Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health (MSc, Postgraduate Diploma and postgraduate Certificate)
Is this programme for me?
This programme will provide animal health specialists, epidemiologists and public health specialists with an understanding of the conceptual basis of veterinary epidemiology and public health.
Programme aims
Graduates of this programme will be able to:
- develop their skills in basic and advanced statistical methods in order to undertake epidemiological investigations and disease modelling
- introduce the use of economic concepts in animal health and production
- challenge the perceptions of what constitutes safe food production and make an objective judgement of contemporary issues such as antibiotic resistance
- develop their own strategies for combating chronic farm animal diseases, control zoonotic diseases through surveillance and apply herd health programmes to maximise economic returns from animal production.
Core module: Veterinary public health
'Veterinary public health' is available as part of the MSc or
as a short course.
Note: these and other videos are also available from our YouTube
Channel [external link].
The spread of diseases from animals to humans (Zoonoses) is a key part of the 'Veterinary public health' module. Hear RVC academics speak about the latest research in this field.
- Video one: Q Fever: Katharina Stärk, Professor of Veterinary Public Health, RVC.
- Video two: Swine and Bird Flu, Dirk Pfeiffer Professor of Veterinary Epidemiology, RVC.
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.
Career progression
Graduates of the programme are employed in a variety of organisations including the Department of Environment, Animal Disease Research Institutes, University Veterinary faculties and international organisations including the FAO and WHO.
Commonwealth Scholarships
Commonwealth Scholarships are available for scholars from Kenya to study the MSc in Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health by distance learning. These scholarships are fully funded and are open to candidates who are nationals of Kenya, living in Kenya. The funding includes full tuition fees and travel grants to cover attendance at residential teaching workshops held annually in Nairobi, in collaboration with the University of Nairobi’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. We are currently looking for applicants who have a first degree in veterinary science, agriculture, animal science or biological sciences.
Application is a two-stage process:
Stage 1
The following application form should be completed and submitted with supporting documentation,
either online or by post, by 31 July 2011:
Stage 2
All applicants will be notified by the 12 August 2011 if they may then proceed to the next stage,
which is completion of the full Commonwealth Scholarship application form. The final deadline
for application is the 2 September 2011. For further information, please email: dlp@rvc.ac.uk
What our students say
Vicente Lopez Chavarrias
MSc Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health graduate, Spain
“Studying for this MSc gave me the opportunity of refocussing
on my career; it is like a key that opens many doors. Towards the end of my studies I clearly knew
what and where I wanted to be...it all seems easy now but the doing was tough, specially whilst
working full time.
The effort finally paid rewards because it has given me the opportunity of working alongside the best. I decided to register…the University of London did the rest, and I am very proud of it.”
Excellent 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 | ||
Please note: a related programme in Livestock Health and Production is also available.