Clinical Animal Behaviour

• The programme is validated by ASAB and provides the academic requirements for those wishing to pursue CCAB status.  

• US-based Graduates working towards certification as an Associate Applied Animal Behaviourist (ACAAB) meet the education requirements for the Animal Behaviour Society

• It is 100% online, and many of our students study alongside full-time employment.  

• The programme takes an evidence based approach and our graduates feel confident in pursuing their ambitions within the field of clinical animal behaviour.  

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? 

Our MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour has been formally validated by the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB) Accreditation Committee as delivering the academic elements necessary for an individual to achieve ASAB certification as a clinical animal behaviourist. 

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 MSc Equine Science and International Animal Welfare Ethics and Law, which allows 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

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 

These learning outcomes reflect the 5 key learning categories of the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework, level 11. 

Alongside the subject content, the programme will also enable the acquisition of a range of transferable skills, such as computer skills, report writing, giving online presentations and time and project management. 

C1: Knowledge and Understanding

The student 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 

The student will be able to apply their 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 

The student 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 

The student 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 

The student 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.

This MSc programme is delivered part-time through online learning, over a period of between three and six years.

The programme is modular in structure, offering a flexible student-centred approach to the choice of courses studied. You can exit with the award of post-graduate (PG) Certificate (60 credits), PG Diploma (120 credits) or MSc (180 credits). There are two core courses (40 credits) specified for the certificate, and one more (20 credits) for the diploma. Those who wish to progress to the MSc are also required to complete a 10 credit Research Methods and Data Analysis course. You will make up the remaining credits with a choice of courses from an approved list. For the MSc you will complete a (60 credit) dissertation project.

Flexible learning 

You may undertake the programme by Intermittent Study (flexible progression route), accruing credits within a maximum time limit of six years for the MSc which will include a maximum period of 12 months from the start of your dissertation to it being completed. If you wish to study for the PG Diploma by intermittent study, the maximum time period for this is 4 years and for the PG Certificate only, the maximum time period is 2 years. 

In summary, times for completion are as follows: 

• Master of Science: 36-72 months 

• Postgraduate Diploma: 24-48 months 

• Postgraduate Certificate: 12-24 months

Each 20 credit course (elsewhere often called ‘modules’) of the taught element is delivered in 2 blocks of 5 weeks of study with a week of independent study and reflection time in between. Each 10 credit course is 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.

The courses are delivered in three 11-week terms from September-June.

Please note that every 10 credits represents 100 hours of study time and a time commitment of 20hrs per week when completing a 5 or 10 week course.

Year 1 

Core courses 

• Principles of Animal Behaviour (* Core – 20 Credits) 

• Clinical Animal Behaviour (* Core – 20 Credits) 

Year 2 

Core courses 

• Advanced Clinical Animal Behaviour Practice (*Core – 20 Credits) 

• Research Methods and Data Analysis (*Core for those on the MSc Programme - 10 Credits)

Years 1-5 

Elective courses from this programme 

• Anthrozoology (20 Credits - Strongly recommended for those on the MSc Programme and essential for those wishing to pursue CCAB Pre-certification) 

Elective courses from selected programmes 

• International Cat and Dog Welfare (20 Credits) 

• Equitation Science (20 Credits - 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 - open to vets and vet nurses only) 

• Professional and Clinical Skills for Advanced Veterinary Practice (10 Credits - open to vets only) 

• Ethics for Veterinary Clinicians and Researchers (10 Credits) 

Years 3 - 6 

Dissertation element (must be written within a 12 month period) 

On the successful completion of 120 credits, you may exit with a PG Diploma or continue to the MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour.

In order to progress to the final level to attain the Masters (dissertation element), 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.

During the dissertation element of the MSc programme, you will have the opportunity to further develop your scientific skills and utilise scientific theory, in a less structured environment.

The dissertation is a substantial written assignment and takes the form of an empirical research project or systematic literature review.

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. 

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.

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

Apply for the MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour via the course and degree finder. Applications for 2023/24 will open in October.

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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