

This module will also provide students with the opportunity to develop clinical awareness of animal behaviour and develop skills to interpret behavioural expression during patient interactions.

Animal Production

Animal Structure and Motion

This module provides students with a basis of biomechanics and animal locomotion.

Animal Therapy 1

The first of two animal therapy specific modules that introduce a wide range of animal therapies.

Management of Domestic Animals

Professional Experience in the Animal Sector 1

Reflect on and evaluate a period of industry experience within the animal sector.

Integrated placement year (optional)

An optional integrated placement year between your second and final years gives you the opportunity to put your knowledge and skills into practice and gain valuable industry experience.

Level six (final year)

Compulsory Modules

Animal and Agriculture Dissertation

This module involves independent research and analysis in an animal or agriculture‐related field with one-to‐one support from an academic.

Immunology and Animal Disease

Address the immunological basis of disease, disease transmission and how animal disease can impact on public health.

Pharmacology

Optional Modules

Advanced Animal Microbiology

Animal Therapy 2

This is the second module specifically exploring the details of types of therapies used within the animal industry.

Developments in Livestock Science

Epidemiology

The modules contain a mixture of scheduled learning – lectures, workshops and practical sessions – alongside independent learning. You’re expected to dedicate at least two to three hours of independent study per contact hour. Your course may also include work placement learning as part of some modules.

Year	Contact learning	Placement learning	Independent learning
Level four (year one)	30%	0%	70%
Level five (year two)	23%	0%	77%
Placement year (optional)	1%	80%	19%
Level six (final year)	16%	0%	84%

You’ll be assessed through a mixture of written exams, practical exams and written assignments. Many of the modules will be marked based on a mixture of assessment types, whilst others will be based solely on one type of assessment. Feedback will be given in a variety of ways including during sessions, on assessment submissions and in tutorials.

Year	Written exam	Practical exam	Coursework
Level four (year one)	55%	16%	29%
Level five (year two)	53%	12%	35%
Placement year (optional)	0%	0%	100%
Level six (final year)	35%	10%	55%

Each year of this course is taught over two semesters, normally consisting of 12 weeks of scheduled teaching and then assessment weeks, with an overview below:

Scheduled teaching takes place between 8.30am to 8.30pm Monday to Friday
Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities
Work placements may entail different days and hours
Part-time students may need to attend learning activities five days each week, depending on modules selected
Timetables are available during enrolment week

View term dates

Please visit our student finance page for information on tuition fees and student loans, as well as non-repayable grants, bursaries and scholarships, eligible to different groups, to support with study costs.

Clothing and footwear

You’ll need to purchase appropriate clothing and footwear before you enrol, or during enrolment week. We’ll let you know exactly what you need to purchase in your enrolment guide – everything is available from our supplier’s online shop for approximately £100.

Optional field trips (up to circa £50)

Students are encouraged to engage in various trips and visits as part of the programme. Many field trips are included in the course fees, however, a few are not. These may involve a small fee to cover transport and or entry to the location.

Accommodation and living costs

Please visit our student accommodation page for details.

Fees & Finance

For further details about this course, including the programme specification and module descriptions, please visit our document library.

Resource library

Accommodation

Settle into an accommodation option to suit your taste and budget – at Hartpury University, undergraduate students can choose to live on-campus surrounded by Gloucestershire’s beautiful countryside or off-campus in the heart of Gloucester City centre. Enjoy the best of both worlds.

Finance

We can help you understand how it all works, and what you need to do next. Find out everything you need to know about tuition fees, student loans and bursaries and scholarships. In 2021/22, we provided assistance to over 1/3 of our students through bursaries, scholarships and grants, totalling a little under £1million.

Support

When you become a student at Hartpury, you become part of our community. As a small university, we provide personalised support based on your individual requirements and aspirations. Our teams cover wellbeing, achievement and success, learning support, careers, and more. From wellbeing, safety and employability, to finance, accommodation and IT, our staff will answer your questions or get you set up with someone who can.

TEF Gold

Our undergraduate provision has been awarded Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold in all aspects - Overall, Student Experience, and Student Outcomes.

Teaching quality

Ranked in the top 10 universities for teaching quality (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024).

Graduate employability

97% of our graduates are in employment, further study or other purposeful activity (Graduate Outcomes, 2023).

Academic support

We’ve been named as the top university in England for academic support (National Student Survey, 2023).

Commercial businesses, specialist equipment

Animal facilities

Success stories

Skai's story

Success Stories

Skai's story

“It's amazing that Hartpury offers the opportunity to work with different species as part of the degree. As part of the course, I did a 40-hour internship in the Animal Collection. I’ve been getting hands on with exotic animals – meerkats, skunks and prairie dogs. ”

Skai Walker

BSc (Hons) Human-Animal Interaction

"Hartpury is a great place to be if you have a passion for animals. There’s so many opportunities on offer to suit different interests. I’m a dog person but being able to experience lots of different things, from the Equine Therapy Centre to the farm, was great for my development."

Lauren Branfield, Trainee Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, Guide Dogs for The Blind

Turn your passion into your career

The physical and emotional needs of animals is at the heart of everything we do. Working with research-active staff, our students contribute to studies that are helping us understand animals like never before.

Put theory into practice and boost your CV with access to over 70 species, laboratories, animal therapy and hydrotherapy centres, a new Equine and Animal Assisted Activities Area on a 360-hectare campus that provides an ideal environment.

Important information

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes are reviewed and developed regularly. Changes or cancellation of courses may be necessary to ensure alignment with emerging employment areas, to comply with accrediting body requirements, revisions to subject benchmark statements or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make necessary changes and will notify all offer-holders of changes as and when they occur.

Related courses

Explore our animal degrees

Course

BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare

Develop your expertise in animal behaviour and welfare and turn your passion into your career. Study the fascinating biology behind behaviour and consider ethical issues.

University

3 or 4 years full-time; part-time available

Full Time / Part Time

Undergraduate Degrees

Course

BSc (Hons) Animal Training and Performance

Develop the skills and expertise to transform your passion for training animals into a fulfilling career with this Animal Training and Performance degree.

University

3 or 4 years full-time; part-time available

Full Time / Part Time

Undergraduate Degrees

Course

BSc (Hons) Applied Animal Science with Therapy

Develop your therapeutic knowledge and launch your career making a difference to the lives of animals. This degree will equip you with a range of scientific animal therapy skills. You’ll work with both the animal and human to make sure animals are healthy and performing at their best.

University

3 or 4 years full-time; part-time available

Full Time / Part Time

Undergraduate Degrees

Bioveterinary Science

BSc (Hons)

Key Information

Course information

Your career

Work placements and experience

Field trips and guest lecturers

Graduate destinations

Your support network

Academic support

Your learning experiences

Your career

Course information

Overview

Entry requirements

Employability

Your career

Work placements and experience

Field trips and guest lecturers

Graduate destinations

How you'll study

Your support network

Academic support

Your learning experiences

Your career

Modules

What you'll study

Module credits

Compulsory Modules

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

Modules

Overview

What you'll study

Module credits

Level four (year one)

Compulsory Modules

Level five (year two)

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

Integrated placement year (optional)

Level six (final year)

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

Teaching modes

Assessment and Feedback

Timetables

Fees and funding

Further course details

Accommodation

Finance

Support

TEF Gold

Teaching quality

Graduate employability

Academic support

Commercial businesses, specialist equipment

Animal facilities

Success stories

Skai's story

Turn your passion into your career

Important information

Related courses

BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare

BSc (Hons) Animal Training and Performance

BSc (Hons) Applied Animal Science with Therapy

Our partners & accreditations