Livestock Health and Production
(MSC, Postgraduate Diploma and postgraduate certificate)
Is this programme for me?
This programme is designed for veterinarians, animal health specialists and livestock farmers. It addresses contemporary issues of livestock production using innovative and interactive teaching methods. Please note: a related programme in Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health is also available.
Programme aims
Graduates of this programme will be able to improve the health and production of livestock through:
- understanding the interaction of livestock with people and the environment
- gaining an overview of the factors that influence livestock production
- implementing control strategies by integrating this knowledge with the principles of epidemiology, economics and disease control within the context of management and infrastructure
- communicating effectively on the health of animal and human populations to a range of audiences including the general public, farmers, politicians, and other key policy makers.
Optional module: Sustainable livestock farming in the environment
Professor Neville Gregory introduces 'Sustainable livestock farming in the environment',
available as part of the MSc or
as a short course [video
- approx 2 minutes].
Note: this and other videos are also available from our YouTube
Channel [external link].
Programme summary
| You study | Study period | Cost (2012) | |
| MSc | 7 courses | 2-5 years | £9,730 |
| Diploma | 4 courses | 1-5 years | £5,780 |
| Certificate | 2 courses | 1-5 years | £3,040 |
| CPD courses | Individual courses, either 240-hour, 50-hour or 35-hour, are ideal if you're keen to update your professional knowledge, enhance your career, or sample the programme. | ||
Prestige
Frequently Asked Questions
We held an online chat event for which a transcript [PDF]
is available. This covers most of the frequently asked questions about these courses.
The programme has been developed by academics at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), the oldest and largest veterinary school in the UK and one of the leading veterinary research centres in Europe. In 1999, RVC became the first UK veterinary school to be granted approval by the American Veterinary Medical Association. RVC also provides support for the veterinary profession through its three referral hospitals, diagnostic services and continuing professional development courses.
Comprehensive study materials and support
The support you receive includes:
- academic feedback on written assignments
- tutorial support concerning academic matters from RVC staff
- opportunities for local networking and mutual support from other students on the programme
- as all of the study materials you require are mailed to you, you don't have to purchase expensive textbooks or spend time trying to locate journals, which may not be available to you locally.
Summary of key dates
| Application deadline | 1 November | ||
| Registration deadline | 1 January | ||
| Programme starts | February | ||
| Examinations take place | October | ||