Clinical Animal Behaviour MSc, PgDip, PgCert, PgProfDev (Online Learning)

This programme provides flexible postgraduate study designed to specifically address the demand for online clinical animal behaviour teaching within a supported learning environment.

The programme will utilise an evidence-based approach to explore the potential motivations, management and treatment options for abnormal and/or problem behaviours commonly expressed by companion animal species living within a domestic environment.

The subject involves a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on knowledge and techniques from the fields of:

• psychology
• ethology
• neurobiology
• pharmacology
• veterinary science.

This programme will contain teaching and learning that is aimed at your academic preparation for a professional career working with companion animals in a variety of settings, including clinical animal behaviour counselling.

Accreditation

Our MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour has been formally validated by the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB) Accreditation Committee.

The programme delivers the academic elements necessary for an individual to achieve ASAB certification as a clinical animal behaviourist.

Online learning

Our online learning technology is fully interactive, and award-winning and enables you to communicate with our highly qualified teaching staff from the comfort of your own home or workplace.

As an online student, not only do you have access to Edinburgh's excellent resources, but you will also become part of a supportive online community, bringing together students and tutors from around the world.

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

C1: Knowledge and Understanding

You will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the theoretical, methodological and biological concepts relating to the field of clinical animal behaviour, as well as demonstrate a critical understanding of the relevant professional, legal and ethical issues.

C2: Practice: applied knowledge, skills and understanding

You will be able to apply your knowledge of effective counselling, explore competing explanations for a behaviour problem or issue with the human-animal relationship and devise bespoke behaviour modification programmes or interventions as appropriate.

C3: Generic cognitive skills

You will be able to demonstrate how to critically evaluate the relevant literature, identify areas where research is lacking and design research projects to address these.

C4: Communication, ICT, Numeracy Skills

You will be able to use a variety of different media to effectively communicate relevant scientific concepts, ideas and advice to a range of audiences with varying levels of knowledge and expertise.

C5: Autonomy, accountability and working with others

You will be able to make informed judgements on ethical issues relevant to the field of clinical animal behaviour and will be able to critically reflect on all stages of the behaviour modification process, identifying where information is lacking or alternative actions are required to effect change.

Alongside the subject content, the programme will also enable you to gain a range of transferable skills. These include:

• computer skills
• report writing
• giving online presentations
• time and project management

This programme is designed to equip you with the academic skills necessary to succeed in careers that require an evidence-based approach to clinical animal behaviour and training.

Veterinarians and veterinary nurses will develop their ability and confidence to support and advise clients in the area of companion animal behaviour.

Graduates can also use the qualification to enhance their career prospects in academia, research, non-governmental organisations and animal welfare charities.

Programme structure

This MSc programme is modular in structure, offering a flexible student-centred approach to the choice of courses studied. Please note that every 10 credits represent 100 hours of study time, and a time commitment of 20hrs per week when completing a 5 or 10-week course.

Mandatory course credits

You must complete a sufficient number of course credits to achieve the following awards:

• Postgraduate Certificate: 60 credits
• Postgraduate Diploma: 120 credits
• Master of Science: 180 credits

Intermittent study

You may undertake this programme by intermittent study (flexible progression route), accruing credits within the following maximum time limits:

• Postgraduate Certificate: 12-24 months
• Postgraduate Diploma: 24-48 months
• Master of Science: 36-72 months (this includes a maximum period of 12 months from the start of your dissertation to its completion)

Year 1: Certificate Courses

You will study Principles of Applied Animal Behaviour and Clinical Animal Behaviour along with either Anthrozoology (recommended for those continuing to Diploma/MSc and those wishing to pursue CCAB) or one of two other elective courses.

Year 2: Diploma Courses

You will study Clinical Animal Behaviour in Practice along with the 10 credit Research Methods and Data Analysis (compulsory for those progressing to MSc) and a further 30 credits from a range of 20 and 10-credit elective courses.

Year 3: Masters

The dissertation element of the programme will allow further development of scientific skills and may take the form of a short research project, case studies relating to relevant professional experience or an extended literature review.

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's, postgraduate diploma or postgraduate certificate.

PPD credits and credit transfer

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 completing one year of courses, you can choose to transfer your credits and continue studying towards a higher award on a master's, postgraduate diploma, or postgraduate certificate programme.

Starting PPD

Although PPD courses have various start dates throughout the year you may only start a master's, 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's, postgraduate diploma, or postgraduate certificate programme.