International Animal Health (Online Learning)

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 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 livestock and wildlife 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 focus on areas that are of interest you to (for example, diagnostics, vaccinology, pastoralism, GIS).

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.

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 Masters.

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

During the Masters 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 or will collect during work conducted in your home country or another 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.