Animal Nutrition MSc/PgDip/PgCert/CPD: Online distance learning
Watch our latest webinar to find out more about this programme.
This programme provides students with the knowledge and understanding of the principles and practice of animal nutrition in production and companion animals. This enables them to apply a scientific and research-led approach at a practical level to improve performance, health and welfare.
- Online distance learning
- Academic contact: mvls-animalnutrition@glasgow.ac.uk
- Teaching start: September
- Online
- MSc: 36 months part‑time
- PgDip: 24 months part‑time
- PgCert: 12 months part‑time
- CPD: 10 weeks
Why this programme
- Globally, this is the first Animal Nutrition masters-level programme, that is delivered entirely part-time and online, within an interactive online learning environment.
- It is delivered in collaboration with senior academics/nutritionists from SRUC, who along with University staff have an international reputation in the animal nutrition, clinical nutrition and feed industry sectors, with some staff having Registered Nutritionist status (Society for Nutrition).
- An attractive option for busy working professionals looking to advance their knowledge and skill-set to support them in their career aspirations, whether they want to work within the animal nutrition sector or want to continue their development into further study for a PhD.
- Addresses a critical gap for those aspiring to work in the feed industry, tackling a lack of appreciation of nutrition in the context of the commercial animal feed industry, in-part through our links with industry and contributions from industry members.
- Enhance your conceptual, analytical and presentation skills to use effective and modern methods of describing and analysing scientific, research and dietary ration data to inform decisions on managing, designing and evaluating diets in the contexts of the interactions between diet, production, health and disease.
- Opportunity to enhance your knowledge and consolidate your expertise in the field.
Video: Watch a Q&A webinar with our programme leads
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Why study online?
- Flexible learning can be done at any time to fit in with other commitments. Speak to us about flexible learning options.
- Most communication is via discussion boards or Microsoft Teams so you can reply at a time that suits you, fitting in with time zones and work commitments.
- We record live sessions in case you can’t make it.
- Your learning can be accessed on your computer, laptop, tablet or phone via the internet. Find out more about the remote resources available at Glasgow Anywhere.
- We provide software to assist you, such as Office 365.
- Your MVLS Digital Education Team provides support with technology issues by email or video chat.
- Flexible payment options are available. You don't have to pay everything upfront.
- Be part of a global community of learners.
- Connect with your fellow students and tutors through our virtual learning environment where you will have access to a multitude of learning resources.
- You do not need to have experience of studying online, you will be guided on how to access and use all of our online resources.
- Access Library e-resources remotely at any time. This includes an extensive catalogue of e-books and journals, searchable from the Library homepage
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Programme structure
This programme is online and flexible, and is offered on a part-time basis only.
This degree is structured to allow sequential progression via Continuing Professional Development, PG Certificate, PG Diploma and MSc phases. It is also possible to undertake the PgCert or PgDip as exit or entry qualifications.
Compulsory courses
- Dissertation in animal nutrition
- Digestive anatomy and physiology
- Feed composition and evaluation
- Nutrition biochemistry and metabolism
- Research Design and Dissemination
Optional courses
- Applied nutrition and rationing (monogastrics)
- Applied nutrition and rationing (ruminants)
- Current topics in animal nutrition
- Equine nutrition
- Feed industry
- Feed processing (monogastrics)
- Feed processing (ruminants)
- Nutrition and Health
- Small animal and exotics nutrition
Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours
to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw
or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract.
Career prospects
This programme is ideally suited for those individuals who want to pursue a career in the commercial animal nutrition or veterinary nutrition sectors, or for those who wish to go on to further academic and research endeavours through studying for a PhD.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees for 2027-28
MSc
UK / EU / International:
Total cost: £14,300
Part-time: £1,589 per 20 credits
PgDip
UK / EU / International:
Total cost: £9,533
Part-time: £1,589 per 20 credits
PgCert
UK / EU / International:
Total cost: £4,767
Part-time: £1,589 per 20 credits
CPD
UK / EU / International:
Part-time: £1,589 per 20 credits
Fee status
Additional fees
- Fee for re-assessment of a dissertation (PGT programme): £370
- Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed: £350
- Registration/exam only fee: £170
Funding opportunities
UK Study Online Scholarship
The UK Study Online scholarship is open to UK, EU and international students taking online undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Please see UK Study Online for more details.
The scholarships above are relevant to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database
Entry requirements
2.2 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in Animal Nutrition, Animal Science, Veterinary Science, Equine Science, Animal Care, Biological Sciences and Agricultural Sciences.
We may also accept applicants with significant relevant work experience in addition to lower qualifications.
English language requirements
For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office using our enquiry form
For applicants from non-majority English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
Accepted English Language Tests
We accept a wide range of English language tests for entry to this programme. Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date, and requirements must be met using a single test.
IELTS Academic/IELTS Academic for UKVI/ IELTS Academic online
- 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
- IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
- We do not accept General Training
TOEFL iBT (including MyBest and Home Edition)
Test taken up to 20 January 2026
- 90 overall with no subtest less than Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
Tests taken from 21 January 2026
- 92 overall with no subtest less than 4.5
PTE Academic (test centre only)
- 65 overall with no subtest less than Reading 60; Listening 60; Speaking 65; Writing 60
- We do not accept the online PTE Academic
Cambridge C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency
- 176 overall with no subtest less than 169
Oxford ELLT
- 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
LanguageCert Academic/Academic SELT/ Academic Online
- 70 overall with no subtest less than 65
Password Skills Plus
- 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
Trinity College Integrated Skills in English II
- 96 overall with no subtest less than 90
Kaplan Test of English
- Any two subtests at 480 or higher, and any two subtests at 450 or higher
PSI Skills for English
- B2 Pass with Merit
Duolingo English Test
- 120 overall with writing at 120 and no subtest less than 110
Oxford Test of English Advanced
- 140 Overall with any two subtests at 126 or higher, and any two subtests at 136 or higher
Alternatives to English Language test
Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have studied for a minimum of their final year at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within 6 years of programme start.
TNE degree from UK university taught at a campus outside of the UK
- students must be awarded the degree by the UK university and must have completed the degree within 6 years of programme start.
Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study and remain valid for 2 years following date of successful completion.
Our courses give you:
- direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS);
- essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University;
- flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.
For more detail on our pre-sessional courses please see: https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/mlc/eas/pre-sessionalcourses/
We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:
- Heriot Watt
- Kingston Upon Thames
- Middlesex University
- Manchester University
- Reading University
- Edinburgh University
- St Andrews University
- UCL
- Durham
Computer requirements for studying online
Broadband internet connection
- 3 mbps or higher
Internet Browsers
Our online learning platform Moodle is compatible with any standards compliant web browser. This includes:
Desktop:
- Chrome
- Firefox
- Safari
- Edge
- Internet Explorer
Mobile:
- MobileSafari
- Google Chrome
For the best experience and optimum security, we recommend that you keep your browser up to date.
Javascript needs to be enabled within your browser
Please note: legacy browsers with known compatibility issues with Moodle 3.3 are:
- Internet Explorer 10 and below
- Safari 7 and below
Computer specifications
- Processor: 2GHz
- Operating system (minimum):
- Microsoft Windows Vista service pack 1
- Windows 7
- Mac OS X v10.4.11+
- Memory: 3GB of RAM or more
- Hard disk: 300GB
- Sound card and microphone
- Speakers or headphones
- Monitor and video card with 1024x768 display or higher
Mobile device specifications
- iOS: latest (Apple Safari & Google Chrome)
- Android: 4.4+ with latest Google Chrome
Other software
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Media player e.g. Windows Media Player or VLC
- Word processing software (that outputs to the following file types for marking online: .doc, .docx, .html, .txt, .rft, .pdf, .ppt, .pptx, .pps, .hwp)
- Anti-virus software
Advised hardware / software
- Microsoft Office 2010
- Headset (ideally with a USB connector)
- Webcam
How to apply
To apply for a postgraduate taught degree you must apply online. We cannot accept applications any other way.
Please check you meet the Entry requirements for this programme before you begin your application.
Documents
As part of your online application, you also need to submit the following supporting documents:
- A copy (or copies) of your official degree certificate(s) (if you have already completed your degree)
- A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained
- Official English translations of the certificate(s) and transcript(s)
- Evidence of your English language ability (if your first language is not English)
- Any additional documents required for this programme (see Entry requirements for this programme)
- A copy of the photo page of your passport
You have 42 days to submit your application once you begin the process.
You may save and return to your application as many times as you wish to update information, complete sections or upload supporting documents such as your final transcript or your language test.
For more information about submitting documents or other topics related to applying to a postgraduate taught programme, see how to apply for a postgraduate taught degree
Guidance notes for using the online application
These notes are intended to help you complete the online application form accurately; they are also available within the help section of the online application form.
If you experience any difficulties accessing the online application, see Application System Help.
- Name and Date of birth: must appear exactly as they do on your passport. Please take time to check the spelling and lay-out.
- Contact Details: Correspondence address. All contact relevant to your application will be sent to this address including the offer letter(s). If your address changes, please contact us as soon as possible.
- Choice of course: Please select carefully the course you want to study. As your application will be sent to the admissions committee for each course you select it is important to consider at this stage why you are interested in the course and that it is reflected in your application.
- Proposed date of entry: Please state your preferred start date including the month and the year. Taught masters degrees tend to begin in September. Research degrees may start in any month.
- Education and Qualifications: Please complete this section as fully as possible indicating any relevant Higher Education qualifications starting with the most recent. Complete the name of the Institution (s) as it appears on the degree certificate or transcript.
- English Language Proficiency: Please state the date of any English language test taken (or to be taken) and the award date (or expected award date if known).
- Employment and Experience: Please complete this section as fully as possible with all employments relevant to your course. Additional details may be attached in your personal statement/proposal where appropriate.
Application deadlines
For entry in September 2027
- Applications for this online programme will be accepted up until it starts.
For entry in September 2027
International & EU applicants
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International application rounds
Round 1: 1 October 2026 to 5 November 2026
You will receive our decision on your application by 18 December 2026.
Round 2: 6 November 2026 to 17 December 2026
You will receive our decision on your application by 3 March 2027.
Round 3: 18 December 2026 to 4 February 2027
You will receive our decision on your application by 8 April 2027.
Round 4: 5 February 2027 to 25 March 2027
You will receive our decision on your application by 6 May 2027.
Round 5: 26 March 2027 to 13 May 2027
You will receive our decision on your application by 10 June 2027.
Round 6: 14 May 2027 to 8 July 2027
You will receive our decision on your application by 29 July 2027.
As we receive a high volume of applications, prospective students are only allowed to apply to each programme once per year.
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UK applicants
- 24 August 2027
More information about this programme
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