Academic qualifications

MSc degree

EITHER a second class honours degree (or equivalent) in a scientific subject, veterinary science, animal science, agriculture, biological sciences or medicine;

OR a second class honours degree (or equivalent) in a scientific discipline which has, in the opinion of the University, included suitable training.  

Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate and 240-hour individual modules

A degree or a technical or professional qualification and work experience considered appropriate and relevant by the University.  

50-hour and 35-hour individual modules

There are no entrance or English language requirements (non-credit bearing individual modules)  

English language requirement  

With the exception of students taking 35-hour or 50-hour individual modules, all applicants must provide evidence of their English language ability.

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide documentary evidence acceptable to the University that the applicant has, no more than three years prior to the application, either been educated in English (minimum 18 months).  

OR worked in English (minimum 18 months);  

OR passed a test of English Proficiency acceptable to the University of London within the past three years – for example IELTS (Academic) with an overall score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-test.

OR TOEFL iBT (internet-based Test) with an overall score of 92 or above, with at least 22 in both Reading and Writing Skills sub-tests and at least 20 in both Speaking and Listening sub-tests.

The University reserves the right to require an applicant to pass, at an appropriate level, a test of proficiency in English that is acceptable to the University before an offer of registration can be made  

Computer specification

Please note some of the modules have computer or software requirements and you are advised to read the module outline prior to registering.

How you study

If your job requires frequent travel, or you work irregular hours, distance learning offers a way of furthering your studies without having to attend the RVC in person. You also avoid additional travel, accommodation and living expenses of being a student in London.  

How we support you  

Although you are provided with the materials you need to successfully complete your study with a minimum of direct academic support, you do receive support in several ways:

• Access to 'Ask an Academic' providing the opportunity for discussion with both an RVC academic and module cohort;
• Participate in occasional, scheduled, online activities, such as forums and 'live' teaching;     
• Connect and communicate with other students on the programme via Student Discussion Forums. Work with study buddies and arrange group study time;
• Access to the RVC community and online library.

Study materials

Access to the below are provided via our Virtual Learning Environment:

• Programme Handbook and Student Guide containing advice on planning your studies, preparing for examinations and study techniques;
• Teaching material, containing directed learning notes, a series of readings (book chapters and articles) and online textbooks.

Period of study  

For the MSc, students are offered up to 5 years, Pg Diploma students are offered between 2 to 4 years and for the Pg Certificate, students are offered between 1 and 2 years to complete the programme. The ‘study year’ is effectively between February and September, with online examinations in early/mid-October.

Time commitment  

Individuals differ in the number of hours per week they need to devote to study and in the number of years in which they require to complete the programme. As a rough guide, we estimate that each module of the degree programme will take between 240-300 hours to complete (includes study units and compulsory written assignment).  Additional time would be required for revision.

Assessment  

Each module is examined by a 4-hour, unseen written examination, which may contain essays and shorter questions. You must also submit 1-compulsory written assignment for each course. The two elements are weighted: unseen written examination (80%), compulsory written assignment (20%).  

Examinations  

Online exams are scheduled annually in October.  

Modules  

• Whichever option you choose to take, a combination of both core and optional modules must be studied.
• The core modules provide an essential introduction to a variety of approaches, methods and subjects.  These modules are designed to equip you with the preliminary practical and intellectual skills necessary for progression to the next level. There is a natural progression of content from the core to the optional modules.
• Within the optional modules, there is an element of choice in subject matter and disciplinary areas of study.  Although the optional modules may not in themselves be more difficult, you will develop a greater understanding and a sophistication of thinking as you work through the modules.

3-compulsory core modules:

• Epidemiology and Animal Health Economics (LVM004)
• Statistical Methods in Veterinary Epidemiology (VPM012)
• Veterinary Public Health (LVM006)

PLUS 4-further optional modules selected from:

• Advanced Statistical Methods in Veterinary Epidemiology (VPM013)
• Management of Infectious Disease Outbreaks in Animal Populations (LVM017)
• Research Design and Methods (LVM014)
• Research Project in Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health (applicable to the MSc only) (LVM200)
• Surveillance and Investigation of Animal Health (VPM015)

Structure 

Our graduates find that the international recognition and prestige of their degree opens doors and creates opportunities in their careers.

Graduates of the programme are employed in a variety of organisations including the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), university veterinary faculties and international organisations including the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO).

Please refer to the Programme Specification for 'Educational Aims and Learning Outcomes' and 'After Graduation'.

Alumni Inspiration

The University of London International Programmes are immensely proud that each year thousands of distance learning students graduate around the world. It is interesting to note, that Nelson Mandela (Nobel Peace Prize Winner) and Her Excellency Luisa Diogo (Former Prime Minister of Mozambique) have also studied by distance learning.

The Programme Fees below refer to the 2024 session only and are effective from 1 March 2023:

Fees are subject to annual review and may be paid in one of two ways:  

Option 1

On registration, a single payment covering the registration fee and all module fees:  

The total fee incorporates a discount for payment in advance.  

Option 2

Pay the registration fee, plus the fee for each module you take in your first year. Then, in subsequent years, you pay the fee for each new module you take.  

College staff / alumni discount

Royal Veterinary College staff members and alumni will receive a bursary of 20% off fees for these distance-learning programmes (excluding resit fees).  Please contact the Course Administrator for further information.

Tuition fee amounts are subject to increase each academic year, please be aware of this when making your calculations and planning how much money you will require.

For more information on help with funding, please visit https://www.london.ac.uk/applications/funding-your-study.