Program Overview

Introduction to MSci Applied Bioveterinary Research

The MSci Applied Bioveterinary Research course is designed to prepare students for a career in research or for further study at the PhD level. The program focuses on research methodology and critical analysis, with the goal of exploring the development of new therapies for human and veterinary diseases.

Key Information

• Qualification: MSci
• UCAS Code: D303 (MSci Applied Bioveterinary Research) / D305 (MSci Applied Bioveterinary Research with placement year)
• Institution Code: RVET R84
• Study Mode: Four years full-time / Five years full-time with placement year
• UK Tuition Fees: Ł9,790 (2026 fees)
• EU and International Tuition Fees: Ł27,510
• Course Location: Camden
• Application Deadline: 29 Jan 2025

Course Outline

The course aims to provide students with a clear understanding of the fundamentals of biological and biomedical science, as well as an insight into disease mechanisms and an appreciation of comparative and integrated approaches to aid diagnosis and treatment.

Year 1 Modules

• Biology of the Cell (15 credits)
• Inheritance, Genetics and Evolution (15 credits)
• Developmental Biology (15 credits)
• The Moving Animal (15 credits)
• Integrated Physiology I (15 credits)
• Integrated Physiology II (15 credits)
• Problem Definition and Investigation (15 credits)
• Library Project (15 credits)

Year 2 Modules

• Basis of Disease (15 credits)
• Ageing and Degeneration (15 credits)
• Principles of Infectious Diseases (15 credits)
• Control of Infectious Diseases (15 credits)
• Principles of Pharmacology (15 credits)
• Research Project (30 credits)
• Optional modules:
  • Applied Pharmacology (15 credits)
  • Disease Modelling and Investigation (15 credits)
  • Introduction to Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Ethics (15 credits)
  • Introduction to One Health (15 credits)

Year 3 Modules

• Research project (60 credits)
• Optional modules:
  • Advanced Concepts in Bio-business (15 credits)
  • Advanced Concepts in Reproduction (15 credits)
  • Applied Molecular Microbiology (15 credits)
  • Advanced Skeletal Pathobiology (15 credits)
  • Animal Behaviour and Cognition (15 credits)
  • Applied Animal Welfare (15 credits)
  • Applied Molecular Microbiology (15 credits)
  • Applied Wildlife Health Science (15 credits)
  • Comparative Animal Locomotion (30 credits)
  • Comparative Models of Disease (15 credits)
  • Development and Disease (15 credits)
  • Ecology: Individuals, Populations and Communities (15 credits)
  • Endocrine and Metabolic Syndromes (15 credits)
  • Epidemiology: the Bigger Picture (15 credits)
  • Infection and Immunity (30 credits)
  • Omic Approaches to Biology (15 credits)
  • Parasitology of Human and Veterinary Tropical Diseases (15 credits)
  • Practical Investigative Biology (15 credits)
  • Science of Animal Welfare (15 credits)

Year 4 Modules

• Research Skills (15 credits)
• Extended Research Project (105 credits)

Teaching and Learning

Students will be exposed to a wide range of learning experiences, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and directed and self-directed learning activities. Problem-solving exercises, case studies, reflection, and role modeling will improve reasoning skills, while practical skills will be developed through demonstration, observation, prosecution, feedback, and experimentation.

Assessment and Feedback

Students will be continuously assessed throughout the course, followed by final examinations. The estimated breakdown of assessment for the final grade is:

• Written (coursework): 20%
• Examination (practical, written): 33%
• Projects (individual and group work, research): 47%

Academic Qualifications

The standard academic requirements for entry to the MSci Applied Bioveterinary Research program are outlined below.

A Levels

• EITHER: ABB in three A Level subjects, including Biology or Chemistry at grade A
• OR: BBB in three A Level subjects, including Biology or Chemistry, and another science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Maths

Welsh Baccalaureate

• Applicants who have achieved the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales qualification with grade B will be accepted with two A Levels, including Biology or Chemistry at grade A, and another subject of their choice (excluding General Studies) at grade B

Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers

• EITHER: Advanced Highers in Chemistry or Biology at grade A, and another subject of their choice at grade B
• OR: Advanced Highers in Biology or Chemistry at grade B, and another science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Maths at grade B

Irish Leaving Certificate

• H2, H2, H3, H3, H3, H3, including Biology or Chemistry, and another science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Maths

International Baccalaureate

• EITHER: Pass the IB diploma with 655 at Higher Level, including Biology or Chemistry at grade 6
• OR: Pass the IB diploma with 555 at Higher Level, including Biology or Chemistry, and another science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Maths

English Language Requirements

• IELTS (Academic) score of 7.0 or above, with a minimum of 6.5 in each component

Tuition Fees

• Home Tuition Fees: Ł9,790 (2026 fees)
• International Fees: Ł27,510

Employment Options

Graduates of the MSci Applied Bioveterinary Research program can pursue various career paths, including:

• Pharmaceutical industry
• Agricultural industry
• Government
• Medical research sector
• Publishing
• Entrepreneurship
• Graduate schemes in the actuarial and banking sectors
• Conservation and charity sectors
• Education

Postgraduate Research Options

Many graduates of the BSc Bioveterinary Sciences program have gone on to study PhDs at the RVC, with research projects in various areas, including:

• Renal proteases, ENaC, P2X receptors, and blood pressure control
• Fat and foul, foal fiends: the role of fatty acid and cholesterol catabolism in the pathogenesis of Rhodococcus equi
• Tissue-specific roles for cyclooxygenase isoforms in endothelial cell function and angiogenesis
• The regulation in bone cells of Sost/sclerostin by mechanical strain
• Spatial vision and social discrimination in the hen: from perception to cognition
• Structural and functional specialization of locomotion in the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)
• Effects of camelid antibodies on disease progression in prion-infected mice
• Comparative sensory biomechanics of locomotion in horses, dogs, and insects
• Identification of host factors that restrict African swine fever virus replication
• Role of the sulphatases Sulf1A and Sulf1B in canine cancer
• Predisposition to pasture-associated laminitis: role of insulin resistance and chronic inflammation
• Deciphering the chemokine repertoire in chickens and their role in disease resistance

Placement Year

The Placement Year is an optional component of the MSci Applied Bioveterinary Research program, providing students with the opportunity to gain practical work experience and undertake a research project. Students are required to be proactive in searching for, applying to, and securing their own placement, with support and guidance provided by the RVC.