Wild Animal Health MSc

Over the past 30 years, interventions, for reasons of health, welfare and the conservation of free-living wild animals, have been undertaken with increasing frequency. Specialist veterinary expertise is required in order to diagnose and control diseases in wildlife.<br/><br/>Emerging infectious diseases are also recognised as a serious hazard, both for wild animal species and for the domestic animal and human populations that interact with them. In addition, a large number of wild animal species are kept in captivity – in zoos and in laboratories – which has led to an increased demand for specialist skills and knowledge.<br/><br/>The MSc in Wild Animal Health is a world-class specialist postgraduate veterinary science programme taught jointly by the RVC, University of London and the Zoological Society of London.<br/><br/>Aimed at qualified veterinarians, the MSc in Wild Animal Health will equip you with an in-depth knowledge of the management of wild animals and the epidemiology, treatment and control of wild animal disease.<br/><br/>**Programme delivery**<br/>The MSc in Wild Animal Health is completed over one year of full-time study.<br/><br/>The course starts in mid-September each year, and can be broken down broadly into three sections, comprising two groups of taught modules and a research project. The first section is completed by mid-January, the second by mid-May, and the MSc research project is undertaken during the summer months, finishing in mid-September. More detailed information can be found in the course outline (see link in the top left of the page). <br/><br/>We deliver the programme through two terms of lectures, seminars, tutorials and problem-based learning, with modular examinations. There are no part-time or distance-learning options available.<br/><br/>To enquire about the exact start date please email admissions@rvc.ac.uk.<br/><br/>**What will I learn?**<br/>During the programme you will acquire: <br/><br/><br/>- A critical awareness of current problems in wildlife disease with implications for wildlife conservation and welfare. <br/><br/><br/>- A new insight into veterinary interventions for the management of captive and free-living wild animal species. <br/><br/><br/>- A systematic understanding of the biological principles underpinning wild animal conservation and management, and the epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of wildlife disease. <br/><br/><br/>- Basic competence in veterinary techniques and preventative medicine for wild animals. <br/><br/><br/>- A conceptual and practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create knowledge in the field of wild animal health. <br/><br/><br/>- A comprehensive understanding of scientific skills, including critical review of the scientific literature, and design and analysis of laboratory or field studies.<br/><br/><br/>Upon completion of the MSc in Wild Animal Health, you will have gained the analytical skills, the understanding, the confidence and the language to influence thinking and policy making within a wide range of organisations, such as zoos, national parks, universities, conservation organisations and government departments worldwide.