Clinical Animal Behaviour

• The MSc is validated by CCAB Certification Ltd and provides the academic requirements for those wishing to pursue CCAB status.  
• The PGDip is validated by the ABTC and provides the academic requirements for those wishing to pursue CAB status.
• The MSc will allow US-based graduates working towards certification as an Associate Applied Animal Behaviourist (ACAAB) to meet the education requirements for the Animal Behaviour Society.

Why Clinical Animal Behaviour? 

The study of the aetiology, diagnosis and treatment of animal behaviour problems is an area of increasing interest in applied ethology and veterinary medicine. Referred to as clinical animal behaviour, the subject involves an evidence based approach for investigating, treating and managing a wide variety of abnormal and/or problem behaviours performed by companion and captive wild animals. The subject involves a multidisciplinary approach drawing on knowledge and techniques from the fields of psychology, ethology, neurobiology, pharmacology and veterinary science. This programme will contain teaching and learning that is aimed at the academic preparation of students for a professional career in the management of animal behaviour in a variety of settings, including clinical animal behaviour counselling.

Why the University of Edinburgh? 

The University of Edinburgh has a long-standing reputation for the delivery of gold standard research led teaching and the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies has extensive staff expertise in animal health, behaviour and welfare, which has been strengthened further by the presence of an integrated Animal Welfare Centre (JMICAWE) and the partners within the Easter Bush Research Consortium. 

Global Health Academy 

This programme is affiliated with the University's Global Health Academy. 

Global Health Academy 

Why study Clinical Animal Behaviour online? 

The University of Edinburgh’s RDSVS has a number of animal behaviour and welfare programmes. We have successfully run a campus-based taught MSc/Dip Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare for more than 25 years, to which an online International Animal Welfare, Ethics and Law MSC/Dip taught degree was added in 2012. The new MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour will build on the experience we have with running successful international Master’s programmes, to provide a fully flexible postgraduate programme designed to specifically address the demand for online Clinical Animal Behaviour teaching. This will allow students to study in their own time and space, in a fully supported learning environment.

A few good reasons to study with us:

• Flexible learning throughout the year to match busy working lives.
• Complements the timetable of Equine Science and International Animal Welfare Ethics and Law allowing you to choose elective courses based around your interests.
• Build a personal portfolio of clinical and non-clinical skills and knowledge.
• Demonstrate commitment to a chosen clinical specialty.
• Great mentoring and online discussion from teachers and researchers who are specialists in their field.
• Access to high quality interactive online resources/e-journals and online textbooks.
• Develop and enhance transferrable technological skills in digital learning environments.

MSc, PGDip, PGCert, PPD

The online, part-time format of our teaching is particularly suited to students with busy lives.  The flexible learning environment can be adapted to suit individual needs and online study allows you to study at a location that is convenient for you.

The School has been teaching online taught postgraduate programmes since 2008 and online learning is treated as seriously as in-person.  Our digital teaching platform has a dedicated e-learning team to ensure the teaching runs smoothly and students have access to support and welfare staff throughout their studies.

This programme is supported by an experienced team of a programme director, co-ordinator, administrator and course leaders and each student is provided with a personal tutor.

Key features of the programme are pre-recorded lectures that you can view at any time, study guides, textbook and journal excerpts and interactive online discussions, enabling students from a range of disciplines to bring their unique perspectives to build a community of online students.

How online learning work at University of Edinburgh

The MSc programme begins in September and runs part-time over a period of 3-6 years and delivered in three 11-week terms. The programme is delivered using a blend of online learning methods, supported by the University’s award-winning online learning environments.  

Students enrolling onto standalone short courses may have start dates throughout the academic year.

The programme is structured to allow sequential progression from short courses* to Certificate, Diploma and MSc phases however, there are several earlier exit points.

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Students can opt to take time out from learning if work or family life are impacted too much. It is also possible to pay per course** to help spread the cost of your studies.

*^{also referred to as the Postgraduate Professional Development (PPD) scheme}

**^{The University uses the terminology 'course', and sometimes 'module', to refer to the individual components that make up a degree programme}

Certificate and Diploma

The Certificate phase comprises two compulsory courses and one elective (see Content tab).  Each course is taught over a period of 10 weeks.

The Diploma phase comprises of a further compulsory course alongside electives to make up 120 taught credits (see Content tab).

If students intend to continue onto the final Masters phase, Research Methods and Data Analysis course is a prerequisite.

Masters (MSc)

The dissertation element gives students the opportunity to further develop scientific skills and apply scientific theory, in a less structured learning environment. 

The dissertation is designed to advance your understanding of the processes and planning involved in undertaking research and to develop your scientific written communication skills, research ethics, statistics and the principle of good research practice.

This is a self-directed course but you are supported by an allocated subject-specific expert supervisor, statistician and experienced researchers from within the programme team.  You are also encouraged, where appropriate, to work closely with senior staff at your home institution. 

20 credit courses (elsewhere often called ‘modules’) are delivered in 2 blocks of 5 weeks of study plus 1 week of independent study and reflection time in between.

10 credit courses are delivered over a period of 5 weeks. The majority of the lecture material is pre-recorded so that it can be watched at any time.

Each 10 credits represents 100 hours of study time and a time commitment of 20hrs per week.

Year 1 

Core courses 

• Principles of Animal Behaviour - 20 credits
• Clinical Animal Behaviour – 20 credits

For full details of these courses, including learning outcomes, please visit the Degree Regulations and Programmes of Study page.

Year 2 

Core courses 

• Clinical Animal Behaviour Practice - 20 credits 
• Research Methods and Data Analysis - 10 credits, for those on the MSc Programme

For full details of these courses, including learning outcomes, please visit the Degree Regulations and Programmes of Study page.

Years 1-5 

Elective courses 

• Anthrozoology - 20 credits, strongly recommended for those on the MSc Programme and essential for those wishing to pursue CCAB Pre-certification

Elective courses from related programmes 

• International Cat and Dog Welfare - 20 credits 
• Equitation Science - 20 credits, a pre-requisite for Equine Behavioural Medicine
• International Animal Welfare Science - 20 credits 
• Equine Behaviour, Welfare and Ethics - 20 credits 
• Equine Behavioural Medicine - 20 credits, Equitation Science is a pre-requisite for this course
• Captive and Free Ranging Wild Animal Welfare - 20 credits 
• Animal Ethics, Policy and Law - 20 credits 
• Evidence Based Veterinary Medicine in Clinical Practice - 10 credits
• Chronic Pain and Advanced Analgesic Principles - 10 credits, available to vets and vet nurses only 
• Professional and Clinical Skills for Advanced Veterinary Practice - 10 credits, available to vets only
• Ethics for Veterinary Clinicians and Researchers - 10 credits 

For full details of these courses, including learning outcomes, please visit the Degree Regulations and Programmes of Study page.

Dissertation

In order to progress to the final level to attain the Masters, students have to:

• Pass at least 80 credits of coursework with a mark of at least 50 % in each of the courses which make up these credits and no mark <40% for any compulsory course
• Minimum average mark of 50% for the 120 credits

Please note there are no re-sit examinations at Master's level at the University of Edinburgh.

The dissertation is a substantial written assignment and takes the form of an empirical research project or systematic literature review and must be written within a 12 month period. 

Supervision for this element of the MSc will be provided by existing research staff and subject experts employed by the University of Edinburgh and partner institutions. 

Course availability 

Although all courses are offered, we will not be able to guarantee that all courses will be available to all students, each year. This will be dependent upon numbers of students and availability of places on non-programme owned courses. Some electives may only be available to students with a veterinary or veterinary nursing background. 

The Postgraduate Professional Development (PPD) scheme is aimed at working professionals who want to advance their knowledge through postgraduate-level learning, without the time, or financial commitment, of a full award.

You may take a maximum of 50 credits worth of courses over two years and gain a University of Edinburgh postgraduate award of academic credit.

You can also choose to continue your studies after one year and put credits towards a postgraduate Certificate, Diploma or full Masters degree.  Any time spent taking courses through the PPD scheme will be deducted from the amount of time you have left to complete the higher award.

To view the short courses available within the PPD scheme and details on how to apply, please visit the Credit-bearing standalone short courses page. 

Testimonials from students past and present

We have a number of internationally recognised experts in their field contributing to the teaching of many aspects of the programme.

Staff List

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, with a biological background.  For example a degree in:

• Veterinary Medicine / Veterinary Science
• Biological Sciences
• Zoology
• Psychology
• Animal or Equine Science

Entry to this programme is competitive.  Where demand exceeds the number of places available, preference will be given to applicants who exceed the minimum requirements.  Demonstrable experience working with companion animals in a professional capacity is not required but may increase the competitiveness of your application. 

Please make sure that you use the Personal Statement and Relevant Experience sections of your application to outline why you would like to join the programme and how this fits with your future career plans.  Please also use these sections to detail any relevant practical experience or additional courses that you have gained outside of higher education.

Once successfully on the programme, completion of the three core courses is a pre-requisite for progression to subsequent courses. 

Typical student profiles 

Students on our online programmes come from a variety of backgrounds including: veterinary science, zoology, biological science, psychologyand animal/equine science. Students also come from various parts of the world, for example: UK and Ireland, Europe, USA,Canada, South Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand etc. Consequently, an additional strength of the programme is that you will learn from your peers as well as from the lecturers.

English language requirements 

If English is not your first language, we will also need to see evidence of your English language proficiency before we can offer you a place. 

English language requirements 

Tuition fees 

Please note that you can pay for the programme on a course (module) basis. Each course is 20 credits and the dissertation year is equivalent to 60 credits. 

Tuition fees for online learning

Tuition fee discount for some of our former graduates 

Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding

The University of Edinburgh subscribes to a funding database specifically for those looking for funding to support postgraduate studies.  The guide contains a huge database of funding opportunities, comprehensive guidance and tools to help you prepare a winning grant application including.

The Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding Online

Scholarship information 

It is recommended that you conduct your own research on this, but you can refer to the University Scholarship website to view suggestions on scholarships. 

Online distance learning scholarships 

ITA Scotland 

Get up to £200 towards the cost of a training course with an SDS Individual Training Account (ITA). 

You could use the money to build the skills you need for a job. Or get some training to take your career to the next level. Whatever you want to do, there is a wide range of ITA approved courses on offer. 

ITA Scotland 

UK Government postgraduate loans 

If you are planning to study with us, you could be eligible for a postgraduate loan towards your fees. From this year, online programmes are also eligible for this funding (please note, restrictions apply).

This funding is available for UK nationals, those with settled status, and in some cases, EU nationals not resident in the UK. 

Learn more about postgraduate loans and submit your application

Successful applicants who are based in the UK and planning to apply for a student loan will be required to complete the MSc programme in 3 years (continuous part-time study) in order to be eligible for the loan.  If you are intending to seek a student loan you should select the '3-6 year MSc' programme option on your application and let us know your intention is to obtain student loan funding; successful applicants will then be transferred to the 3 year MSc programme by our admissions administration team.

Apply for the MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour via the course and degree finder. 

Apply for this degree 

Applications must be submitted through the University’s online application service, EUCLID. Offers cannot be made without a fully completed online application. The application does not have to be completed in one session - you can save your progress and return to complete the application at another time.  Due to high demand, we operate a number of selection deadlines for this programme. Applicants who do not receive an offer following a specific selection deadline will either be notified that they have been unsuccessful in securing a place on the programme, or their application will be carried forward to the next selection deadline for further consideration at that time. 

Please make sure that you use the 'Personal Statement' and 'Relevant Experience' sections to outline why you would like to join the programme and how this fits with your future career plans. Please also detail any relevant practical experience or additional courses that you have completed outwith higher education.

Applicants must ensure that they are able to allocate 20hrs per week to engaging with the course content, discussions, reading and assessments when completing a course.

Apply for this degree 

Register interest 

If you would like more information before applying for this programme, please link to the form below to register your interest. 

Register interest form 

Contact details 

If you would like more information on applying for this programme please contact our team using the details below: 

ClinicalAnimalBehaviour@ed.ac.uk

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