Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia
This programme is entirely online and will provide students with a unique opportunity to study anaesthesia and analgesia in animals in their own time and supported by a team of world-renowned staff.
This programme is entirely online and will provide students with a unique opportunity to study anaesthesia and analgesia in animals in their own time and supported by a team of world-renowned staff - including Eddie Clutton, Karen Blisset, Louise Clarke and Juliet Duncan.
Accreditation of this programme was awarded by The Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists in 2022.
Students will gain knowledge and understanding in the equipment, drugs and techniques associated with anaesthesia and analgesia, as well as specific challenges for different species groups. Our team can provide a wide range of clinical and research experience across many species. The programme offers the opportunity to study for a Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma or a Master’s degree.
Studying online enables you to choose the time and location that suits your personal and work commitments. You will benefit from being part of an online community, where interaction with other students and tutors in a supportive environment is part of the learning process.
A suitable starting point for the programme would be a veterinary graduate, a science graduate using anaesthesia during their research or a graduate veterinary nurse, although this list is not exhaustive.
If you would like to discuss the programme, please get in touch at msc-vaa@ed.ac.uk
MSc, PGDip, PGCert, PPD
This programme has been accredited by the Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists (AVA).
The Association was established in 1964 to promote the study of and research into the subject of anaesthesia and analgesia in animals. It also publishes the Journal of Veterinary Anaesthesia and has been active in the founding of the European College of Veterinary Anaesthesia.
This programme is aimed at individuals working with animal anaesthesia who wish to develop their knowledge and critical thinking in these subject areas.
An undergraduate degree, with an excellent or very good classification (equivalent to first or upper second-class honours in the UK), in veterinary medicine, veterinary nursing or a degree in a related science subject with appropriate practical experience may be accepted subject to individual approval.
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.
Develop skills and abilities in research and enquiry, together with an awareness of recent developments in veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia.
Graduates from the programme will have an ability to appreciate the significance of and participate in the critical analysis of new knowledge and understanding acquired through research and inquiry, which fosters a capacity for independent, conceptual and creative thinking.
The programme will also provide you with the capacity for problem identification, and an appreciation of the use of scientific methods in the collection of evidence, synthesis and analysis.
The programme also considers the moral and ethical frameworks and links to the relevant legislation. There is a fostering of academic integrity and personal responsibilities as well as independent thought or teamwork when addressing intellectual challenges associated with anaesthesia and pain management.
Technical/practical skills
We discuss different practical techniques which are mostly in common usage. Where techniques may be new to the student but within their scope of practice (MRCVS) then we would expect them to undertake update guidance from an experienced practitioner in these techniques.
From the nurse perspective, we expect you to be able to consider the benefits and risks associated with different techniques so that your nursing practice will be consistent with the requirements of the techniques.
Although the programme is designed to be studied over a three-year period, it is possible to take up to 6 years to complete the Masters, thus allowing breaks to be taken in the study to fit with personal and professional commitments.
In the first year the programme consists of core subjects, which provide the foundation knowledge that further courses within the programme build upon. There are options to select courses which are animal group specific such as equidae, cats and dogs, ruminants, pigs and camelids as well as small mammals. This modular approach enables you to tailor the programme to your own interests and professional requirements.
The second year is composed of optional courses such as emergency case management, chronic pain and advanced analgesic principles, advanced cardiovascular procedures and monitoring, lung ventilation and mechanical ventilators. There is also a reptiles, birds and wild animals course.
The third year is the dissertation year. The form of the dissertation may vary to suit individual candidates. It may take the form of a research study, critical analysis of techniques used in previous clinical work or an extended literature review may be appropriate are examples of the forms of dissertation.
To view the courses available as PPD, please see the Professional Development page.
Year 1: Certificate
Core (compulsory) courses:
| Basic sciences in anaesthesia and analgesia | 20 credits |
| Clinical anaesthesia: equipment and the patient |
20 credits |
In addition, students will be expected to select 2 of the following 4 optional modules for the Certificate, at least one of which must be a species course:
| Dogs and cats | 10 credits |
| Equidae | 10 credits |
| Ruminants, camelids and pigs | 10 credits |
| Small mammals (laboratory and clinical) | 10 credits |
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10 credits |
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10 credits |
To avoid repetition the species courses assume knowledge from the Basic sciences and Clinical anaesthesia: equipment & the patient courses. If you are considering taking one of the species anaesthesia courses as PPD and are unsure about whether your pre-existing knowledge is adequate, please get in touch to discuss.
Year 2: Diploma
A further 60 credits must be attained for PG Diploma. In addition to the PG Certificate optional courses, students may choose from the following options:
| Advanced cardiovascular procedures and monitoring | 10 credits |
| Ventilators and ventilation in veterinary anaesthesia | 10 credits |
| Avian Anaesthesia | 10 credits |
| Reptiles, Chelonia and Fish (course under construction) * | 10 credits |
| Chronic pain & advanced analgesic principles | 10 credits |
| Ethics for veterinary clinicians and researchers | 10 credits |
| Problem solving and non-technical skills in anaesthesia | 10 credits |
| Professional and Clinical Skills for Advanced Veterinary Practice |
10 credits |
| Evidence Based Veterinary Medicine in Clinical Practice |
10 credits |
| Veterinary techniques and interventions for Conservation Medicine |
10 credits |
| Non-pharmacological approaches to pain management | 10 credits |
| (Pain) Assessment, measurement and the multidisciplinary approach | 10 credits |
| Veterinary muscoloskeletal pain (small animal) | 20 credits |
*Additional courses are currently under development
Year 3: Masters
| Dissertation | 60 credits |
The form of the dissertation may vary to suit individual candidates
It may take the form of a research study, analysis of techniques used in previous clinical work or an extended literature review may be appropriate.
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.
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
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.
To apply for this course please follow the instructions given here:
Veterinary Anaesthesia & Analgesia (Online Distance Learning)
Register interest
If you would like more information about this new MSc programme, please complete a webform to register your interest.
Reference
You must submit a reference with your application.
Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes: