International Animal Health (Online Learning) MSc, PgDip (ICL), PgCert (ICL), PgCert, PgDip, PgProfDev

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 with the skills and knowledge needed to develop strategies to tackle the international animal health challenges of the 21st 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.

What will you study?

Postgraduate Certificate (Part-time 1 year; Intermittent study 2 years)

You will develop your understanding of how infections spread in animals using examples from the field of international animal health. You will develop an understanding of how disease occurrences are measured and monitored and enhance your skills in field survey design and implementation. You will explore how micro and macro parasites are transmitted between hosts, how they evolve and survive between infections, and understand different immune responses to pathogens and infection.

During the certificate stage, you will study three core courses:

• Applied Veterinary Epidemiology
• Pathogen Strategies for Transmission and Survival
• Host Responses to Infection

On successful completion of the certificate, you may progress to the postgraduate diploma.

Postgraduate Diploma (Part-time 2 years; Intermittent study 4 years)

You will develop your understanding of the public health risks associated with diseases that are transmissible from animals to humans. You will also study highly contagious and transmissible livestock infections, such as avian influenza, Rift Valley fever, African Swine fever, and bluetongue. The optional courses allow you to either focus on the impact of these diseases on international trade or wildlife populations.

During the Diploma phase, you will undertake the following compulsory course:

• Zoonotic disease

and choose one of the following two courses:

• Surveillance and control of transboundary diseases affecting international trade
• An introduction to transboundary diseases and their impact on trade and wildlife populations

You will also choose five to six elective courses from options including:

• Advanced GIS and spatial epidemiology and modelling
• An introduction to vaccinology
• Control of economically important parasites
• Globalisation and health
• Introduction to GIS and spatial data analysis
• New developments in epidemiology and the control of vector-borne disease
• Pastoralism and herd health
• Project planning and decision support for animal disease control
• Project Management of Development Aid
• Technical advances in diagnostics
• The Modern Zoo
• The Nexus of Food Security and Global Health
• The Use of Artificial Reproductive Technologies in Threatened Species
• Socioeconomic Principles for One Health
• Wildlife animal health and environment
• Zoonotic diseases in a global setting

Please note that due to demand restrictions, we cannot guarantee students a place on the optional courses of their preference. Elective availability is subject to annual academic review and demand.

On successful completion of the diploma, you may progress to the Master.

Masters (Part-time 3 years; Intermittent study 6 years)

During the Master's phase, you will construct a written dissertation of 10,000-15,000 words. You will have the opportunity to analyse and present animal health-related data that you have already collected during work conducted in your home country.

Alternatively, you may wish to undertake a desk-based study to explore and develop a theme of relevance to your current working environment, or an area of interest that has arisen during your period of study on the MSc.

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 programs 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 of successful online study is the ongoing support and sharing of information achieved through interactive discussions and input from expert tutors.

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.