Animal Science
See study programmeNord University offers you the opportunity to begin your journey towards becoming a veterinarian in Norway and then conclude your studies abroad. This allows you to commence your education within the Norwegian system and then embark on an exciting international experience. Throughout all six years, you will study alongside the same class you started with in Bodø. All instruction is conducted in English.
The Joint Bachelor Degree in Animal Science provides you with a foundational biological education. During the initial three semesters, you will study at Nord University, covering fundamental biological subjects such as cell biology, physiology, microbiology, and biological diversity. Subsequently, your studies continue at our partner institution, the University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy (UVMP) in Kosice, Slovakia, where you will complete the final three semesters. After a total of three years, you will receive the Joint Bachelor in Animal Science degree.
Students who successfully complete the bachelor's degree are guaranteed a place for further study, an additional three years, in the EU-approved "Doctor of Veterinary Medicine" program at UVMP. This program provides the basis for applying to the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) for authorization as a veterinarian in Norway.
For a more detailed description of the program, please refer to the program overview and specific course descriptions at UVMP in the article at the bottom of this page (Information about the Joint Bachelor in Animal Science).
UVMP is approved and accredited by The European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE), the organization responsible for evaluating and accrediting European veterinary education programs.
Students in this program must complete a safety course/training at the Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture before they can use specialized facilities such as laboratories, special equipment, or perform procedures with elevated risks.
Knowledge
The candidate:
- Has a broad knowledge of the structure and physiology of domestic animals.
- Knows basic principles of the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of the common diseases of domestic animals.
- Is familiar with research and development work in the field of animal science.
- Has knowledge of the historical development, traditions and societal relevance of the animal husbandry and veterinary medicine.
- Knows how to update their own knowledge in the care, health and welfare of domestic animals.
Skills
The candidate:
- Can apply appropriate routine diagnostic methods and tools used in veterinary medicine.
- Can apply appropriate methods and techniques used in domestic animal husbandry.
- Can reflect on their own performance and outcomes of events and make changes to their practice under supervision.
- Can effectively collect and critically analyse different sources of information and appreciate different forms of bias, and use it to solve professional problems.
- Knows the appropriate tools and techniques to communicate effectively with others with a similar background.
General competence
The candidate:
- Knows and understands their legal and ethical responsibilities, in relation to the welfare of domestic animals and the public health.
- Can address and solve professional problems within the field of animal science, both individually and as a member of a team.
- Can communicate theories and opinions, both orally and in writing, in a manner that promotes the development of good practice.
- Is familiar with the application of the scientific method in the veterinary medicine.
- Higher Education Entrance Qualification
- Proficiency in English language
- Proficiency in Norwegian language. Please note that this programme only admit students through the Norwegian Universities and Colleges Admissions Service and requires proficiency in Norwegian language.
- Special admission requirements in science: Mathematics R1 or S1 + S2 (equivalent to High School AS-level) and Chemistry 1 + 2 (equivalent to High School A-level).
With this bachelor's degree, you attain a fundamental biological education with a veterinary medicine perspective.
If you complete the six-year veterinary program, you have the basis to apply to the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) for authorization as a veterinarian in Norway. Many veterinarians work in small animal clinics or with livestock, while others work in Mattilsynet, focusing on administration, food control, and animal health. Some also engage in advisory and preventive animal health work within various organizations.
The study programme qualifies for the following studies:
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at UVMP in Kosice, Slovakia
- MSc in Biology and Aquaculture at Nord University (additional mathematics and statistics may be necessary).
In addition to the semester fee and syllabus literature, students are expected to have a laptop with microphone and camera. Students must purchase their own laboratory coat for use in courses with laboratory exercises.
Costs for excursions may apply. Max. NOK 1000,-.
School fees apply at UVMP, Slovakia: The bachelor students are required to pay a tuition fee of 2.750 euro per semester. The last three years of veterinary school (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, semesters 7-12), the fee is 4.000 euro per semester.