Animal Health

Major overview

Study animal health at our unique metropolitan campus-based farm

If you care deeply about animal wellbeing and want to turn that passion into impact, the Animal Health major within our Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree gives you the scientific expertise and on-the-job training to make a meaningful difference.

As Australia’s only city-based university with an on-campus farm, you won’t just study animal health – you’ll experience it firsthand. With direct access to domestic animals, livestock and wildlife, you’ll bring theory to life in this animal health major, exploring key issues affecting animal health, welfare and disease management. You’ll use contemporary scientific approaches and the latest technologies to understand, prevent and manage health challenges across agricultural and environmental contexts.

Throughout your studies, you’ll build strong teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills while gaining hands-on experience and career insight through applied learning, industry projects and placements in farms and animal-focused businesses. You’ll also learn from academics and industry experts actively involved in agricultural research, veterinary science and animal production.

You can study the Animal Health major alongside Crop and Pasture Science as a double major, or pair it with Animal Science if you’re considering a pathway into veterinary science. If you successfully transfer into our veterinary program, you’ll receive credit for completed Animal Health units – giving you a valuable head start towards your veterinary qualification.

As a graduate with a Bachelor of Agricultural Science majoring in Animal Health, you’ll be well positioned for roles across government, industry, research and environmental organisations. Whether you continue into veterinary science or choose a career in animal health, you’ll graduate ready to improve animal welfare, strengthen biosecurity and support more sustainable farming systems.

Agricultural science student working with sheep in a farm enclosure

3 reasons to study animal health at Murdoch University

Study at Australia’s only metropolitan university with a campus-based farm, with direct access to livestock, including horses, sheep and cattle.
Learn from leading researchers, veterinarians and animal industry professionals, studying units across our internationally accredited veterinary program.
Learn at the WA university rated five stars and ranked #1 for student support and learning resources for Agriculture and Environmental Studies (Good Universities Guide 2026).

What you’ll learn

Study animal biochemistry, anatomy and physiology to understand animal health and function.
Investigate infectious diseases through veterinary microbiology and parasitology.
Examine pathology and disease processes affecting domestic animals and livestock.
Evaluate animal nutrition and veterinary toxicology to support health and productivity.
Integrate One Health approaches, recognising the connected health of animals, humans and the environment.

Studying both Crop and Pasture and Animal Science gave me the opportunity to learn about all sectors of the industry. In my first year, I went on field trips, handled animals and spoke to people directly involved in agriculture.

Brittany, Agricultural Science

Murdoch University agricultural sciences student on farm

Agricultural science student on farm with sheep

Your future career in animal health

Our undergraduate agricultural science degree sets you up for diverse career opportunities across agriculture, animal industries, wildlife management and biosecurity in Australia and internationally.

Potential roles include:

Animal health and welfare manager
Biosecurity manager
Animal nutritionist
Farm or livestock manager
Wildlife health consultant
Genetic consultant
Research scientist
Veterinary or agricultural laboratory scientist
Animal health product development specialist
Animal health or biosecurity policy officer

For more details about our Animal Health major, download our information pack.

Start dates

Starting period	Location	Face to Face	Online	Mixed mode
Semester 1, 2026	Murdoch	Yes	No	No
Semester 2, 2026	Murdoch	Yes	No	No
Semester 1, 2027	Murdoch	Yes	No	No
Semester 2, 2027	Murdoch	Yes	No	No

View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.

Starting period	Location	Face to Face	Online	Mixed mode
Semester 1, 2026	Murdoch	Yes	No	No
Semester 2, 2026	Murdoch	Yes	No	No
Semester 1, 2027	Murdoch	Yes	No	No
Semester 2, 2027	Murdoch	Yes	No	No

View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.

Major Structure

Visit the Course Handbook - Get detailed information on units, prerequisites, and pathways.

To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.

Unit code	Unit name	Credit points

How to Apply

Majors are part of a degree and can't be applied on their own. Apply for a related degree first, then choose your major once enrolled.

Undergraduate Course

Bachelor of Agricultural Science

Study a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Murdoch University for a career in agriculture, animal health or agribusiness. Apply today.

Code: B1391

Selection rank: 70

Undergraduate Course

Bachelor of Agricultural Science

Bachelor of Business

Study a Bachelor of Agricultural Science/Bachelor of Business at Murdoch University. Gain hands-on farm experience for a career in agribusiness. Apply now.

Code: B1393

Selection rank: 70

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3 reasons to study animal health at Murdoch University

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