MSc to Industry: How Aberystwyth University shaped my path

After completing my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in Pakistan, I wanted to develop a deeper understanding of livestock nutrition and production. This led me to join Aberystwyth University in 2022 to pursue the MSc in Livestock Science. I was drawn to the Department of Life Sciences because of its research background and its practical focus on livestock systems and it proved to be a pivotal step in my career.

The course was challenging, but the core modules in Livestock Nutrition, Livestock Production Science, and Grassland Science aligned closely with UK industry needs and helped build my technical foundation. Later, my dissertation which focused on the use of precision technologies for early detection of respiratory diseases in calves was based on research conducted at the University’s dairy research farm. This project deepened my understanding of precision livestock farming and enhanced my practical skills in using programming tools for data-driven decision-making. Staff were always supportive during my studies, and their guidance and expertise was instrumental throughout my time at Aber.

During my studies I was also lucky enough to secure an internship as an Animal Nutrition Lab Assistant through the University’s ABERForward programme, where I worked across the Penglais and Gogerddan campuses. This opportunity in collaboration with an external industry partner (Omeva Consulting) gave me valuable hands-on lab experience and later exposure to international research projects.

After completing the MSc, I continued working part-time with Omeva Consulting for another year, contributing to global One Health projects during which I was honoured to share a UN FAO Global Health Prize for research on avian influenza. I also benefitted from the University’s Careers Services, which played a key role in helping me secure my summer internship and later prepare for professional job opportunities including mock interviews, even after graduation.

Today, I work at A-One Feed Supplements (part of the multinational Devenish Group) in North Yorkshire, where I serve as an Animal Nutritionist. My role involves formulating feeds and supplements for livestock and poultry, tailored to the specific nutritional needs of each customer/farm. The foundation built at Aber has been central to my professional journey. I believe the course equips graduates with both the knowledge and mindset needed to succeed in a wide range of roles within the livestock sector or to confidently pursue further academic or research opportunities.

Find out more about our MSc course in Livestock Science here.