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 CHART). Find more information in the Studies Guide 2025 – 2026

• 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.

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 the relative weight and workload of each course. Learn more about the ECTS system in the ECTS Guide

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

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 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

The Agricultural University of Athens implements student and staff exchange programmes, among which the most prominent is the European Programme ERASMUS+/KA1: Learning Mobility of Individuals.

The Department of Animal Science actively participates in the ERASMUS+ Programme by signing bilateral agreements with Higher Education Institutions located in Programme countries (see the List of partner Universities), through which student exchanges for study purposes and staff exchanges for teaching purposes are carried out annually.

In order to facilitate exchanges, members of the Department’s academic staff offer courses in the English language exclusively for ERASMUS+ incoming students. The list of these courses is regularly updated.

The ERASMUS+ Programme also funds student exchanges for traineeships and staff exchanges for training at institutions abroad. The Department’s students and staff actively participate in these activities as well.

All information regarding Programme opportunities and the participation procedures is available on the website of the European Programmes Office.

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 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 Academic Advisor Regulation.

Find your Academic Advisor (for active students):

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.

To submit your complaints please use the Complaint Submission Form (Word)