The MBio Bioveterinary Science degree at Lincoln gives students the opportunity to explore the science that underlies animal health and disease. As the information which veterinarians use to treat animals often comes from laboratories, this degree combines key concepts in animal science with relevant laboratory, field, and computer analysis, helping to give students the skills to support veterinarians.
Students are introduced to the processes surrounding animal health, including life histories of pathogens and parasites, infection and immunity, preventative measures, diagnosis, and treatments. There is the opportunity to study these issues in a range of animal species, including exotic, companion, livestock and wild animals, as well as in humans.
Students also have the option of a field trip in their final year as part of the optional 'Overseas Field Course' module. This can provide the opportunity to do research in a novel environment and to study local plants and animals. Destinations may vary, but have previously included the cloud forests of Ecuador, the Mankwe Wildlife Reserve in South Africa, and Peniche in Portugal.
The fourth year of the MBio Bioveterinary Science degree is an additional research-intensive final year, after the three-year BSc. This is an opportunity to progress to Master's level and prepare for opportunities in competitive job markets.
Subject area ranked 2nd overall in the UK*
Wide range of career opportunities, including further study, diagnostics, and
Optional placement year and optional overseas field trip to locations around
Taught by experienced research-active staff
A range of optional modules
Available with a Science Foundation Year
*Guardian University Guide 2024 (out of 18 ranking institutions)
The first year of the degree introduces health and disease in the context of animal anatomy and physiology, cell biology, genetics, and the biochemistry of metabolism.
The second year builds on this, with further specialist study of animal health and disease, also providing the opportunity for students to pursue individual interests within a wide range of topics, including animal behaviour, protection, toxicology, and reproduction.
In the third year, students embark upon individual research projects and are provided the opportunity to travel overseas to participate in research field trips as part of the optional Overseas Field Course module. Further specialist modules including Control of Animal Disease and Veterinary Parasitology can be chosen to complete the third year.
The fourth year of the MBio Bioveterinary Science degree is an additional research-intensive final year, after the three-year BSc. This is an opportunity to progress to Master's level and prepare for opportunities in competitive job markets.
Students undertaking research projects have access to a range of advanced facilities including equipment for cytometry and confocal microscopy, as well as a bioacoustics lab. Our animal behaviour laboratory includes aquatic and reptile provision alongside an insectary.
There is also an element of self-directed study to this course. This may include reading of scientific papers, watching videos to begin to understand difficult issues, or research into an area of your interest. The course tutors are researchers and are keen to work with students to understand difficult issues, discuss issues, or offer help and support where possible.
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.
We work closely with the farm on our Riseholme Campus, and students in the past have been able to assist with lambing. There may also be opportunities to gain experiences working with reptiles in Minster House, our on-campus animal facility.
The way students are assessed on this course may vary for each module. Examples of assessment methods that may be used include coursework, such as written assignments, reports or dissertations; practical exams, such as presentations, performances or observations; and written exams, such as formal examinations or in-class tests.
There is an optional overseas field trip in the third year. This can provide the opportunity to do research in a novel environment and to study local plants and animals. Destinations may vary, but have previously included the cloud forests of Ecuador, the Mankwe Wildlife Reserve in South Africa, and Molise in Italy.
Optional field trips may incur additional costs, including flights. Students may also be required to pay for overnight stays, local travel, and food close to the destination if their flights arrive the day before the team are scheduled to meet.
Students may bring personal items of clothing and travel equipment, some of which may be specialised for the environment they are travelling to, and recommended medicines and travel toiletries such as anti-malaria medication, vaccinations, insect repellent and sunscreen. These costs will depend on what you choose to bring.
An optional year abroad is available for full-time students. A Study Abroad Tuition Fee is payable to the University of Lincoln during this year for students joining in 2025/26 and beyond. Students are expected to cover their own travel, accommodation, and living costs. The University’s Global Opportunities Team can provide further support and guidance.
Full-time students have the option of a year-long professional practice placement after the second year, providing real-world experience. A Placement Year Fee is payable to the University of Lincoln during this year for students joining in 2025/26 and beyond. Students are expected to cover their own travel, accommodation, and living costs.
Previous students have been on work placements at Pirbright, Dechra Pharmaceuticals, and the Animal and Plant Health Agency.
Students on this course can take part in an optional overseas field trip in the third year to study plants and animals in the wild.
Destinations may vary, but have previously included the cloud forests of Ecuador, the Mankwe Wildlife Reserve in South Africa, and Molise in Italy.
On each trip students are introduced to local flora and fauna, present a group project, and complete an identification test of plants, vertebrates, and invertebrates.
The course is taught by our team of experienced academics, including staff at the forefront of their fields of research, such as Associate Professor Colin Butter and Dr Simon Clegg. Staff contribute to government advisory bodies, offer industrial consultancy, publish in international journals and contribute to academic books. The Department hosts a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons approved Behaviour Speciality Clinic, run under the direction of one of only two current RCVS recognised specialists in Veterinary Behavioural Medicine. This supports our internationally recognised research in companion and farm animal behaviour and welfare, behavioural consultancy, and problem behaviour management.
The absolute highlight of my time at university was the chance to take the overseas field course module. I opted to go to South Africa, which was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Corinne Woodcock
BSc (Hons) Bioveterinary Science
This course aims to prepare graduates for a range of careers in animal-related professions. These include roles in research and development, technical support, and sales of animal pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and nutrition products, as well as in animal health, laboratory diagnostics, toxicology, forensics, wildlife parks, and zoos. Many students continue to study at Master’s and PhD level, and some go on to veterinary medicine.
112 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels or equivalent qualifications to include 40 points from Biology or Chemistry.
BTEC Extended Diploma in Animal Management or Applied Science*: Distinction, Merit, Merit.
(*dependent on modules studied).
BTEC Diploma in Applied Science accepted alongside other qualifications.
Please contact our Admissions team for further information admissions@lincoln.ac.uk.
T Level in Science: Merit
(Health or Health Science are not accepted).
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points, including 40 points from 15 credits in Biology or Chemistry.
International Baccalaureate: 29 points overall to include a Higher Level 5 in Biology or Chemistry.
GCSE's: Minimum of three at grade 4 or above, which must include English, Maths and Science. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.
The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and do accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, EPQ etc.
We will also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.
Non UK Qualifications:
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/
EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.
For applicants who do not meet our standard entry requirements, our Science Foundation Year can provide an alternative route of entry onto our full degree programmes:
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/course/sfysfyub/lifesciences/
If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk
Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.
For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. To help support students from outside of the UK, we are also delighted to offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.
The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to visit us in person. We offer a range of opportunities across the year to help you to get a real feel for what it might be like to study here.
