MSc in International Animal Health (Online Distance Learning) The University of Edinburgh

Building on a solid foundation of biological, immunological, pathological and epidemiological principles, you will develop the skills and expertise needed to identify, control and manage animal diseases.

Livestock is vital to the lives of millions of people, however, endemic and epidemic diseases that affect livestock limit productivity and exacerbate poverty. Infections that can be transmitted between domestic animals and people also threaten the health of livestock keepers, their families and their communities. In many developing regions farmers and animal health workers are often ill-equipped to deal with this risk. This programme will equip you will the skills and knowledge needed to develop strategies to tackle the international animal health challenges of the 21 Century.

Students join our programme from all over the world with a huge range of geographical, cultural and professional expertise. Through class discussions you will have the opportunity to network and learn about the challenges students are facing in different countries and explore the policies and strategies that are being developed globally.

Online learning

Studying online allows flexibility in where and when you choose to study and means you can work at your own pace.

How does online learning work

Online programmes are delivered through the University's Virtual Learning Environment, LEARN. Our award-winning, online learning technology is fully interactive, and enables you to communicate with our highly qualified teaching staff from the comfort of your own home or workplace.

During term time, you should be prepared to spend an average of 20 hours a week engaged in course materials, be that reviewing lecture notes and case studies, interacting with fellow students and the programme team on the discussion board, researching areas of interest or preparing assessments. As there are no set times for study, to be successful you will need to be self-motivated and determined.

Although the programme involves independent study, you will also have the opportunity to become part of a supportive online community, bringing together students and tutors from all over the world. Indeed, one of the most important aspects to successful online study is the ongoing support and sharing of information achieved through interactive discussions and input from expert tutors.

The University of Edinburgh is currently ranked 15th in the World in the QS World University Rankings 2023.

The interdisciplinary approach of the programme, connecting animals, humans, and environments to tackle diseases impacting animal health, will develop your expertise in an area of increasing importance to veterinarians, wildlife conservation, and international trade. Your ability to develop, implement and evaluate strategies for controlling diseases affecting animal health will be significantly enhanced. Many of our graduates comment that they can perform their existing roles with more confidence and have had the opportunity to widen their remit and take on more senior or complex projects.

Equally, many of our graduates have secured promotions including senior veterinary positions, and roles where they can directly influence and shape policy and regulations. Other graduates have successfully progressed into post-doctoral roles, academic teaching positions and research careers.

Part-time study

The part-time MSc programme is delivered online over three years with the option of graduating, (on successful completion of the required courses and assessments):

• after one year with a postgraduate certificate
• two years with a postgraduate diploma
• three years with a master, on successful completion of the required courses.

Intermittent study

If you would prefer a more flexible approach to your studies, the intermittent study option may be preferable. In this case, you have:

• up to two years to complete the core courses and assessments to be awarded the Postgraduate Certificate.
• between two and four years to complete the required courses and assessments for the Postgraduate Diploma.
• up to six years to successfully achieve the Master, including the dissertation.

The standard programme structure is still maintained in terms of the progression requirement. However, you can tailor your education to fit more closely with commitments in both your private and professional life. If you choose to study this programme on a part-time intermittent basis, you also pay your tuition fees on a course-by-course basis rather than paying for the entire programme at the outset.

Postgraduate Professional Development (PPD)

Postgraduate Professional Development (PPD) is aimed at working professionals who want to advance their knowledge through a postgraduate-level course(s), without the time or financial commitment of a full Master, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate.

You may take a maximum of 50 credits worth of courses over two years through our PPD scheme. These lead to a University of Edinburgh postgraduate award of academic credit. Alternatively, after one year of taking courses, you can choose to transfer your credits and continue to study towards a Master, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme.

Although PPD courses have various start dates throughout the year you may only start a Master, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme in the month of September. Any time spent studying PPD will be deducted from the amount of time you will have left to complete a Master, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme.

If you would like to consider studying one of these courses you can do so by applying at least one week prior to the starting date of the course.

How will you learn

The programme is designed in such a way that, with access to the internet, you will be able to study at the times and in the places that suit you best. The programme will involve mixed teaching approaches, including independent study and reflection, as well as online discussion and group project work.

As a postgraduate student at The University of Edinburgh, you will have access to excellent resources and be able to take advantage of the University’s academic tradition which values and promotes individuality and independence of thought within research.

Learning is delivered through:

• Weekly materials, written notes, recommended reading, organised discussions with other learners, tutors and course organisers. Recorded lectures or podcasts may also be available for you to watch or listen to in your own time.
• Opportunities to connect regularly with your course organiser and programme team to address concerns and monitor progress.
• Individual assessments including essays, data presentations, proposals and presentations that will reinforce what you have learnt.
• Group assignments and online discussions with your peers will expose you to different perspectives and new ways of thinking about a problem or topic.
• Independent study and reflection.