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. Its estimated 70% of new or emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic in origin. So its 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 RVCs 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, youll 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.

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, youll 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.