University of Surrey
Surrey, England, UK
12mths full-time; 24-60mths part-time
Our MSc Veterinary Microbiology programme will provide you with an in-depth understanding of veterinary infectious diseases and their associated impact on man. As well as taught components, it offers specialist practical training in the diagnosis of important viral and bacterial diseases of global importance.
Programme overview
On this programme, you will acquire an excellent grounding in molecular biology, immunology and microbiology relevant to the study of veterinary microbiology. This will lead on to the study of the complex mechanisms of host/microbe interactions that are involved in the pathogenesis of specific animal diseases, and will provide insights into diagnosis and interventions, such as vaccines, essential for disease control.
The MSc has been designed to increase your understanding and development of critical and analytical skills, such that you may identify problems, formulate hypotheses, design experiments, acquire and interpret data, and draw conclusions.
You will have the unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the diagnosis of important veterinary diseases within the world reference laboratories of the APHA and Pirbright Institute (PI). There will also be an opportunity to visit Public Health England (PHE) to gain a detailed knowledge of how zoonotic diseases outbreaks are investigated, and to visit the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), a livestock abattoir and an intensive livestock farm. Colleagues from the CEFAS laboratory will also contribute to the programme, and further research training will be provided during your practical research project.
This is a full or part-time programme, intended mainly for graduates, those already working in veterinary diagnostic/research laboratories and staff from other laboratories who want to enhance their understanding of the role of microorganisms in animal health and disease. Pharmaceutical research personnel, policymakers, veterinarians, public health personnel and environmental biologists will also benefit.
Programme structure
The programme consists of nine taught modules totalling 135 credits, practical modules (split over two/three weeks) worth 15 credits, and a research project worth 30 credits.
Most modules are offered as standalone short courses. The fee structure for short courses is different to that for registered students, and details may be obtained via admissions enquiries, please refer to the contact details on this page.
Modules:
- Microbiology and Veterinary Immunology
- Microbial Genetics
- Molecular Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases
- Transmission and Control of Infectious Diseases of Animals (Non-Vector)
- Transmission and Control of Infectious Diseases of Animals (Vector)
- Infectious Diseases of Animals (Practical Session PI/APHA/Public Health England)/ Veterinary Medicines Directorate)
- Diseases of Animal Systems: Gastro-intestinal Diseases of Animals
- Diseases of Animal Systems: Respiratory Diseases of Animals
- Diseases of Animal Systems: Multi-systemic Diseases of Animals
- Diseases of Animal Systems: CNS and Skin Diseases of Animals
- Veterinary Microbiology Research Project
Research project
All students will undertake a novel research project and submit a dissertation. This project can be carried out in the University research laboratories or at the APHA or the PI. This will provide you with an excellent training in state-of-the-art veterinary microbiology research techniques and data analysis.
Entry requirements
Applicants should normally possess at least a 2.2 honours degree in a relevant subject (biosciences) or a degree in medicine or veterinary medicine.
However, relevant research experience may also be considered. Selection will be based upon the candidate’s application, references and an informal interview. In special circumstances, a student may be set work for assessment before being offered a place on the programme.
You may take up to three modules as standalone courses before registering retrospectively for the MSc and counting the accumulated credits towards your degree.
How to apply
For more information on the course and how to apply please visit the course website.
General enquiries:
+44 (0)1483 681 681
Admissions enquiries:
+44 (0)1483 682 222
admissions@surrey.ac.uk