Advanced Clinical Practice

This online MVetSci is specifically tailored for veterinary graduates seeking training in advanced clinical practice. 

Veterinary medicine is a rapidly evolving discipline, comprising a wide range of specialist areas. Research in veterinary medicine is directly relevant to the improvement of health and welfare of domestic animal species and the protection of public health. Veterinary practitioners are under pressure to maintain high standards of practice while also keeping abreast of the latest research. 

In response to the increasing requirement for support in developing advanced clinical skills, this distance learning programme is aimed specifically at veterinarians in practice. 

The MVetSci Advanced Clinical Practice programme is delivered part-time by Online Learning (OL), over a minimum period of three years and a maximum period of six years. 

The modular, portfolio approach allows the greatest flexibility to meet the needs of the modern practitioner. The goal is to provide the skills and knowledge required to be highly effective practitioners and act as leaders and mentors within the veterinary community. 

Our clinical services - Hospital for Small Animals, Small Animal Practice, Equine and Large Animal Practice - are among the most influential centres for clinical care in the UK, providing our students and researchers with the best possible training environment. Furthermore, the R(D)SVS is the only UK veterinary school to have a specialist Exotic Animal and Wildlife Service, which has an international reputation for providing veterinary education in the field of exotic and wild animal medicine.

A few good reasons to study with us

• Flexible learning throughout the year to matching busy working lives.
• Complements the timetable of all veterinary postgraduate programmes, which allows students to chose elective courses within this MVetSci.
• Courses may be used as credit towards the RCVS Certificate in Cattle, Sheep or Production Animal Practice.
• Some courses in small animal medicine may also be used towards the RCVS Certificate, more details are available on enquiry.
• Build a personal portfolio of clinical and non-clinical skills and knowledge.
• Demonstrate commitment to a chosen clinical specialty.
• Great mentoring and online discussion.
• Access to high quality interactive online resources/e-journals and online textbooks.
• Gain a distinguished postgraduate qualification.

Careers 

This postgraduate qualification is an enjoyable and productive way to learn, while gaining new or augmenting existing clinical skills. It will enhance your practice’s business performance, improve your promotion prospects and employability, and may lead to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Advanced Practitioner Status. 

It may also support those intending to progress to European Diploma (veterinary specialist) through the available institutional programmes. 

Further information on RCVS Advanced Practitioner status 

Further information on European Diplomas 

Further information on studying online from the Online Learning Unit

The programme is aimed at supporting qualified veterinarians in enhancing their clinical skills, and developing advanced skills in their chosen area. 

A recognised veterinary degree is a requirement for entry: 

• BVM&S or equivalent qualification 

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 

The MVetSci Advanced Clinical Practice programme is delivered part-time by Online Learning (OL), over a minimum period of three years and a maximum period of six years. 

The programme is modular in structure, offering a flexible student-centred approach to the choice of courses studied; other than the compulsory courses specified for the certificate, you may choose to study individual courses to complete a sufficient number of course credits to be awarded the certificate (60 credits), the diploma (120 credits) or the MVetSci (180 credits). 

For students wishing to study for the Certificate, the maximum time period for this is 2 years and for those undertaking the Diploma as well, the maximum time period for this is 4 years. Students wishing to complete the Master’s will have an option to take a taught or dissertation route. The dissertation must be completed with a 12-month period. 

In summary, times for completion are as follows: 

• Masters in Veterinary Sciences: 36-72 months 

• Postgraduate Diploma: 24-48 months 

• Postgraduate Certificate: 12-24 months 

Students in receipt of certain forms of funding may have different completion requirements. If you are receiving funding to support your studies, please check with the funding body to confirm the timescale within which you must complete the qualification. 

Each year will consist of three 11-week terms structured into two blocks of 5 weeks of study with a week in between for independent study and reflection.

Each 5 week-block equates to 10 credits. The structure is designed to support your study part-time, giving you time to reflect on your learning.

This timetable is consistent with other programmes within the College, to enable sharing of courses across related programmes.

Species Track

Students can choose to take a particular species track in their electives, i.e. courses focused on companion animals, exotic zoo and wildlife, equine or production animals. Equally, students can choose to take a mixed practice approach, and select courses that meet their individual professional needs.

Courses for the Certificate

You will take three compulsory courses of 10 credits each. Courses listed as "track-specific" are those which focus on a specific designation, e.g. equine practice, exotic and companion animal medicine or production animal practice.

You also need to choose courses from a list of elective courses up to a total of 30 credits to complete the 60 credits required for the Certificate.

For a full listing of courses, see the Degree Programme Table for Advanced Clinical Practice

Courses for the Diploma

You will choose courses from a range of elective courses up to a total of 60 credits. These courses cover a range of track-specific topics, e.g. canine internal medicine, rabbit medicine. There will also be courses on topics, e.g. sampling and diagnostic pathology, which are key to advanced practice. The list of courses are developing over time to provide an extensive bank of elective options for students to select.

For a full listing of courses, see the Degree Programme Table for Advanced Clinical Practice

Courses for the MVetSci

You can opt to undertake either a dissertation research project (60 credits), or to complete your degree as fully taught by selecting further elective courses.

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

• pass at least 80 credits with a mark of at least 50% in each of the courses which make up these credits
• attain an average mark of at least 50% for the 120 credits which make up the postgraduate Certificate and Diploma levels

Option 1: Dissertation project (60 credits) 

The dissertation project (10-15,000 words) may take the form of one of the following: 

• A written dissertation, e.g. an extended literature review and/or analysis of data 

• An extended case book (relating to relevant professional experience) 

• A short research project 

Students will be expected to submit a proposal that demonstrates an appropriate level of critical analysis, academic knowledge and reflection, or veterinary practice depending on the choice of project made, prior to being admitted to the Master’s year if they are opting to undertake the dissertation project. A research course will be provided to assist students designing and writing their research proposal.

Irrespective of which option is chosen, the dissertation is an assignment of 10-15,000 words. The University of Edinburgh’s common marking scheme will be used.

Option 2: Fully-taught degree (60 credits via taught courses) 

Whilst it is recognised that the dissertation adds an important research element to the programme, the majority of students will be full-time working professionals and do not have a work remit that involves academic research.

Students have the option to complete their Master's degree through a fully or part-taught option. This adds increased flexibility for students who may not be able to commit to a full year of academic study, albeit on a part-time basis, as is needed to complete a dissertation or project.

As with previous taught years, students have the option to work with the programme team to create an individual project for 20 credits (SLICC). This comprises a short independent project in an area of interest (clinical or non-clinical). Students will be expected to take courses in advanced subject areas, demonstrating that the student can show proficiency in research and/or analytical skills relevant to advanced work in the discipline. The programme team will assist students in selecting these final year choices.

Student-Led Individually Created Course (SLICC)

Development of clinical skills requires practical experience in a clinical setting. While the R(D)SVS will run face-to-face practical courses, it is recognised that it will not be possible for all students to travel to Edinburgh to take these.

Therefore, students are provided with guidance on creating their own individually created course. This project-development process allows students to record the hands-on practical clinical activities they are taking in support of their clinical skills development.

Students will create their project with pre-approval of the programme team through the University of Edinburgh process for student-led course creation.

Student-Led Individually Created Course outline 

Course availability 

Please note that although all courses are offered, we cannot 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.

Tuition fees 

Please note that you can pay for the programme on a course (module) basis. Courses may be 10 or 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 

MVetSci ACP Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Ethics Track Courses

Course choices in this timetable are for illustrative purposes only; courses are not guaranteed to run each year. A current timetable can be provided – email futurestudents@ed.ac.uk

MVetSci ACP Production Animal Track Courses aligned to RCVS CertAVP*

*Courses completed from within the fully taught Advanced Clinical Practice may be used as credit towards the RCVS Certificate in Cattle, Sheep or Production Animal Practice.

 Course choices in this timetable are for illustrative purposes only; courses are not guaranteed to run each year. A current timetable can be provided – email futurestudents@ed.ac.uk

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice is a postgraduate qualification offered by the RCVS. It does not equate to Membership of the RCVS and does not qualify the person as a Member of the RCVS. For courses to be credited toward the RCVS qualification, students must enrol with the RCVS prior to starting the qualification at Edinburgh. Details at: https://www.rcvs.org.uk/lifelong-learning/postgraduate-qualifications/certificate-in-advanced-veterinary-practice-certavp/

MVetSci ACP Companion and Exotic Animal Track Courses

 Course choices in this timetable are for illustrative purposes only; courses are not guaranteed to run each year. A current timetable can be provided – email futurestudents@ed.ac.uk

The University has a strong and long-standing commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and to promoting a positive culture which celebrates difference, challenges prejudice and ensures fairness.

Find out more

Online application form 

Applications should be made online:  

Advanced Clinical Practice (online distance learning) 

Register interest 

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

Register interest form 

Contact details 

Contact details for general enquiries and application information.