Bachelor of Animals, Society and Business (Animal Husbandry BSc)

Combine your passion for animals with your work

You will learn everything about animals and how to run a healthy, sustainable business. You will follow courses on animal health, reproduction, and nutrition, as well as marketing and entrepreneurship. You will already start developing innovative business models during your studies that serve the interests of animals, farmers, and society. You will also consider ethics questions surrounding animal welfare. Think about the separation of calf and cow, the docking of pigs’ tails, and using sensors and technology.

Major societal challenges for the agro-food sector are also covered. Will there be enough food on earth for 11 billion people come 2050? Is our soil fertile enough? What about biodiversity and this sector’s impact on the environment? You will learn to look at these issues from a broad perspective and to work together with other parties to find sustainable solutions. You can contribute to a healthy and responsible sector in this manner. Ambitious, innovative professionals like yourself are in demand and highly valued around the world!

Join the (Online) Open Day and choose your study program!

Join an Open Day to learn all there is to know about our study programmes and student life at VHL.

• Online Open Day
  When: Saturday 11 November 2023 10:30 – 12.30 Dutch time.
  What to expect:
  • Livestreams: Lecturers and students explain the ins and outs of their study programme in a short live presentation. After this you can ask them all your questions via chat or microphone.
  • Videos: Watch presentations about study programmes, join a digital tour and listen to student stories.
  • Practical information: Explore what the cities of Leeuwarden and Arnhem (Velp) have to offer and get all the info on housing, tuition fees, living costs, the application process and study support.
  
  Sign up for the Online Open Day
• Open Day at our location
  Come visit us on Saturday 11 November 2023 in Velp. Our door will be wide open for you. No online impressions, but just 'old fashioned' open days at our locations. Between 10:00 and 15:00 Central European Time (UTC+1), we will take you to the programme(s) of your choice and introduce you to lecturers and students. And perhaps most importantly: you can experience the atmosphere at our locations first-hand. In short, everything to ensure you can make your final choice of study programme with confidence.
  
  Sign up for the Open Day at our location

More information?

Would you like to visit an Open Day, set up a Teams meeting, or chat with us on WhatsApp? Please check our website for more information.

Content program

In the Animals, Society, and Business program, you learn not only everything there is to know about the animals themselves but also about the world around them. If you love keeping animals and are interested in the entire operational management surrounding the sector, this program is for you. You won't be disappointed by this challenging combination! During your studies, you will immerse yourself in subjects such as entrepreneurship, marketing, financial management, information and advice, innovation, research, management, animal behavior, animal welfare, and developments in society.

You will deal with different themes in set blocks, the exact content of which depends on your interests. Over the course of your studies, you can specialize fully in the track of your choice: you choose your own internships as well as a graduation placement. With a minor of your choice, you can further deepen or broaden your knowledge.

High demand for graduate professionals

As a student, you are already building up a network within the livestock farming sector. During your studies, you will work on projects where you meet many professionals who, like you, have a passion for the field. You can visit trade fairs and you will do an internship and a graduation project in the business world. Because these contacts can help you find the job of your dreams, you will have plenty of opportunities to build your own network during your studies.

Graduates end up with both national and international employers. You could for instance become a specialist in pig feed and animal safety at an international organization such as Agrifirm Feed or De Heus. As an animal specialist, you will be able to give advice in case of problems concerning animal husbandry, feeding, and performance of 'your' species. As an advisor, you can assist veterinarians and animal breeders. Or work at an animal health service or research facility.

Professions

Your career opportunities are versatile and varied. Possible jobs for you as a graduate:

• Animal welfare specialist
• Breeding expert
• Feed consultant
• Quality manager
• Independent entrepreneur
• Sales manager
• Commercial employee

Would you like to continue your studies after obtaining your Bachelor's degree? Then, of course, moving on to a Master's program at a university (in the Animals or Business Administration track) is also an option.