Animal and veterinary sciences courses
Animal and veterinary sciences focus on the care, health and wellbeing of animals. This includes pets, farm animals, zoo animals and wildlife. These subjects look at how to treat illness, improve animal welfare and support healthy environments for animals to live in.
Studying animal and veterinary sciences abroad gives you access to hands-on training, modern labs and expert teaching. You’ll gain real-world experience with animals in clinics, farms, shelters or conservation areas.
There are many career paths available depending on your interests and skills. With these subjects, you can train to become a vet, animal nurse or technician. You can also work in areas like animal farming, wildlife care, science research or governmental animal health services.
All related subjects
Top 10 Universities for life sciences & medicine
| University Name | 2025 Ranking | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard University | 1 | Cambridge, United States |
| University of Oxford | 2 | Oxford, United Kingdom |
| Johns Hopkins University | 3 | Baltimore, United States |
| Stanford University | 4 | Stanford, United States |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 5 | Cambridge, United States |
| University of Cambridge | 6 | Cambridge, United Kingdom |
| University of California, San Francisco | 7 | San Francisco, United States |
| Imperial College London | 8 | London, United Kingdom |
| UCL | 9 | London, United Kingdom |
| Karolinska Institutet | 10 | Stockholm, Sweden |
Why study animal and veterinary sciences abroad?
Studying abroad gives you access to leading universities and real-world experience. You can work in veterinary clinics, farms, wildlife centers or research labs. You’ll also learn how different countries go about providing care for animals.
Many courses include placements where you will work with animals and learn on the job. You will build skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and clear communication.
A degree from a university overseas can help you find jobs or continue studying anywhere in the world. It can also open up work opportunities in the country where you study.
Types of animal and veterinary sciences programs
Veterinary medicine
These programs prepare you to become a vet. You’ll learn to treat sick animals, do surgery, and promote animal health.
- Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (BVetMed)
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
Animal science
These courses focus on farm animals. You’ll learn about feeding, breeding, and caring for animals.
- Animal Nutrition
- Livestock Management
- Breeding and Genetics
Zoology and wildlife science
Study wild animals, their behaviour, and their environment. Learn how to protect animals and ecosystems.
- Wildlife Conservation
- Animal Behaviour
- Biodiversity and Ecology
Veterinary nursing and animal care
These programs train you to support vets and care for animals in clinics, shelters, or hospitals.
- Veterinary Nursing
- Animal Rehabilitation
- Animal Shelter Management
Careers in animal and veterinary sciences
These degrees lead to careers that protect animal health and improve the relationship between humans and animals. Graduates are in demand globally, with veterinary sciences being one of the most employable degrees.
Veterinary graduates often work as clinical vets, or may specialise in areas like surgery, equine medicine, or exotic animals. Others work in research, public health, or government regulation. Animal science graduates may go into agriculture, animal nutrition, genetics, or animal welfare policy. Wildlife and zoology students can pursue careers in conservation, ecology, or environmental education.
These fields are diverse and evolving, offering both structured clinical roles and flexible careers in research, policy, and advocacy.
For more details on specific career options, take a look at our individual subject guides:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Science
- Zoology
- Veterinary Nursing
With growing global attention on sustainability, biodiversity, and animal welfare, a degree in animal or veterinary sciences equips you with the knowledge and practical skills to make a meaningful impact – whether in clinics, farms, labs or the wild.