Conservation Medicine MVetSci, PgDip, PgCert, PgProfDev (Online Learning)

Conservation Medicine is an established field that continues to evolve as we develop our ability to study the complex relationships and interactions between animal health, human health and ecosystem health. It emerged in the 1990s as a response to the need for a more holistic and interdisciplinary approach to the conservation of biodiversity.

This programme in Conservation Medicine is suitable for qualified veterinarians with an interest in:

• conservation
• wildlife health
• ecological health

It is suitable for veterinarians without any wildlife experience as well as those already working in conservation.

Key information:

• This programme is taught online through part-time intermittent study
• We have a number of internationally recognised experts in their field contributing to the teaching of many aspects of the programme
• This programme is affiliated with the University's Global Health Academy

What to expect at the University of Edinburgh

As a student within the College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine, you will join more than 7,000 students studying a range of postgraduate programmes. Following the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, our vet school and our medical school were both among the UK top five, ranked by research power (Times Higher Education, Overall Ranking of Institutions REF 2021).

Your postgraduate experience here will be supported and enhanced by the wealth of resources and opportunities we offer. We are committed to delivering high-quality, innovative teaching. The latest report from the Quality Assurance Agency awarded us the highest rating possible for the quality of the student learning experience.

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

To provide veterinarians with the skills and knowledge required to be effective practitioners of conservation medicine.

In response to the increasing recognition of a need for trained veterinarians in this field, this online learning programme is aimed specifically at veterinarians, to provide them with the skills and knowledge required to be effective practitioners of conservation medicine, and to enable them to assist in the development of solutions to ecological health issues.

The programme aims to:

• Enhance knowledge and understanding of conservation medicines from a global perspective in order to enable effective veterinary participation in this complex interdisciplinary field
• Enhance knowledge and skills relating to the diseases of wild animals and veterinary aspects of the conservation of endangered species
• Assess, assimilate and apply scientific evidence, that may be limited or incomplete, to real-life situations and develop appropriate, timely and adaptable responses and solutions to conservation medicine challenges
• Provide a first-class learning experience, leading to the development of proactive, independent, reflective and life-long learners

Why study an MVetSci in Conservation Medicine

Graduates can expect to enhance their career prospects in:

• academia
• research
• governmental and non-governmental organisations
• consultancies
• government veterinary positions
• captive or free-ranging wildlife conservation projects

You will be better able to drive the development of novel career pathways as this field continues to evolve in response to the complexity of the conservation challenges we face.

How the University of Edinburgh can support you

We are committed to helping you to develop skills and attributes that will enhance your ability to compete in the job market, to progress your career, and to achieve your full potential within the global community. In addition to the provision of dedicated support through our award-winning Careers Service, we broker strategic partnerships between academics, industry specialists and other institutions, to enhance your personal and professional development and provide relevant career insights.

Our graduates are ranked 24th in the world by employers, making the University an excellent choice for a postgraduate education with prospects (QS World University Rankings 2023).

Programme structure

The MVetSci Conservation Medicine programme is delivered part-time by online learning over a maximum period of six years.

The programme is modular in structure, offering a flexible student-centred approach to the choice of courses studied.

Elective courses

There are compulsory courses at each level of study within this programme. In addition, you may tailor your selection of elective courses according to your needs, interests and career ambitions.

These courses can be chosen from a number of programmes offered across the University of Edinburgh, providing you with a breadth of options.

You are required to complete a sufficient number of course credits to be awarded:

• the certificate (60 credits)
• the diploma (120 credits)
• the MSc (180 credits)

Intermittent study

You may undertake the programme by Intermittent Study (flexible progression route), accruing credits within a maximum time limit of six years for the MVetSci.

Certificate

For students wishing to study for the Certificate, the maximum time period for this is 2 years.

Diploma

For those undertaking the Diploma as well, the maximum time period for this is 4 years.

Dissertation

You have 12 months to complete the final written dissertation element.

In summary, the times for completion are as follows:

• Masters in Veterinary Science: 36-72 months.
• Postgraduate Diploma: 24-48 months.
• Postgraduate Certificate: 12-24 months.

Postgraduate Professional Development

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 on to studying towards a higher award on a Master, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme. Although PPD courses have various start dates throughout the year, currently, 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.