MSc Animal Production and Nutrition

Postgraduate Opportunities

Writtle College

Course Aims
The course will provide students with an opportunity to:
- Develop an understanding and knowledge of the relevant specialist subjects and technologies applicable to different livestock sectors and climatic regions.
- Appreciate the dynamics of the livestock industry and the commercial environment supporting it.
- Carry out an independent research project, critically analyse data and write a dissertation.

Who the Course is for
This is an advanced course for students from the biological sciences who want to develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the nutrition and production of farmed livestock. Applicants will normally hold a BSc or equivalent in a related topic, but applications are welcome from individuals with extensive industrial experience. Applications from non-UK students are particularly welcome.

Duration
The course is offered as a one year full time course but may also be taken on a part time basis, usually over two years in which students complete the taught component of the course in one year and complete their project in the following year. Due its modular nature, it may be possible for individuals in full time employment to complete the course over a longer period and if appropriate incorporate the research project into their work activities.

Delivery and Assessment
The teaching methods are a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials, visits and student managed learning. The self-guided study takes place under the supervision of experienced staff from the Centre of Equine and Animal Science at Writtle College. Students are assessed using a number of methods, for example written examination, essays, seminars, oral presentations, case studies and project dissertation.

The research project is an essential part of the MSc programme and provides the opportunity to carry out an independent piece research, critically analyse data and write a dissertation. The project will normally include hands-on practical experimentation to teach students how to gather and process data and problem solve. The project is supervised by an academic member of staff and takes place over an extended period during the spring and summer. The project can be based at Writtle, other institutions or at an external organisation.

Key Features
- Advanced level training in the science and practice of animal production and nutrition.
- Emphasis on an international approach to the subject.
- Supported by the activities of the Centre for Equine and Animal Science: http://www.writtle.ac.uk/pge_MainDisplay.cfm?ID=210

Career Prospects
Some graduates are likely to enter sales, technical and management positions in livestock production with breeding companies, livestock production units and the livestock nutrition industry in the UK and overseas. Graduates from overseas may use the MSc qualification as a route to advance their careers at home.

Areas of Study
Subjects covered include:- research methods, animal nutrition science, animal biochemistry and physiology, animal management, paper analysis and literature review techniques, current issues in animal production and nutrition, advanced principles and practices of animal production systems, research project.

Funding
The Alice Noakes Charitable Trust has provided four bursaries to support UK students wishing to study the MSc Animal Biology Welfare or MSc Animal Production and Nutrition courses at Writtle College. UK graduates must hold an honours degree at 2.2 or above in a related discipline. Applicants who have successfully secured an offer may apply for a bursary which provides full or partial funding of tuition fees. The bursaries will be awarded on a competitive basis and applications will be considered by a panel chaired by the Head of School. The Trust was established with an animal welfare focus in East Anglia. Therefore, the criteria for selection of the successful recipients will reflect this welfare and regional emphasis. The closing date for bursary applications is 18 July 2008. Successful applicants will be notified by 18 August 2008.