Program Overview

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Introduction to MSci Bioveterinary Sciences

The MSci Bioveterinary Sciences is an undergraduate integrated master's degree that aims to prepare students for a PhD or a career in an academic or industrial research environment. This program focuses on developing students' knowledge, analytical skills, and practical skills, with a broad base of knowledge in the first three years and specialization through optional module selections and research projects.

Key Information

• Qualification: MSci
• UCAS Code: D302 MSci Bioveterinary Sciences / D304 MSci Bioveterinary Sciences
• 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 MSci in Bioveterinary Sciences is designed to deliver the underpinning knowledge of animal health and disease. Students gain a better understanding of current fundamental research questions in biology and applied biomedical and bioveterinary sciences. The course exposes students to cutting-edge fields of research in comparative physiology and medicine, livestock production and health, and animal welfare science and ethics.

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
• Optional modules:
  • Advanced Concepts in Bio-business (15 credits)
  • Advanced Concepts in Reproduction (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)
  • Comparative Anatomy (15 credits)
  • Critical Literature Review (30 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)
  • 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 are 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 improve reasoning skills, while practical skills are developed through demonstration, observation, prosecution, feedback, and experimentation.

Assessment and Feedback

Students are 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 Bioveterinary Sciences 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, Scottish, Irish Applicants

• Welsh Baccalaureate: Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales qualification with grade B, including two A Levels.
• Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers: Advanced Highers in Chemistry or Biology at grade A, and another subject at grade B.
• Irish Leaving Certificate: H2, H2, H3, H3, H3, H3, including Biology or Chemistry and another science subject.

International Baccalaureate

• Pass the IB diploma with 655 at Higher Level, including Biology or Chemistry at grade 6.

Diplomas and Further Certificates

• Access to HE Diploma (England and Wales): Science-based, with 15 Level 3 credits in Chemistry or Biology at Distinction.
• BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: Applied Science or Applied Science (Biomedical Science), with DDD overall.

GCSEs

• 6-6 in Combined Science or BB in Science (Double Award) or B in both Science & Additional Science or 6/B in two of Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.
• At least grade 6 (B) in English Language and Mathematics.

International and EU Applicants

• The standard international entry requirements are in line with the double-science 'BBB' offer at A Level.
• For advice on the acceptability of qualifications, please contact Admissions.

English Language Requirements

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

Mitigating Circumstances

• If you wish to make us aware of any mitigating circumstances related to your application, please see our guidance on mitigating circumstances.

FAQs

• Does it count against me if I re-sit a qualification? No, we accept re-taken grades or modules at GCSE and A-Level or equivalent without penalty.
• Can I re-apply if I've been unsuccessful previously? Yes, we accept repeat applications for this course, and new applications will be treated separately from any previous one.

Employment Options

Graduates can work in roles that complement and support veterinary surgeons, such as in the pharmaceutical industry, agricultural industry, government, medical research sector, or publishing. Some graduates also become entrepreneurs or pursue careers in unrelated fields, such as actuarial or banking sectors, conservation, or education.

Postgraduate Research Options

Many graduates have gone on to study PhDs at the RVC, with research projects in various areas, including renal proteases, fatty acid and cholesterol catabolism, tissue-specific roles for cyclooxygenase isoforms, and spatial vision and social discrimination in hens.

Placement Year

The Placement Year is an optional component of the course, taken after the second year of study. Students undertake a research project devised and supervised by their placement provider, which is assessed in several ways, including a project report and oral exam. The placement year provides students with practical work experience, insight into the organization and sector they are working in, and the opportunity to develop employability skills and attitudes to work.