Studies | Overview

The Department of Animal Science curriculum comprises a total of 46 required courses, 18 major elective courses, and 31 free elective courses, providing students with comprehensive core knowledge, opportunities for specialization, and the ability to explore academic interests beyond the field of Animal Science.

These courses are organized into four main categories:

• General Knowledge Courses: 10 courses (including English) designed to broaden the student’s education as a scientist and responsible citizen.
• General Background Courses: 10 courses (8 compulsory, 2 elective) that provide essential prior scientific knowledge needed to understand more specialized subjects.
• Scientific Area Courses: 75 courses covering basic agricultural sciences and animal science specialization, of which 33 are compulsory and 42 are elective (major or free electives).
• Skills Development Courses & Activities: 20 courses and activities (12 compulsory, 8 elective) that enhance students’ practical and professional skills, including the completion of an internship and the preparation of the diploma dissertation.

To fulfill the 300 ECTS required for graduation, students may select up to 16 elective courses (7 major and 9 free electives). Additionally, they may choose up to 20 extra ECTS from major or free electives, provided these are declared in advance as non-contributory to the final degree grade—they will appear only in the diploma supplement (see the chart below).

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• Up to seven (7) courses per semester
• Typically, 3 hours of lectures + 2 hours of laboratory or tutorial sessions per course
• Maximum of 32 teaching hours per week

Attending the curriculum on a full-time basis ensures completion of studies and award of the degree within five years from admission to the Agricultural University of Athens. Although the curricula serve as standard study paths, students have the option to select only part of the courses each semester, potentially extending the duration of their studies.

All courses in the Study Program correspond to credit units (ECTS), in accordance with the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) and the guidelines of the European Higher Education Area. The ECTS of each course reflect its relative weight and workload individually.

Total 300 ECTS over five (5) years (60 ECTS/Year)

• 260 ECTS from coursework (199 ECTS from required core courses και 61 ECTS from elective courses)
• 10 ECTS from internship
• 30 ECTS from diploma dissertation

• Read more about ECTS

Educational trips, organized by the Department, are part of the training process and are, thus, obligatory. The trips are approved by the Senate, following the proposals of the Department, and take place typically after the end of ‘spring’ semester teaching classes and prior to the June examination period. In exceptional circumstances, educational trips can also be scheduled on particular dates to meet special educational purposes. The cost of the student trip is covered in part by the University.

Examinations are held three times a year (January–February, June and September), and students may participate after submitting their course registration. In September, students may take exams for courses from the two most recent semesters, as well as selected courses from previous semesters, up to a total of 12. Theory and laboratory/tutorial exercises are assessed separately, and the final grade for each course is the average of these assessments. A minimum grade of 5 is required to pass.

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The Internship constitutes an educational activity designed to provide practical application of the theoretical and scientific knowledge acquired through successful completion of the academic curriculum. It also familiarizes students with potential professional environments. The benefits of participating in the Internship include: a) an initial exposure to the professional field and the development of outward-looking, career-oriented skills, b) an understanding of current market trends and the competencies required, and c) the opportunity to apply academic knowledge in real-world settings relevant to students’ interests. It also allows students to explore various professional domains to identify the one offering them the greatest personal and professional benefit.

• Read more about the internship

The Diploma Dissertation constitutes the culmination of the educational process of the Department of Animal Science. Its completion is mandatory for the award of the degree and accounts for a total of 30 ECTS credits within the study programme. During its preparation, the student is trained under the supervision of the Academic Advisor— a faculty member of the Department — with the aim of thoroughly addressing a scientific question directly related to the Department’s fields of study. The number of available diploma dissertations and their topics are determined by each supervisor.

• Read more about the diploma dissertation

Upon successful completion of the study program, students will have acquired a range of knowledge, skills and competencies. The learning outcomes are measurable and demonstrate the capabilities of the Department’s graduates upon successful completion of the Undergraduate Studies. More specifically, graduates of the Department will be able (according to Bloom’s taxonomy):

• To know the fields encompassing the full spectrum of animal production (reproduction, nutrition, hygiene, production systems, processing, product distribution) (Knowledge)
• To understand the challenges and contemporary trends, as well as the complexity and interdisciplinary nature of issues related to animal production (Understanding)
• To interpret research findings so as to continue their studies autonomously and independently at postgraduate and doctoral level (Understanding)
• To evaluate specialised knowledge and scientific methodology, enabling them to develop expertise in the production, processing and distribution of products of animal origin (Evaluation)
• To apply their overall knowledge and skills in developing innovative products and services in the field of animal production (Application)
• To analyse information, ideas, problems and solutions in order to respond to the ever-increasing demands of the sector, taking into account contemporary challenges in animal production, such as climate change and environmental protection (Analysis)
• To combine knowledge, critical thinking and skills so as to meet the needs of the labour market and entrepreneurial activity (Creation/Synthesis)

The degree grade is based on a weighted average of course grades (4/5) and the thesis grade (1/5), with classifications: Excellent (9–10), Very Good (7–8), and Good (5–6).

After completing all requirements (exams, thesis, and practical training), students participate in a public Graduation and Degree Conferral Ceremony, where degrees are awarded by the Rector or their authorized Deputy.

Graduates automatically receive a free Diploma Supplement in Greek and English, following the European Commission, Council of Europe, and UNESCO/CEPES model, providing clear information to support international transparency and recognition of qualifications.

The Academic Study Advisor (ASA) is a member of the Department’s Teaching and Research Staff whose primary responsibility is to support and guide the students who seek their assistance, with the aim of ensuring the effective organization and successful completion of their studies.

For more information, please refer to the:

Find your Academic Advisor (for active students):

The maximum period of study is equal to the minimum number of semesters required for the award of the degree, increased by six (6) academic semesters.

Please refer to the applicable legislation for more information:

Students of the Department of Animal Science can express and submit complaints or objections regarding the quality and functioning of the University’s services and decisions. The prerequisites, submission procedures, competent authorities, and the process for handling complaints or appeals are described in the Complaints and Appeals Management Regulation.

See more information:

To submit a complaint, please use the following form:

During the first six semesters, a foreign language course is mandatory for students who do not hold a recognized language qualification. The course is assessed as “satisfactory” or “unsatisfactory,” and proof of proficiency must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office in order to qualify for graduation. For English, a minimum of a Lower (First Certificate) qualification is required, while proficiency in French, German, or Italian is evaluated by a dedicated Committee of the Institution, appointed annually by the Rector’s Council.

• For more details, visit the Foreign Languages Office

You may enroll in the Department of Animal Science through transfer admission (qualifying) examinations, in accordance with the applicable legislation and the University’s Regulations on Transfer Admission Examinations. The examinations are open to graduates of:

• Universities,
• Former Technological Education Institutions, and
• Schools of Advanced Vocational Training, where applicable.

Candidates are examined in specific subjects, which are determined each academic year by decision of the Department, and successful applicants are placed in a semester corresponding to their academic background. For the eligibility requirements, the number of available places, the examined subjects, and application deadlines, applicants are advised to consult the official announcements of the Department of Animal Science and the Agricultural University of Athens.

For detailed information please read the files below:

The professional rights of agricultural and technical scientists are defined and protected by the Geotechnical Chamber of Greece (GEOTEE), which regulates professional practice through laws and regulations, such as Presidential Decree 344/2000 and Law 4262/2014, ensuring the protection of its members.

Specifically, the role of GEOTEE includes:

• Ensuring compliance with the legal framework governing the profession and the rights of agricultural and technical scientists,
• Supervising and ensuring members adhere to the regulations,
• Protecting professional interests by ensuring that only licensed and certified professionals exercise the corresponding rights.

Registration with GEOTEE is mandatory for all graduates of the relevant schools.

Additionally, GEOTEE provides advisory and consultative support to ministries and universities, contributing to the design and updating of curricula to meet contemporary agricultural, environmental, and professional needs, while ensuring the international recognition of degrees.

Graduates of the Department of Animal Science (DAS) of the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA) are awarded a degree in Agronomy with a specialization in Animal Production and acquire the professional rights of a Geotechnician, in accordance with Laws 1474/1984 and 2040/1992 and Presidential Decree 344/2000, as well as the right to exercise their professional activities as detailed in Article 8 of Presidential Decree 344/2000. In addition, they obtain the professional rights of an Ichthyologist, under the conditions set by Article 36 of Law 4440/2016. Specifically, graduates of the Department of Animal Science may work:

A. As officers in the Public Sector and the wider Public Administration, such as:

• The Central and Regional Services, as well as the Directorates of Agricultural Policy and Community Resources Management and the supervised Legal Entities of Public Law (LEPL), Legal Entities of Private Law (LEPL), and S.A. under the Ministry of Rural Development and Food (M.R.D.F.). Also, the services or supervised agencies of other Ministries involved in the development of Animal Production and environmental protection,
• Public Organizations, such as Centers for Genetic Improvement, ELGO-DIMITRA, EFET, ELGA, OPEKEPE, HCMR,
• Research Centers and Institutes, and Higher Education Institutions (as researchers),
• The Directorates of Agricultural Economy and Veterinary Services (D.A.O.K.) of Regional and Local Authorities, and
• Secondary Education (General, Technical, and Vocational High Schools), as teachers, following training at ASPETE.

B. As self-employed professionals in the Private Sector, such as:

• Animal farming and aquaculture enterprises, feed production companies, and suppliers of equipment and inputs for livestock and aquaculture units (equipment, feed, etc.),
• Cooperative Schemes and Producer Groups, as consultants on techno-economic and scientific matters,
• Certification Bodies for agricultural, livestock, and fishery products (organic farming, livestock, aquaculture, integrated management), and
• Consulting offices specializing in study preparation (development plans, agrotourism), as expert advisors and assessors.