Van Hall Larenstein, University of Applied Sciences
Bachelor of Animal Husbandry - Animals, Society and Business (BSc)
Velp, Netherlands
Bachelor's degree
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
EUR 2,530 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* EU I € 9345 non-EU
Key Summary
The animal husbandry sector is evolving rapidly, focusing on improving animal health and welfare while reducing environmental impact. Do you want to be part of this exciting change? With a degree in Animals, Society, and Business, you can become an advisor for innovative livestock farming, conduct applied research, create new policies, or even run your own business.
This program offers a balanced mix of courses on animals, livestock business, and society, combining theory with practical experience. Our students and professors are known for their curiosity, open-mindedness, and a bit of boldness, perfect for working towards sustainable animal husbandry.
You'll study in an international environment with classmates from the Netherlands and beyond, in a friendly atmosphere with lots of personal attention. Our extensive network of companies and living labs provides real-world learning opportunities from day one, helping you build industry connections and find great job opportunities.
In the first two and a half years, you'll take courses on animal health, reproduction, nutrition, marketing, and entrepreneurship, working on group assignments for real clients. You’ll complete the program with a minor, internship, and final project, learning everything about animal husbandry, including farm processes, field trial design, innovation, and management, preparing you for a wide range of careers in the Netherlands and abroad.
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Funding your studies can be challenging, but there are financial support options. Availability depends on your nationality. European students can apply for student finance and a tuition fee loan from the Dutch government. Make sure to check the requirements, as you need to work at least 32 hours per month to qualify for student finance. Check our website for details.
Year 1: In your first year, you’ll explore the basics of animal health, reproduction, and nutrition, along with introductory courses in marketing and entrepreneurship. Practical group assignments will help you apply what you learn from the start.
Year 2: Your second year delves deeper into animal welfare, breeding, genetics, and land management. You'll also advance your business skills in financial management and innovation, working on real-life projects to tackle industry challenges.
Year 3: In the third year, you’ll choose a minor to specialize in and conduct field trials and applied research. This year focuses on integrating theory with practical solutions to real-world problems.
Year 4: Your final year includes an internship and a final project, offering hands-on experience with industry professionals. You'll graduate with the skills and network needed for a wide range of careers in animal husbandry both in the Netherlands and internationally.
All our 4-year Bachelor programs result in a Bachelor of Science (BSc) or a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree. All study programs at VHL are accredited by the Accreditation Organization of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO). This is the official organization responsible for evaluating the quality of higher education institutions in the Netherlands.
After graduation, you'll be a versatile professional in the animal husbandry sector, skilled in animal health and business aspects like entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, and management. This training makes you highly adaptable both locally and internationally.
What can you become?
The contacts you make during your studies will help you find your dream job. You can become a specialist or generalist, advisor, policymaker, entrepreneur, or researcher. Here are some potential career paths:
Commercial Advisor
Assist livestock farmers with nutrition, health, breeding, and housing, combining their needs with industry developments to provide future-proof advice.
Applied Researcher
Improve animal health and welfare through research on nutrition and smarter, animal-friendly business practices, reducing environmental impacts.
Policy Officer
Develop regulations for animal welfare and environmental protection on livestock farms, working with farmers, researchers, and politicians.
Self-Employed Entrepreneur
Run your own livestock business, managing daily operations, animal care, staff, and finances, or start a new venture in the primary sector.
Why VHL?
- Great atmosphere.
You will quickly feel at home here thanks to our personal guidance and meet many new, interesting people. From day one, you are part of a professional network of students and colleagues from all over the world. - Learning by doing.
You apply the theory in practice: besides obtaining highly valued work experience during internships abroad, you will work on real-life cases and go on excursions to companies in the field. - Study programmes with impact.
Your specific knowledge and degree from the most sustainable university of applied sciences in the Netherlands make you highly sought after by employers. - Future-proof.
With your specific knowledge and skills, you will have the tools to create a future-proof world. Our programs are designed to give you the opportunity to make your own choices. This will prepare you for a fascinating career in a professional field that really matters. - International orientation.
Exchange and internships abroad are incorporated in the study program.