Take your passion for animals to a new level and make it your career.
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About Western
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School of Health Sciences
School of Humanities and Communication Arts
School of Law
School of Medicine
School of Nursing and Midwifery
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School of Science
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Duration
Full Time: 3 Years (Available Part Time)*
Next Start Date
02 March 2026
20 July 2026
Closing Date
Campuses^
LSR
Hawkesbury
UAC 728165
70
Domestic Student Fees
Indicative annual fee from $11,885
Additional Information
Program Code: 3754
CRICOS Code: 041144M
Bachelor of Science (Animal Science) (Zoology)
Interactions between people and animals are increasing due to our reliance on animals for companionship and food production. A major in Animal Science will enable you to develop a deep understanding of these issues. Interactions between people and animals are increasing due to our reliance on animals for companionship and food production. A major in Animal Science will enable you to develop a deep understanding of these issues, through studies of animal behaviour, animal health and welfare, animal nutrition, animal production, animal reproduction, and human-animal interactions. You will have access to diverse remote and on-campus animal facilities including reptiles, native mammals, sheep, cattle and deer and off-campus organisations such as wildlife parks, zoos and farms.
The Zoology major will provide you with a detailed understanding of the diversity of the animal kingdom. You’ll develop a scientific understanding of how animals’ function and interact with their environment; from their ecology, behaviour and evolution; to the physiology and biochemistry of cells, tissues and major organ systems. On-campus animal facilities include those for reptiles, small marsupials and rodents, sheep and cattle, as well as over 1000ha of native, rural and aquatic habitats. This major will enable students to graduate with practical laboratory and fieldwork skills that will prepare you across a wide variety of disciplines in this field.
Your future starts here
At Western, we care how you do in all aspects of your life. We believe your future is unlimited and together the possibilities are endless.
Take the next step towards a rewarding career. Secure your spot for 2026 at Western.
Depending on your major, graduates can apply for admission to the Royal Australian Chemical Institute, the Australian Society of Microbiology, the Australian Institute of Biology, the Australian Institute of Physics, the Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales, and Environmental Health Australia.
Western Sydney University offers access to cutting-edge, purpose-built facilities that enhance hands-on learning and research across many disciplines including science, food, health and forensics. Our $30 million, state-of-the-art laboratories include Environmental and Occupational Health Labs, University Farm, a food science kitchen, sensory and food processing pilot plant, and advanced imaging and instrumentation labs. You’ll work with leading technology such as polarisation microscopy systems, the Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometer, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance facility, and confocal bio-imaging—some of the best in the Southern Hemisphere.
For students specialising in forensic and environmental science, the university’s Crime Scene Investigation Training and Research Facility offers unmatched simulation spaces, including burn rooms, a clandestine lab, outdoor clandestine gravesites, and vehicle and environmental incidents. Penrith Observatory further supports astronomy and environmental research. Combined with industry-connected programs and the practical experience available at the Hawkesbury campus and University Farm, our facilities ensure you're fully equipped to apply your skills in real-world settings.
To learn more about our Science facilities click here.
Depending on your major, a work internship for science professionals provides 100 hours of placement.
Science at Western partner with many research institutes, public and private health organisations, industry partners, Government, and community organisations at the local, national and international level.
The Bachelor of Science offers flexibility with lectures recorded and made available online, with many lectures also live-streamed.
Western is amongst the top 10 Universities in Australia to study agricultural science (2024 QS World Rankings).
What you can expect to study
The program structure is outlined in our handbook. Here you can view all of the subjects you will be studying.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this degree can look forward to the following career opportunities, animal welfare officer, life scientist, quarantine officer, animal journalist, a zoologist, animal nutrition, in reproduction technology, genetics, behaviour and health, product development and physiology, scientific officer and science communicator. Other opportunities include pursuing postgraduate research study.
Alumni
"Studying science at Western Sydney University is very practical because science is involved in our everyday lives."
— John Ho, Bachelor of Science
Entry requirements for domestic students
Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Local applicants who are applying through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) will find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on the UAC website. Local applicants applying directly to the University should also use the information provided on the UAC website. Find out more here.
Admission
- Assumed Knowledge: Students should have at least two unit English, and two unit science (any science) and two unit mathematics at year 12 equivalent.
Please consult the handbook for more information.
Entry requirements for international students
**Please note, if this course lists a part-time option, this is not available to International Students on a Student Visa.
Please consult the handbook for more information regarding entry requirements for this course.
You can read more about international academic entry requirements here.
Indicative annual fee
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is one that is subsidised by the Commonwealth and applicable only to Domestic students. This means that the Australian Government pays part of your fees towards your program, therefore reducing your program fees, and the remaining amount is paid by you, this is considered your Student Contribution.
The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.
As a multi-campus institution, Western Sydney University and its entities reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.
To work out how much your Student Contribution will be before you study, you will first need to find out the Student Contribution band your subjects fit into based on their general discipline area.
You can then calculate your student contributions to work out the total amount of your contribution.
The Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) is a range of loans introduced by the Australian Government from 2005 to provide fee payment assistance to eligible students. Loans are for Australian citizens studying in Australia or overseas. Permanent residents who hold a humanitarian visa are also eligible if studying in Australia.
If eligible you may be able to defer all or part of your Student Contribution through the HECS-HELP loan program. You may also be eligible for OS-HELP if undertaking studies overseas.
New Zealand citizens and holders of an Australian permanent resident visa (other than an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) are generally not entitled to HECS-HELP assistance. If you are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident your Student Contribution amount must be paid in full by the census date.
However, the Australian Government has passed new legislation that changes the way some New Zealand citizens, who hold a Special Category Visa (SCV), studying in Australia will pay their fees. More information is available on the Changes to fees for New Zealand Citizens webpage.
Apply as a Domestic Student
If you are a domestic student, you can apply through our Western Application system which is free of charge.
Domestic students are:
- Australian Citizens
- New Zealand Citizens
- Australian permanent residents
- Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders
Scholarships
Western Sydney University recognises and rewards students who demonstrate community engagement, outstanding academic ability and superior leadership skills. Donor-funded scholarships are also available, providing support for students based on both academic achievements and equity considerations. There are also scholarships available for specific degrees.
The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.
As a multi-campus institution, Western Sydney University and its entities reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.
Apply as an International Student
If you are an international student, you can apply for free through our international student application system or through an agent representative.
International students are:
- Not an Australian citizen;
- Not a New Zealand citizen; and
- Not a permanent resident of Australia.
If you are an international student completing the Australian HSC, IB or NCEA, apply direct via UAC International.
Admission to Western Sydney University is on the basis of meeting minimum academic and English language requirements. For more information about tuition fees and other costs, visit the Fees and Costs page.
Scholarships
When you apply to Western, you’re automatically assessed for a Scholarship, no additional application required! We’re offering multi-year scholarships (for up to 3 years) valued at $6,000 or $3,000 and even 50% off tuition fees. Scholarships are awarded on academic merit.
Want to know more?
We're here to provide clarity.
If you're uncertain about your study journey, enquire about our program today and gain the confidence to move forward.
Australian students
1300 668 370
International students
+61 2 9852 5499
The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.
As a multi-campus institution, Western Sydney University and its entities reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.