Master of Science in Agricultural Sciences (Animal Production Management)
The Master of Science in Agriculture , Animal Production and Management is designed to train professionals with advanced knowledge and practical skills in livestock production, management, and sustainable animal-based agricultural systems. The programme equips graduates to address challenges in livestock production, animal health, feed and nutrition, breeding, and enterprise management, while promoting productivity, profitability, and sustainability.
Building on the broad foundation provided by undergraduate agricultural programmes—such as animal science, livestock production, agronomy, agricultural economics, veterinary science, and related biological sciences the MSc in Animal Production and Management allows students to specialise in areas including animal husbandry, livestock nutrition, reproductive management, animal breeding, farm business management, and value addition in animal products.
The programme addresses the growing demand for highly skilled animal production specialists in government ministries, livestock research institutions, NGOs, agricultural extension services, private sector agribusinesses, and development organisations. It also provides a strong foundation for students intending to pursue academic careers, recognising that a master’s degree is the minimum qualification for entry into university teaching and research.
Students develop competencies aligned with the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) graduate expectations. These include the ability to critically analyse livestock production systems, apply modern technologies and innovations in animal management, design and implement research in animal production, make data-driven management decisions, and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
The programme integrates training in research methodology, quantitative analysis, farm and herd management, animal nutrition, breeding and reproduction, livestock health management, farm business planning, and value chain analysis. Students gain practical skills through field work, farm practicums, laboratory exercises, and independent research projects.
The expected outcomes of the MSc in Animal Production and Management align with international and regional development frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger and SDG 1: No Poverty), the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), and NEPAD, which emphasize sustainable livestock systems, improved rural livelihoods, and strengthened human capacity in agricultural production.
At the national level, the programme contributes directly to Uganda’s Vision 2040, the National Development Plan III, the Plan for Modernization of Agriculture, and the Parish Development Model, all of which highlight the need for skilled livestock professionals to enhance productivity, food security, farmer incomes, and sustainable rural development.
Overview
| Code | MAP |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Study time | Fulltime |
| Intake | August |
Entry requirements
Admission to the MSc in Agriculture (Animal Production and Management) shall follow the general regulations of Kabale University and the Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. Applicants must:
- Hold an honours Bachelor’s degree in any of the following fields, or equivalent:
- BSc Agriculture
- BSc Animal Science / Livestock Production
- BSc Biological Sciences
- BSc Forestry
- BSc Environmental Science
- BSc Veterinary Science (or related disciplines)
- Applicants with a pass degree may be considered if they have:
- Significant professional experience in animal production, livestock management, or agricultural development, or
- A relevant Postgraduate Diploma in Agriculture, Animal Science, Veterinary Science, or related fields.
- International applicants must provide evidence of equivalence to the above qualifications and meet university requirements for international admissions.
Fees structure
| Tuition Fees per Semester (East African) | UGX 1,500,000 |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees per Semester (Non East Africans) | UGX 2,250,000 |
| Fieldwork/School Practice/Industrial Training/Internship/COBERS Fees (per year) | UGX 1,000,000 (Years 1&2) |
Functional Fees
| Compulsory fees | UGX |
| Application fee | 50,000 |
| Registration fees (per Academic Year) | 60,000 |
| Identity Card (Payable once in the 1st Semester) | 20,000 |
| Student Manual (Payable once in the 1st Semester) | 20,000 |
| Library fee (per Academic Year) | 50,000 |
| Medicare fee (per semester) | 30,000 |
| Computer Laboratory fee (per Academic Year) | 100,000 |
| Laboratory Fee for MSc in Chemistry (Per semester) | 200,000 |
| Examination fee (per semester) | 100,000 |
| Innovation fund (per year) | 100,000 |
| Research fee (per Academic Year) | 200,000 |
| Development Fund (per Academic Year) | 100,000 |
| Student Games Union fee (Academic Year) | 20,000 |
| Student Guild fee (per Academic Year) | 20,000 |
| Contribution to the Uganda National Students’ Association (UNSA) (per Academic Year) | 2,000 |
| Certification (per copy) | 5,000 |
| Graduation fee (Payable on Completion of Studies) | |
| a) Ceremony | 80,000 |
| b) Transcript | 50,000 |
| c) Certificate | 50,000 |
| d) Convocation | 20,000 |
| Total | 200,000 |
| Consequential fees | |
| Late Registration (per semester; after the deadline for official registration) | 50,000 |
| Replacement of Transcript (per issue) | 50,000 |
| Replacement of other University Credentials (Admission Letter, Identity Card, Library Card, etc…) | 20,000 |
| Retake/Supplementary/Missed/Special Exam fee (per course) | 50,000 |
| To be remitted to NCHE via www.ura.go.ug | |
| Contribution to National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) Collections (per Academic Year) | 20,000 |
Fees Structure 2025-2026
Course details
- LH Lecture Hours
- CH Contact Hours
- TH Tutorial Hours
- CU Credit Units
| COURSE CODE | COURSE NAME | LH | PH | CH | CU | |
| YEAR 1 SEMESTER 1 | ||||||
| MAP8111 | Advanced animal breeding | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 | |
| MAP8112 | Quantitative genetics | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 | |
| MAP8113 | Biometrics | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 | |
| MAP8114 | Animal production and disease information systems. | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 | |
| MCAR8008 | Computer applications in research | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 | |
| MAP8115 | Animal welfare, Policies and Ethics | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 | |
| MAP8116 | Animal Health management | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 | |
| Sub-total credit units | 28 | |||||
| YEAR 1 SEMESTER 2 | ||||||
| MAP8121 | Animal feeds and nutrition | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 | |
| MAP8122 | Animal anatomy and physiology | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 | |
| MAP8123 | Animal product processing and utilization | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 | |
| MAP8124 | Animal Production Systems and the Environment | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 | |
| ABE8304 | Scholarly writing and publication | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 | |
| MAP8125 | Research Methods | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 | |
| Sub-total credit units | 24 | |||||
| YEAR 2 SEMESTER 1 | ||||||
| MAP8211 | Dissertation | 5 | ||||
| MAP8212 | Economics of Livestock production | 45 | 30 | 45 | 3 | |
| MAP8213 | Pasture Agronomy | 45 | 30 | 60 | 3 | |
| Electives (Students to select one | ||||||
| MAP8214 | Extension education in animal management | 45 | 30 | 45 | 3 | |
| MAP8215 | Climate Change and biodiversity | 45 | 30 | 45 | 3 | |
| Total | 14 | |||||
| Total credit units | 66 | |||||
Total Credit Units=66
Career opportunities
Graduates of the MSc in Agriculture (Animal Production and Management) acquire advanced scientific, managerial, and analytical competencies that prepare them for diverse professional roles in livestock production, farm management, animal health, and rural enterprise development. Career opportunities include:
Livestock Production Managers / Specialists
Managing livestock farms, cooperatives, and production enterprises; improving productivity, efficiency, and profitability of animal production systems.
Animal Nutritionists and Feed Specialists
Designing and implementing feeding strategies, optimizing animal diets, and improving productivity and health of livestock across different production systems.
Animal Breeding and Reproduction Officers
Planning and implementing breeding programs, managing reproductive performance, and improving genetic potential of livestock populations.
Veterinary and Animal Health Advisors
Providing technical guidance on livestock health management, disease prevention, vaccination programs, and biosecurity measures.
Graduates of the MSc in Agriculture (Animal Production and Management) acquire advanced scientific, managerial, and analytical competencies that prepare them for diverse professional roles in livestock production, farm management, animal health, and rural enterprise development. Career opportunities include:
Livestock Production Managers / Specialists
Managing livestock farms, cooperatives, and production enterprises; improving productivity, efficiency, and profitability of animal production systems.
Animal Nutritionists and Feed Specialists
Designing and implementing feeding strategies, optimizing animal diets, and improving productivity and health of livestock across different production systems.
Animal Breeding and Reproduction Officers
Planning and implementing breeding programs, managing reproductive performance, and improving genetic potential of livestock populations.
Veterinary and Animal Health Advisors
Providing technical guidance on livestock health management, disease prevention, vaccination programs, and biosecurity measures.
Farm Business and Livestock Enterprise Consultants
Supporting livestock farmers, cooperatives, and agribusinesses in enterprise planning, investment appraisal, profitability analysis, and market linkages.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialists
Designing and implementing monitoring and evaluation frameworks for livestock production programs, rural development interventions, and animal-based enterprises.
Extension and Advisory Services Officers
Providing advisory services to farmers and agribusiness enterprises on livestock management, animal welfare, production technologies, and value addition.
Livestock Value Chain and Market Analysts
Analysing livestock value chains, market trends, pricing, trade opportunities, and supporting policy and investment decisions in the animal production sector.
Research and Development Officers
Conducting applied research on animal production systems, livestock management, animal genetics, nutrition, health, and rural livelihoods in research institutes and universities.
Academic and Scholarly Careers
Joining higher education institutions as lecturers or researchers, contributing to knowledge in animal production, publishing scientific work, and mentoring future livestock professionals.
Target Audience
The MSc in Agriculture (Animal Production and Management) is designed for:
Fresh Graduates
Holders of degrees in agriculture, animal science, livestock production, veterinary science, biological sciences, agronomy, or related fields seeking to acquire advanced knowledge and skills in livestock production and management.
Professionals in the Agricultural and Livestock Sectors
Individuals currently working in:
- Government ministries (e.g., MAAIF, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Livestock)
- Local governments (production departments, veterinary services, livestock development offices)
- Research and development institutions (e.g., NARO, CGIAR centres)
- NGOs and civil society organisations focused on livestock, rural livelihoods, and food security
- Private sector agribusinesses, livestock input companies, animal health firms, and commodity trading
- who require advanced skills in livestock production, farm management, animal health, and enterprise development.
Entrepreneurs, Consultants, and Independent Practitioners
Individuals seeking to strengthen their capacity in livestock enterprise development, farm consultancy, rural livestock production planning, value chain management, and advisory services for the animal production sector.