Advanced Clinical Practice (Online Learning) MVetSci, PgDip (ICL), PgCert (ICL), PgProfDev

Level: Postgraduate taught

Subject: Veterinary Medicine

Year of entry: 2026

Study options

Mode of study

Online learning

Part-time intermittent study
  • PgProfDev | 2 years | Start date: multiple dates
  • MVetSci | 6 years | Start date: September 2026
  • PgCert (ICL) | 2 years | Start date: September 2026
  • PgDip (ICL) | 4 years | Start date: September 2026

Key facts

School

Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

College

College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine

Programme website
Accreditation

Not available

Apply now

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About the degree programme

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 the health and welfare of domestic animal species and the protection of public health.

In response to the increasing requirement for support in developing advanced clinical skills, this distance learning programme is aimed primarily, but not exclusively at veterinarians in practice.  

The modular, portfolio approach allows 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 cover a great range of species - dog, cat, exotics, small mammals, zoo, wildlife, equine and livestock - and are among the most influential centres for clinical care in the UK. The School is the only UK veterinary school to have dedicated exotic animal and wildlife Services, and has an international reputation for providing veterinary education in these fields.

Courses completed from this fully taught portfolio may be used as credit towards the RCVS Certificate in Cattle, Sheep or Production Animal Practice, allowing students to exit with two qualifications. Some courses in small animal medicine may also be used towards the RCVS Certificate with details available on enquiry.

Study options

PhaseDurationCredits
Masters3-6 years180
Diploma2-4 years120
Certificate1-2 years60
Individual courses*up to 2 yearsup to a maximum of 50

The degree programme allows progression from individual courses to Certificate, Diploma and MVetSci phases. Students may also exit the programme on completion of each phase.

The programme is designed to be taken part-time at 20 hours per week, with the flexibility to complete in longer time frames if required.

*Individual courses are also referred to as Postgraduate Professional Development (PGProfDev).

Programme benefits

  • Flexible learning throughout the year to match busy working lives
  • Complements the timetable of all veterinary postgraduate programmes, which allows students to choose 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 skills and knowledge
  • Demonstrate commitment to a chosen clinical specialty or species
  • Great mentoring and online discussion
  • Access to high-quality interactive online resources/e-journals and online textbooks
  • Gain a distinguished postgraduate qualification.

Really lovely to feel involved and looked after, even as a distance student!

Ally Austin Advanced Clinical Practice student

Tuition fees

Tuition fees by award and duration

Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year.

Part-time intermittent study

Graduate discount

If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.

Find out how to receive your graduate discount

Payment for individual courses 

It is possible to pay for the programme on a course-by-course basis.

Deposit

You do not have to pay a deposit to secure your place on this programme.

Funding opportunities

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

  • borrowing money
    • taking out a loan
    • family support
  • personal savings
  • income from work
  • employer sponsorship
  • scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

Online Learning Scholarships

As this is a part-time intermittent programme, also known as invoiced-at-course-level (ICL), it is not eligible for UK government loan funding.

If you live in the UK, you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan for online study from one of the UK’s governments.

If you intend to apply for a UK government loan you should apply for the 3-year Masters option.

View details: UK government loans

Search for other funding opportunities

You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.

Postgraduate funding opportunities

These entry requirements are for the 2026-27 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2027-28 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2026.

Qualifications

This programme is intended for students with a veterinary degree or its international equivalent. You must have at least 1 year of postgraduate experience working as a veterinary surgeon. If you hold an RCVS Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (CertAVP) or similar postgraduate accredited veterinary qualification, you can apply for recognition of prior learning.

International qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

English language requirements

You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.

This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:

  • an English language test
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English
  • certain professional qualifications

English language tests we accept

We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:

  • IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 7 with at least 6 in each component.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 145 with at least 135 in each component.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old

The following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Trinity ISE
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality.   

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.

UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).

Approved universities in non-MESC

How old your degree can be

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.

This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.

English language requirements

What you will study

The full degree programme is a total of 180 credits, divided into:

  • Masters - 180 credits
  • Diploma - 120 credits
  • Certificate - 60 credits
  • Individual courses - up to 50 credits

Courses offer a mix of:

  • lectures
  • seminars
  • tutorials
  • practicals
  • guest speakers
  • recommended reading
Time expectation

20 credit courses are delivered in two blocks of five weeks with one week of independent study and reflection time in between.

10 credit courses are delivered over one block of five weeks.

Each 10 credits of study represents 100 hours of study and a time commitment of 20 hours per week.

An academic year consists of three eleven-week terms. This framework is designed to fit in with the part-time nature of the programme, giving you time to reflect on your learning while lessening the impact that studying might place on your working life.

Compulsory courses

Core courses
Certificate phaseCredits
Evidence based veterinary medicine in clinical practice10
Professional and clinical skills for advanced veterinary practice10
Standard diagnostic tests, chosen from a range of course optionsall 10
Masters phaseCredits
Dissertation60 - must be written within a 12-month period
Or
Fully taught degree60 via taught course electives
Masters phase

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.

To progress to the final level to attain the Masters, students must:

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

Option courses

Elective courses 

There is a large number of elective course topics to choose from, they have been grouped together by subject, but selections can be made across these groups.

Beyond the three core courses in the Certificate phase, you can select courses that meet your individual interests and professional needs. This may include courses from the selection below, or choices from other programmes within the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine.

Companion animals and exoticsCredits
Abdominal imaging10
Advances in small animal chronic enteropathy10
Antimicrobial stewardship in companion animal practice10
Approaches to gastrointestinal surgery in cats and dogs10
Canine endocrine disorders10
Feline medicine 110
Feline medicine 210
Feline medicine 310
Gastroenterology10
Hepatology10
Neurological emergencies in dogs and cats10
Non-surgical musculoskeletal disease10
Principles of exotic pet medicine10
Rabbit medicine20
Recent advances in internal medicine10
Renal and urinary10
Thoracic imaging10
Wound management and reconstructive surgery in dogs and cats10
Large animalsCredits
Bovine reproduction: beef and dairy10
Controlling infectious diseases in beef and dairy cattle10
Equine Behavioural Medicine20
Equine Behaviour, Welfare and Ethics20
Equine Digestion and Nutrition20
Equine Exercise Physiology20
Equine Orthopaedics20
Equine Reproduction20
Equitation Science20
Ewe survival10
Feeding for production10
Food production systems20
Lamb growth10
Lambing percentage10
Recent advances in production animal practice10
Udder health10
General topicsCredits
Chronic pain and advanced analgesic techniques10
Clinical animal behaviour20
Ethics for veterinary clinicians and researchers10
Non-technical skills for safer veterinary care10
Practical pathology and microbiology10
Veterinary ethics10

Electives may also be taken from across the School’s postgraduate portfolio. 

While these courses may not be listed specifically in the programme timetable, you will be able to highlight areas of interest, e.g. One Health, animal welfare, animal behaviour, veterinary anaesthesia, and incorporate these courses into a programme tailored to your interests. 

Individual courses

Postgraduate Professional Development (PGProfDev) is the study of individual courses from within a degree programme.

It is aimed at working professionals who want to upskill in a specific area but do not want to commit to a postgraduate qualification. 

You may take a maximum of 50 credits worth of courses from within this degree over two years. Credits can also be put towards further study, however, any time spent taking courses will be deducted from the amount of time you have left to complete the higher award. 

Individual courses available within this programme

Find courses for this programme

Find out what courses you can study on this programme and how each of them are taught and assessed.

The courses on offer may change from year to year, but the course information will give you an idea of what to expect on this programme.

Part-time intermittent study

We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Disclaimer

Elective courses listed are a selection of popular choices of students on this programme. 

Course availability is dependent on the number of students, and availability of places on non-programme owned courses. We cannot guarantee that all courses will be available to all students each year.

Teaching and assessment

Learning outcomes

This programme provides graduates with the scientific knowledge and practical skills to carry out the work of advanced veterinary practitioners.

On completion of this programme, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate they have acquired knowledge about advanced veterinary clinical research and developments
  • Demonstrate they have acquired specific veterinary skills applicable to an advanced practitioner
  • Understand and demonstrate how an evidence-based medicine approach can be applied in a range of practical situations
  • Interpret and communicate scientific results and information (in research and other forms of social debate) across other related scientific disciplines and to other stakeholders

Support for your studies

You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.

We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.  

How we support you

How online learning works

The University of Edinburgh has been delivering online postgraduate programmes since 2005, and is the largest provider of online programmes in the prestigious Russell Group of universities.

Online learning is aimed at people who want to study for a postgraduate qualification alongside personal and professional commitments. Most of our students continue in their employment while they study.

Expert tutors will support you through every stage of the programme and you can engage with fellow students in supportive and constructive online networks.

Courses are taught and completed entirely online. The varied teaching may include:

  • online lectures
  • tutorials
  • specialist external lectures
  • scientific group discussions
  • case studies
  • problem-based learning scenarios
  • literature-based research
  • computer-assisted learning
  • quizzes

Online students not only have access to Edinburgh's excellent resources, but also become part of a supportive online community, bringing together students and tutors from around the world.

Find out more about the benefits and practicalities of studying for an online degree.

Postgraduate online learning

Watch our video to see how online learning works.

Time commitment

This programme is designed to fit around your schedule. You can study in your own time and access all your learning resources, such as reading lists, discussion forms and slides from anywhere in the world.  

If there are live online sessions, you can watch a recording later in the virtual learning environment at a time convenient to you.    

Typically, you will need to dedicate around 20 hours per week to your programme, although managing this is up to you. This may also vary from course to course, and the time commitment may increase when assignments are due.

Equipment and software needs

To study this online programme, you will need access to:   

  • a computer or laptop  
  • the internet  
  • the latest version of a web browser  

As an online student, you will have access to a range of software you can download to help you complete your coursework, including Microsoft Office 365. 

IT support is available if you have technical difficulties.  

IT and computing help

Support for online students

Support for online students is given as much emphasis as for our on-campus learners. The learning technology is fully interactive and enables you to communicate with our highly qualified teaching staff from the comfort of your own home or workplace.

A dedicated e-Learning team ensures the programme runs smoothly and the programme is supported by an experienced team of academic and administrative staff. Each student is also provided with a Cohort Lead and Student Adviser.

Career opportunities

This online study portfolio offers an enjoyable and productive way to learn while gaining new, or augmenting existing, clinical skills. Skills and knowledge gained can support business performance, improve promotion prospects and employability. 

Some graduates go on to work towards achieving the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Advanced Practitioner Status. 

Some examples of graduate career paths include:

  • Enhanced promotion within the veterinary clinical practice sector
  • Entry point for academic clinical positions coming from the private practice sector
  • Veterinary-based industries, particularly feed and pharmaceutical manufacturers

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

RCVS Advanced Practitioner status 

European Diplomas 

Further study

After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.

Applying for research degrees

Moving on to a PhD (advice from the University's Careers Service)

Graduate profiles

The degree has put me on a better footing for my veterinary future and without your help I would never have finished it. So thank you to you and your wonderful team.

Angus Campbell - Advanced Clinical Practice graduate

I am thankful for the chance to study at the University of Edinburgh where I was able to learn from experienced lecturers and professors who equipped me with the ability to apply my knowledge (especially with new research and technologies) to clinical practice. 

I thoroughly enjoyed working with the Advanced Clinical Practice team, I could not have done it without their help and support!

Alissa Bally - Advanced Clinical Practice graduate

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. 

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. 

With the Careers Service, you can: 

  • access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions 

Visit the Careers Service website 

How to apply

You apply online for this programme. After you read the application guidance, select your preferred programme, then choose 'Start your application' to begin.

When to apply

Programme start date Application deadline
7 January 2026 9 December 2025
1 April 2026 1 February 2026
14 September 2026 21 August 2026
6 January 2027 6 December 2026
1 April 2027 2 March 2026

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible so that we have enough time to process your application. This is particularly important if you are also applying for funding. Applications may close earlier than published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand.

For an application to be reviewed, it must be a complete application by the application deadline with all supporting documentation uploaded, including references and transcripts.

If you already have evidence that you meet the English language entry requirements, such as via an approved English language test, please upload this evidence at the time of your application. If you have not already met your English language requirements, please upload that evidence as soon as you have it.

Please note that we accept applications for the PPD programme throughout the year.

Application fee

There is no fee to apply to this programme.

What you need to apply

As part of your online application, you will need to provide: 

You will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:

When you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.

You must submit one reference with your application.

Apply

Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for.

After you apply

Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.

Checking the status of your application

We will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.

Receiving our decision

What to do if you receive an offer:

Academic contact

Sharon Boyd

Programme Director

Contact details

Address

Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies
Easter Bush Campus
The University of Edinburgh
EH25 9RG

Related degree programmes

Other degrees in Veterinary Medicine

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