MSc Applied Poultry Science

This course delivers skills and knowledge highly relevant to companies using intensive methods of poultry production and responding to retailer demand.

Location: Edinburgh
Study mode:
Subject area: Animal and Biological Sciences, Food
Start date: September 2025
Agency code: PE01

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Course overview

This MSc aims to support anyone looking for the skills and knowledge required to meet the needs of the worldwide poultry industry.

An online distance learning programme, it's aimed at students with relevant agricultural and animal-related backgrounds who are keen to acquire in-depth knowledge in applied poultry science.

It's specifically designed to provide a research-led approach to poultry science.

This course is delivered jointly by SRUC and the University of Edinburgh and uses the University’s award-winning online learning environments, which includes video podcasts, web based discussion forums and expert tuition.

Virtual Experience

Take a look around the SRUC Virtual Experience for lots of great student videos and examples of what it’s like to study our courses, along with campus and facility tours.

SRUC holds open days regularly. Visit our listings page for details of our up-coming events.

Entry requirements

The programme would be most suitable for those with an undergraduate Honours Degree (first or 2:1 or its equivalent) in agricultural or biological science, or veterinary medicine.

In circumstances where the background is not specifically related to these disciplines, we may also consider applications from those who have relevant work experience (work experience must be in a related area of poultry science or some involvement in poultry-related matters for 3 or more years).

What you'll learn

This course will help you demonstrate a critical understanding of the principal theories, principles and concepts of Applied Poultry Science (APS).

You'll use a significant range of techniques and practices associated with APS, as well as a range of appropriate methods to communicate with audiences with different levels of knowledge/expertise.

Find out more about the programme structure on The University of Edinburgh website.

Example modules include:

Poultry Housing and Environment
Poultry Anatomy and Health
Poultry Feed, Nutrition and Digestion
Poultry Behaviour and Welfare in Commerical Systems
Research Methods and Data Analysis
Poultry Embryology and Incubation
Poultry Breeding and Genetics

Student experience

Lucy Gallant works for a national pig and poultry compound feed manufacturer, in the role of Poultry Technical Support. She delivers on- farm technical advice and services for customers across the UK.

"I was attracted to the MSc as I was keen to complement my practical experience with a greater understanding of poultry science," she said.

"The part-time distance learning was particularly important, as the course provided the flexibility I needed to fit studying around the demands of my job.

"Completing the MSc has been a very rewarding experience."

The course has contributed to my personal development and has equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge for my role in the poultry industry."

Lucy Gallant

Meet the lecturer

Dr Farina Khattak

Commercial Research Scientist/Study Director

Dr. Farina Khattak has over 20 years of experience in teaching and research of Poultry Science.

As Study Director at Monogastric Science Research Centre, Farina is responsible for the planning, execution, analysis and reporting of commercial nutritional projects and works closely with national and international poultry industries.

Farina teaches HNC and MSc courses in Poultry and also supervises Masters and PhD research projects.

View Farina's Pure profile

Bill Mackay

Programme Team Leader

Before his career in education Bill worked in management within the private sector. Now he's responsible for operational leadership of the Rural Business Management Programme in our South and West campuses.

He produces and delivers modules from 1st year through to Masters on subjects including Management theory, Finance and Business Planning.

Bill is also External examiner for Duchy College, Cornwall and is developing materials for the University of Edinburgh MSc in Poultry.

View Bill's Pure profile