MSc in Veterinary Epidemiology

This course provides MSc level training in veterinary epidemiology targeted at veterinarians and related sciences graduates. The students obtain high level generic skills in research methods related to investigation of health problems in animal populations as well as design of appropriate control and prevention programs. Particular attention is paid to developing mathematical skills in veterinary and science graduates to a level required to analyse disease problems at the population level and deal with uncertainty. The course is taught jointly by the Royal Veterinary College and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, with contributions from the Veterinary Laboratories Agency and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Through this unique combination of teaching institutions, the students are provided with an integrated training in animal and human health epidemiology that stretches from research to policy development and implementation, thereby teaching the students very much in a 'one world - one health' philosophy. Graduates of this course fill a current and future pressing national need in government, industry and academia for veterinarians and animal science graduates with a combination of knowledge of how to investigate disease outbreaks in the field and the quantitative skills to use field data to predict the effect of proposed control measures. A new addition to the skills training we can provide is in Agricultural Economics so students can evaluate the economic case of control measures. The contributions from VLA and DEFRA ensure the training maintains the perspective of UK national needs. The mixture of home and overseas students provides an international perspective on disease control which is becoming increasingly important with global spread of diseases emerging in developing countries. The vibrant alumnus association developing between graduates of this course means that professional veterinary epidemiologists working in positions of responsibility in their respective countries have strong links with those in the UK and with those involved in human disease. Completion of the MSc in Veterinary Epidemiology represents a component of the Royal Veterinary College's Veterinary Public Health Residency Program which was recently approved by the European College of Veterinary Public Health. In short, the unique strengths of this course are: - The one world - one health philosophy - The quantitative generic skills training provided for health care professionals - The involvement of UK government agencies to tailor the course to national needs - The global perspective provided by the mix of students trained