External summary

This online International Animal Welfare, Ethics and Law programme at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies is not only the first to be mounted within an international centre of veterinary excellence, but also one of the first to be offered as an online distance learning programme.  The R(D)SVS recognises that not everyone is in a position to undertake a full-time residential MSc programme and consequently this distance learning programme has been developed for high calibre candidates interested in flexible career enhancing education.  Online and part-time, the programme is ideal for people who wish to gain a world-class award while maintaining busy professional and personal commitments.  The programme is jointly delivered by recognised experts in the various subject areas from the University of Edinburgh, predominantly staff from the Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education and Scotland’s Rural College (SRuC). Consequently, students become part of an online community that will bring together students and tutors from all over the world.  This flexible postgraduate programme is designed to address the demand for online animal welfare education suitable for working professionals and others with an interest in studying a range of animal welfare disciplines.

Educational aims of programme

The aim of this postgraduate taught programme is to provide scientific knowledge relating to aspects of animal welfare science that include the following:  animal ethics, policy and law, captive and free ranging wild animal welfare, companion and production animal welfare, animal welfare in research testing and education and clinical animal behaviour, thus demonstrating how a scientific approach can be applied at a practical level with resultant benefits in animal welfare.  The programme also aims to help students develop interpersonal and problem solving skills.  The purpose of this programme is therefore to:

• To enhance knowledge and understanding of animal welfare, ethics and law so as to address welfare concerns from a global perspective – and develop awareness of the importance of the application of science-based evidence for advancing animal welfare.
• Specifically the programme will provide students with an understanding of animal welfare that can be applied in veterinary practice, animal research, animal management and care, animal production, welfare inspection, welfare assessment and preparation of animal based legislation.
• To provide a first class learning experience, leading to the development of proactive, independent, reflective and life-long learners

Programme outcomes: Knowledge and understanding

This postgraduate taught course provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate scientific knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas:

• In-depth and extensive knowledge, understanding and skills at Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma or Masters level within the field of animal welfare, ethics and law.
• A contextual understanding of past and present knowledge and ideas within animal welfare, ethics and law;
• An intellectual curiosity and a willingness to question accepted wisdom and to be open to new ideas within the field of animal ethics and welfare.

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in research and enquiry

• An ability to appreciate the significance of and participate in the critical analysis of new knowledge and understanding acquired through research and inquiry;
• A capacity for independent, conceptual and creative thinking;
• A capacity for problem identification, and an appreciation of the use of scientific methodology in the collection of evidence, synthesis and dispassionate analysis.

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in personal and intellectual autonomy

• An awareness and appreciation of ethical and moral frameworks, and issues;
• An awareness of academic integrity;
• An awareness and appreciation of social and cultural diversity;
• An understanding of personal responsibilities, and of the rights of individuals and groups;
• An ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• An ability to produce good work in a timely manner.

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in communication

• A capacity for attentive exchange, informed and respectful argument and reasoning;
• An ability to communicate effectively for different purposes and in different contexts;
• An ability to utilise different IT packages for communicating effectively across long distances;
• A diverse set of transferable and generic skills.

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in personal effectiveness

• An openness to, and an interest in, life-long learning through directed and self-directed study;
• An awareness of personal strengths and weaknesses;
• A capacity for self-reflection, self-discovery and personal development;
• An ability to interact positively with different people from different backgrounds.

Programme outcomes: Technical/practical skills

• An ability and openness to the use of computer based technology in learning.
• An awareness of new developments in assessing animal welfare.
• Development of technical skills in relation to specific project needs at Masters level.

Programme structure and features

SQCF credit points and levels

The programme is delivered at SCQF level 11.  The programme consists of 180 credits; 120 credits for the taught element and 60 credits for the dissertation element.  The taught element consists of 6, 20-credit courses (see below).  On the successful completion of 60 credits (as per the University of Edinburgh Assessment regulations), students can depart with a certificate in International Animal Welfare, Ethics and Law, and on completion of 120 credits they can depart with a Diploma in International Animal Welfare, Ethics and Law. On successful completion of the full 180 credits students will be awarded a Masters in International Animal Welfare, Ethics and Law.

Progression

In order to progress from the certificate element to the diploma, students have to:

• Achieve 40 credits, with a minimum mark of 40 % for at least 40 credits and a final average mark for the year across all courses of 40% or above.

In order to progress from the Diploma to the Masters, students have to:

• Pass at least 80 credits with a mark of at least 50 % in each of the courses which make up these credits and no mark <40% for any course

• Minimum average mark of 50% for the 120 credits

There are no re-sit examinations at Master’s level at the University of Edinburgh.

Timetable and Course details

The programme is delivered part-time by Online Distance Learning (OLDL), over a minimum period of one years and a maximum period of six years (depending on the degree qualification students undertake). Students may undertake the programme by Intermittent Study (flexible progression route), accruing credits within a maximum time limit of six years for the MSc which will include a maximum period of 12 months from the start of their dissertation to it being completed.  For students wishing to study for the Diploma, the maximum time period for this is 4 years and for those undertaking the Certificate, the maximum time period for this is 2 years.

In summary, times for completion are as follows:

MSc: 36 -72 months

PGDip: 24-48 months

PGCert: 12-24 months

Each academic year will consist of three 11-week terms structured into 2 blocks of 5 weeks of study with a week in between for independent study and reflection.  One block of 5 weeks will equate to 10 credits of course material. This framework is designed to fit in with the part-time nature of the programme, giving the student time to reflect on their learning and lessening the impact of the additional requirements that studying will place on the students’ working lives. This timetable is consistent with other programmes within University.

Courses for the taught element – 120 credits

• International Animal Welfare Science - CORE AWAB11020 (20 credits))
• Animal Ethics Policy and Law – CORE AWAB11022 (20 credits)
• Animal Welfare in Research, Testing and Education – AWAB11023 (20 credits)    
• Clinical Animal Behaviour - AWAB11031 (20 credits)

• Equine Behaviour and Welfare EQSC11030 (20 credits)
• Captive and Free Ranging Wild Animal Welfare – AWAB11021 (20 credits)
• Companion Animal Welfare – AWAB11025 (20 credits)
• Production Animal Welfare – AWAB11024 (20 credits)

Masters Dissertation AWAB11030– 60 credits

During the dissertation element of the MSc programme, students will have the opportunity to further develop their research skills and utilise scientific and/or ethical theory, in a less structured environment.  The dissertation is a written assignment of 8-10,000 words. This will allow the candidate to analyse and present relevant research data that they have already collected during the course of their own work. The dissertation project is designed to further develop the student’s understanding of the processes and planning involved in undertaking research and to develop their analytical written communication skills. 

The candidate may wish to undertake a desk study to explore and develop a theme of relevance to their current working environment, or in an area of interest that has arisen during their period of study on the MSc. This feature will require a high level of commitment and application from the candidate and provides a valuable exercise in the writing and presentation of information to a standard that engages appropriately with academic conventions in relation to style, tone, structuring and referencing.

Students can choose to carry out an empirical study, ethical analysis, legal analysis or strategic policy planning exercise. We encourage work-based dissertations to allow, for example, veterinarians in practice to carry out case-study based dissertations or employees of NGOs to carry out strategy review dissertations. More information on these options will be available during the year. Supervision for this element of the MSc will be provided by existing research staff and subject experts currently employed by the University of Edinburgh, SRuC or associated institutions. Candidates will also be encouraged, where appropriate, to work closely with senior staff at their home institutions

Modes of Study

Interactive teaching methods will be employed by experienced educators and researchers. Emphasis is on problem based learning in addition to the more traditional teaching methods and will include:

• On-line lecture notes
• On-line tutorials
• Specialist on-line external lectures/seminars
• Scientific on-line group discussions
• Case studies
• Problem-based learning scenarios
• Literature based research
• Computer-assisted learning
• Dissertation

Assessments

Assessments are creative and include both critical analysis of scientific works and encouragement of ideas. Assessment examples range from report writing to website design.

• Written reviews of literature/critiques of scientific articles

• Continual assessment; problem solving

• Blogs

• Live presentations in groups or individual

• Coursework including; report writing, poster preparation, ethical review and web design

• Submission of a dissertation

• Video tasks

Students also have access to the on-line courses that are available for all Postgraduate students.

Student Support

• Induction period for orientation and introduction to study skills

• Student handbook

• Access to list of courses and their descriptors/learning outcomes

• Library induction

• Extensive library and other learning resources and facilities

• Open personal access to programme tutor and personal tutors for advice on academic and pastoral issues

• Student e-mail

• Access to Student Welfare Service

• The University provides assistance and guidance, eg dyslexia, physical disability

Teaching and learning methods and strategies

Teaching and learning

Interactive teaching methods will be employed by experienced educators and researchers. Emphasis is on problem based learning in addition to the more traditional teaching methods and will include:

• On-line lecture notes
• On-line tutorials
• Specialist on-line external lectures/seminars
• Scientific on-line group discussions
• Case studies
• Problem-based learning scenarios
• Literature based research
• Computer-assisted learning
• Dissertation

Emphasis is also placed on student-tutor and student-student interactive communication using and combination of asynchronous and synchronous communication methods.

Mechanisms for review and evaluation of teaching, learning, assessment, the curriculum and outcome standards:

• Student feedback questionnaires
• Course evaluation and review, presented to Board of Study
• Annual programme review prepared by programme director and considered by programme teaching committee
• External examiner reports
• Staff appraisal
• Staff development
• Training of new online tutors

Committees responsible for monitoring and evaluating quality and standards:

• Senatus Quality Assurance Committee
• College PGT Learning and Teaching Committee
• School Postgraduate Studies Committee
• College Quality Assurance Executive
• College PG Taught Committee
• Teaching Programme Review Teams
• Boards of Study
• Programme Teaching Committees

Mechanisms for gaining student feedback on the quality of teaching and their learning experience:

• Course evaluation questionnaires.
• Annual programme review, views sought from each year-group.
• Staff-Student liaison meetings
• Personal tutor meetings

Regulation of assessment

• Assessment rules are as provided in the programme handbook.

Indicators of quality and standards

• SHEFC Teaching Quality Assessment (1996/97) deemed the College’s overall provision ‘excellent’

Staff development priorities include:

• Identified through staff appraisal scheme.

Online Support and Facilities

Online learning students are often balancing study around existing commitments and can be located anywhere around the world. At Edinburgh, we endeavor to provide flexible, tailored and, where possible, asynchronous support provisions for all our online learning students.

Some of the support provisions available to you as an online learning student include:

• 24/7 Helpline services and technical support
• Access to extensive journal archives and library catalogues, fully accessible online
• English Language Support, e.g. ELTC resources and proof-reading services
• Academic and Personal Development resources, e.g. online, self-paced tutorials
• Remote, email-based counseling sessions delivered through the Counseling Service and Personal Tutor
• Potential for online access to the Student Disability Service, e.g. possibility to arrange Skype or email discussions regarding support related to your disability or dyslexia

As an online learning student, you are not expected to visit the University campus. As a result, our support services are constantly developing to provide fully-online student provisions to support you during your studies.

Assessment methods and strategies

Regulation of assessment

• Assessment rules and MSc classification details are as provided in the MSc programme handbook.

Indicators of quality and standards

• SHEFC Teaching Quality Assessment (1996/97) deemed the College’s overall provision ‘excellent’

Assessments

There are no formal examinations for this programme; all assessments are in-course assignments.

Assessments are creative and include both critical analysis of scientific works and encouragement of ideas. Assessment examples range from report writing to website design.

• Written reviews of literature/critiques of scientific articles
• Continual assessment; problem solving
• Blogs
• Live presentations in groups or individual
• Coursework including; report writing, poster preparation, ethical review and web design
• Submission of a dissertation
• Video tasks

Students also have access to the on-line courses that are available for all Postgraduate students.

Examination Boards

Examination Board meetings take place once a year, normally in August.  An External Examiner is appointed for every MSc programme to moderate and adjudicate marking.

Feedback on assessments

All assignments will be marked and feedback provided within a period of four weeks following submission (excluding holidays periods whereby the University of closed, e.g. over the Christmas period). 

Feedback is defined as information to students which can enable them to review what they know, understand and can do in their studies, and to identify areas for improvement.  Opportunities for feedback arise within timetables courses (e.g. during tutorials and on the discussion boards) as well as more informally (through emails and discussion boards). 

Feedback will be provided not only on coursework assignments, but also on activities that are not formally assessed such as class discussions on the discussion boards, group exercises, problem-solving and developing project plans and proposals. This feedback maybe class or individual and will be provided 2 weeks prior to submission of formally assessed assignments.  

Career opportunities

Student Career Opportunities

Career opportunities for graduates with training in animal welfare exist within:

Research Establishments:  Universities, Research Institutions; PhD

Education:  Universities, Colleges

Industry:  Production animal industries, Laboratory environments, Behavioural consultation, Veterinary associated industry, Zoological associations, Legal consultation

Government & Non-Government Organisations:  ADAS, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), Food & Agricultural Organisation of the UN (FAO), The World Animal Health Organisation (OIE), Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), World Horse Welfare (WHW), International Federation for Animal Welfare (IFAW).

Other items

Graduations

All students intending to graduate must register by completing an online graduation registration form. The form should be submitted as soon as possible, but no later than 3 weeks before your ceremony. Any form submitted after this deadline will not be processed and graduation will be deferred until the next appropriate set of ceremonies. A registration fee of £40 is payable on first graduation from The University of Edinburgh in respect of life membership of the General Council, the statutory body comprising all of the University’s graduates. Students will be required to pay this fee at the same time as they register to graduate (those graduating with a PG Certificate or PG Diploma do not need to pay this). Students who, for any reason, do not wish to attend a ceremony (graduate in absentia) may do so but must still complete an online graduation registration form in order to receive their award certificate.  We do offer graduation in Second Life to allow students to attend a ceremony from where ever they are in the world; the programme team will have further information regarding this.

Please be aware that if it is your intention to graduate at the above ceremony, any outstanding debts to the University must be paid to the Finance Office 21 days prior to the Graduation Ceremony.

Further information on Graduations can be found at: http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/registry/graduation