University of Queensland

Graduate Certificate in Animal Science

  • Delivery: Face to Face
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 6 months
  • Course Type: Graduate Certificate

Advance your skills with leading animal science courses and develop specialisations for further study.

Course overview

The Graduate Certificate in Animal Science is designed for recent graduates in any field and for established professionals wanting to upgrade their management skills or redirect their career into animal science. Select from more than 40 courses to suit your interests in areas such as genetics, breeding, nutrition, biosecurity, agronomy, agribusiness and human-wildlife interaction, along with business electives that hone your management abilities.

Graduates of the university's Animal Science program demonstrate the ability to apply leadership, research, and problem-solving skills to address global challenges in feeding the world and protecting the environment. Upon graduation, you'll have career prospects in a wide range of government, commercial, community, or research-based roles that tackle issues in animal welfare, biosecurity, and competition for limited resources.

CSP Subsidised Fees Available

This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.

Key facts

Delivery
Face to Face
Course Type
Graduate Certificate
Duration
More Information
Can be studied part time
6 months (Full time)
Campus
Gatton
Intake
27th July, 2026
Units
4
Fees
More Information
HECS-HELP loans are available to eligible CSP students to cover their student contribution amount.
HECS, CSP

What you will study

To earn the Graduate Certificate in Animal Science, you must complete eight units or four courses comprising:

GCAnimSc Foundational Courses

Complete zero to four units from the following:

  • Animal Reproduction (two units)
  • Animal Breeding (two units)
  • Animal Anatomy and Physiology (two units)
  • Animal Nutrition and Technology (two units)

GCAnimSc Flexible Core Courses

Complete two to six units from the following:

  • Advanced Research Methodologies (two units)
  • Leadership in Rural Industries and Communities (two units)
  • Global Challenges in Agriculture (two units)

GCAnimSc Program Elective Courses

Complete zero to two units from the following:

  • Animal and Plant Biosecurity (two units)
  • Advanced Agronomy (two units)
  • Agribusiness Value Chain Management (two units)
  • Pasture Science and Management (two units)
  • Animal Science and Production (two units)
  • Captive Wildlife Management and Husbandry (two units)
  • Human - Wildlife Interactions (two units)
  • Biology of Australian Marsupials and Monotremes (two units)
  • Molecular Theory, Data and Application in the Animal Sciences (two units)
  • Animal Breeding Technology (two units)
  • Biosecurity Plant Pests: Invertebrates (two units)
  • Plant Pathology (two units)
  • Effective Stakeholder Engagement (two units)

Entry requirements

To be eligible for entry, you'll need:

  • A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline or;
  • Two years of work experience in the field of animal science.

You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Your previous studies can be credited towards your postgraduate studies, provided they meet the relevant course requirements.

If you receive an offer of enrolment and you’ve undertaken prior learning, you may be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning. The procedure is governed by the university's Recognition of Prior Learning policy. Contact the university for more details.

Outcomes

Career outcomes

Postgraduate study can take you anywhere. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:

  • Animal Nutritionist
  • Biosecurity Officer
  • Customs Officer
  • Livestock Adviser or Consultant
  • National Parks and Wildlife Officer
  • Wildlife Ecologist
  • Protection Officer

Fees and CSP

Indicative annual fee in 2026: $2,370 (Commonwealth Supported Place)

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of eight units (normally four courses) per semester or year.

Student fees may vary in accordance with:

  • The number of courses studied per term.
  • The choice of major or specialisation.
  • Choice of courses.
  • Credit from previous study or work experience.
  • Eligibility for government-funded loans.

You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.

Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.

Commonwealth Supported Places

The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.

If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.

Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.

Your student contribution amount is:

  • Calculated per the course you're enrolled in.
  • Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
  • Reviewed and adjusted each year.

HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.