Applied Poultry Science MSc, PgDip, PgCert, PGProfDev (Online Learning) The University of Edinburgh

This programme offers a unique, research-led opportunity to study the different aspects of applied poultry science and aims to equip current and future professionals with skills, knowledge and understanding to address local and global challenges in sustainable poultry production. It is designed to suit those in continuing employment or with other commitments.

Participants typically come from a wide range of backgrounds who wish to develop their careers and businesses, including:

• nutritionists
• breeders
• vets
• other poultry sector workers

Online learning

Our online, intermittent programme of study has two elements:

• taught
• research project/dissertation

Online, flexible learning

The programme is delivered in an online environment that provides a dynamic and collaborative learning experience. Expert tutors will support you through every stage of the programme and you can engage with fellow students in supportive and constructive online networks. The flexible learning environment means you learn at the times and locations that suit you best, making this programme suitable for high-calibre, busy professionals who want to update and extend their knowledge of poultry science.

How will I learn?

The programme is developed and delivered by specialists from SRUC, the University of Edinburgh, and St David’s Poultry Team (veterinary surgeons), with guest lecturers where appropriate and will draw upon the extensive staff expertise at the University of Edinburgh and at other Institutions internationally. A blend of online learning methods is used, such as discussion forums and live tutorials, to create a dynamic and collaborative learning experience. You will become part of an online community bringing together students and tutors from all over the world.

Assessment and progression

Assessment of progress is achieved by:

• presentations, essays
• critical reviews of the literature
• short answer questions
• scientific posters
• group wiki events

In addition to the core learning in Applied Poultry Science, the programme will allow you to enhance your interpersonal, self-management, IT, team working and project management skills.

The University of Edinburgh is currently ranked 15th in the World in the QS World University Rankings 2023.

Our graduates work in many different poultry-related organisations across the globe such as:

• research establishments
• education
• industry
• government organisations
• welfare organisations

Some set up their own poultry businesses.

Often our students are already employed in the:

• agricultural sciences
• biological science
• veterinary medicine
• agriculture
• rural industries
• government
• International organisations
• poultry science, as research technicians

Completion of the programme has enhanced their career opportunities.

Programme structure

The MSc programme can be completed over three years, or up to 6 years if done intermittently. Each academic year consists of three teaching blocks, each running over a period of 11 weeks.

Year 1

In Year 1, you will complete three compulsory 20-credit courses:

• Poultry Housing & Environment
• Poultry Anatomy & Health
• Poultry Feed, Nutrition & Digestion

Students successfully completing Year 1 and exiting the programme will be awarded a PG Certificate (60 credits).

Year 2

In Year 2, 40 credits are compulsory and 20 are electives.

Compulsory courses:

• Poultry Behaviour & Welfare in Commercial Systems (20 credits)
• Poultry Embryology & Incubation (10 credits)
• Poultry Breeding & Genetics (10 credits)

Elective (option) courses:

• Research Methods & Data Analysis (APS) (10 credits) – compulsory for progression to year 3
• Poultry Business Management (10 credits)
• Leadership Skills (10 credits)
• Other electives from suitable courses (10 or 20 credits)

Students successfully completing Years 1 and 2 and exiting the programme will be awarded a PG Diploma (120 credits).

Year 3

Year 3 is Dissertation Year (September-June). Year 3 will consist of the final dissertation to attain the award of an MSc Degree in Applied Poultry Science.

Postgraduate Professional Development

Postgraduate Professional Development (PPD) is aimed at working professionals who want to advance their knowledge through a postgraduate-level course(s), without the time or financial commitment of a full Master, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate.

You may take a maximum of 50 credits worth of courses over two years through our PPD scheme. These lead to a University of Edinburgh postgraduate award of academic credit. Alternatively, after one year of taking courses, you can choose to transfer your credits and continue on to study towards a higher award on a Master, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme. Although PPD courses have various start dates throughout the year you may only start a Master, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme in the month of September. Any time spent studying PPD will be deducted from the amount of time you will have left to complete a Master, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme.