In a world where global transport links allow rapid movement of people and animals, disease can spread more quickly than ever before – making it harder to control. It’s estimated 70% of new or emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic in origin. So it’s a critical need to unravel the complex interplay between animal and human health, rather than studying either in isolation.

Running for over twenty years, this is a joint programme by LSHTM and the Royal Veterinary College (RVC). It combines LSHTM's strengths in epidemiological principles and communicable disease epidemiology, with the RVC’s expertise in veterinary epidemiology, disease control and surveillance, economics of one health, and spatial analysis.

The course is also supported by policymakers actively engaged in shaping UK animal health policy. Several of these experts are guest lecturers, bringing frontline epidemiology into the classroom.

Our focus on animal and human epidemiology will help you effectively address the intricate connections between animal and human health. By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped to tackle animal and public health challenges on a local, regional, and global scale.

What you will learn

• Understand the role of epidemiology in animal and human populations and the contribution of epidemiology to other disciplines, in a one health approach
• Design and evaluate health surveillance, quantitative and qualitative risk assessments, and disease control programmes within animal populations
• Learn how to design research studies capable of addressing a diverse range of research questions
• Manage and analyse epidemiological data
• Assess results of studies including critical appraisal of question, design, methods and conduct, quantitative analysis and interpretation

You will receive training in methodological skills for carrying out epidemiological studies and analysing data, while learning skills in surveillance and disease control in animal and human populations. Our optional modules then give you the chance to study spatial analysis or economics of one health.

Students always tell us one of the highlights of this course is the inter-disciplinary nature of teaching at both institutions, with most modules attended by students from several different programmes. This encourages you to approach problems from different angles, which leads to better decision-making and solutions.

RVC is home to the Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health Group (VEEPH). Researchers within this group are involved in projects across Europe, Asia, Africa and South America, working with organisations such as Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO), World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI).

As part of the programme, you’ll also complete a three-month research project, applying what you have learnt. Many of these student projects originate from the cutting-edge epidemiological research conducted by the VEEPH group. Previous projects include spatial modelling of Lassa Fever spillover risk in West Africa, a survey of respiratory health and management of Australian horses and economic consequences of Johne’s disease infections in UK dairy cattle.

Who is it for?

A shortage of trained veterinary epidemiologists means there are excellent career opportunities for graduates. You do not need a veterinary background to join us. If you see yourself as a problem-solver and critical thinker, you’ll be a good match for this course. We also welcome intercalating students who want to expand their expertise in this area.

One of the great things about this degree is that you will have flexibility when it comes to your future as the dual animal-human health focus of this programme means you will be equipped to enter either sphere.

Some of our students choose to continue their studies, completing PhDs and moving on to post-doc work. We also have many alumni working for national and international health organisations, designing and implementing disease control and surveillance measures, and shaping health policy at local and global levels.

Graduate destinations

Graduates from this programme hold positions in a variety of organisations including: Ministries of Agriculture & Food; Veterinary Investigation Laboratories; Animal Disease Research Institutes; Animal Health Trusts; Veterinary Faculties in Universities and International Organisations concerned with global health (DFID, FAO, WHO, OIE, etc). Find out more about our graduate careers and destinations.

Duration

One year full-time or split-study over two years. Ways to study explained.

Intercalating study

Find out about intercalating this programme.