MRes Zoonoses and Epidemiology of Animal Infectious Diseases

This research-focused distance learning course immerses students into actively contributing to scientific research that is trying to solve pressing world problems. Use the tab below to apply for this course. ***This programme is now closed for applications for 2025-26 entry.***

Location: Inverness
Study mode:
Subject area: Animal and Biological Sciences, Veterinary
Start date: September 2025
Agency code: MR01

Course overview

This Master of Research (MRes) course focuses on developing research in epidemiology of animal diseases and the transmission of zoonoses. The course is delivered through a global and Planetary Health context, illustrating the role of epidemiological sciences in addressing real world problems.

The course is designed for students to be able to develop their own skills and expertise, providing an opportunity to undertake two unique independent research projects. You will be supervised by internationally renowned experts in their field and immersed into a research team, making a real contribution to the advancement of knowledge in zoonotic diseases, infectious disease epidemiology and control.

The course is split across three semesters with the first focusing on the development of knowledge and skills essential to undertake bespoke research projects. In semesters 2 and 3 you will have the opportunity to undertake research projects in your own areas of interest.

The distance learning approach means that you can learn at your own pace, allowing flexibility for those who would like to combine study and work. Lectures are delivered during the day and are recorded, so students can watch on demand. However, some online content needs attendance at a specific time during the day, therefore the course requires some flexibility.

There are multiple opportunities to engage in online activities to develop skills and learn techniques in cutting edge analyses as applied to understanding the epidemiology of disease.

Occasional immersive study sessions at either the SRUC's Aberdeen or Inverness campuses will be offered, and you can also access the campus laboratories and facilities for your research project work.

The course can be studied full time over the course of 1 year or part time over 2-3 years. The degree is awarded by the University of Glasgow.

Virtual Experience

Take a look around the SRUC Virtual Experience for lots of great student videos and examples of what it’s like to study our courses, along with campus and facility tours.

SRUC holds open days regularly. Visit our listings page for details of our up-coming events.

Entry Requirements

Students are expected to have at least one of the following:

a second class (or above) degree or equivalent in life sciences, medicine, and veterinary medicine
an HND or equivalent with at least three years’ experience working in a relevant area
intercalation of fourth year veterinary students working at 2:1 or above from SRUC and other institutes

International students will require equivalent qualifications plus English language at IELTS 7.0.

What you'll learn

The course provides a solid training in modern epidemiology and the cutting-edge techniques used in disease surveillance, the transmission and movement of disease, as well as managing effective control of infectious organisms.

This is a research immersive course where you can advance your skills and knowledge in areas such as disease modelling, spatial mapping of disease risk, molecular epidemiology and pathogen evolution, and the application of social sciences in management of disease.

You will undertake three core modules in the first semester and two projects in semester 2 and 3 where you will have the opportunity to develop your own areas of expertise and interests.

Modules:

: This module aims to contextualise infectious diseases in a Planetary Health framework providing a foundation into the fundamental biology of disease transmission and the factors that affect it. Modules aims to provide students with the knowledge of the variety of major pathogenic organisms including viruses, bacteria and parasites as well as developing an understanding of the detailed interactions of pathogens and their hosts from the molecular to the population level. This module also aims to enhance skills and knowledge of the
techniques used to identify and control pathogenic organisms.

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: This Quantitative Epidemiology module aims to introduce and provide hands on practice of modelling and data handling in epidemiology. This module will provide students with an understanding of the difference types of models, basic statistical distributions, and different statistical tests available to address real world epidemiological problems. Throughout this module students will have the opportunity to develop and apply these skills in examples of research. This
module aims to provide knowledge of the fundamental analytical and research skills essential for modern epidemiology.

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: The aims of this module are to develop an understanding of core epidemiological concepts and their implications in the context of zoonotic disease, animal health, health management, and public health.

Students will learn to use these concepts to develop and plan epidemiological investigations to understand their relevance for the prevention, control, and eradication of transmissible diseases.

This module will also aim to develop students’ skills to interpret and critically assess epidemiological studies, publications, and reports, and to scientifically communicate relevant epidemiological findings to targeted audiences.

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: This module aims to provide students with the opportunity to undertake an original piece of independent research work, by applying and further enhancing their skills and knowledge acquired from other parts of the course. Understanding of key epidemiological concepts will be deepened as students will be immersed into research tackling real world problems.

The module aims to develop skills through first experiences of practical aspects of research, adherence to and modification where appropriate of relevant research protocols, the management and analyses of data, and the correct and appropriate presentation of research findings, as well as effective communication of such findings. Students will be required to write a traditional thesis based on their research and will defend their research through viva, further developing oral and written skills.

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: This module is intended not only to provide opportunity to develop and enhance independent research skills and expertise but also for students to be able to acquire skills that professional scientists and researchers are expected to possess. It builds on the skills developed in project 1 and aimed to deepen the students’ scientific writing, grant writing, presentation, and professional communication skills. The project offers the student the opportunity to work and suggest solutions to a real-world epidemiological problem which could also contribute to scientific knowledge.

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