Postgraduate study

Postgraduate taught 

One Health & Infectious Disease MSc/PgDip/PgCert: Online distance learning

Watch our latest webinar to find out more about this programme.

This MSc programme in One Health & Infectious Disease seeks to explore an integrative approach to human, veterinary and ecological health, with a special focus on infectious disease. This programme recognises the importance of interdisciplinary collaborations to improve health for all. Economic considerations and policy making to translate One Health research into practice are also considered. Furthermore, the programme aims to raise awareness of cultural and societal factors that influence how One Health interventions are planned, developed, and evaluated.

  • Online distance learning
  • Academic contact: Christina Naula
  • Teaching start: September
  • Online
  • MSc: 36 months part‑time
  • PgDip: 24 months part‑time
  • PgCert: 12 months part‑time

Why this programme

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the global threat of infectious disease. Other global crises that amplify this threat are increasing antimicrobial resistance and climate change. These are predicted to increase the emergence, incidence and difficulty treating infectious diseases in the future. These, and many other interacting factors, are examined in our MSc programme in One Health & Infectious Disease to provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to the study of infectious diseases.

As an online learner, you will be able to experience outstanding, inclusive, and accessible education without the need for relocation.

  • Our online MSc One Health & Infectious Disease programme seeks to explore an integrative approach to human, veterinary and ecological health, recognising the importance of interdisciplinary collaborations and the interconnectedness of public health, environmental issues and veterinary and human medicine.
  • One Health is endorsed by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), as outlined in the Quadripartite One Health Joint Plan of Action (2022-26).
  • The University of Glasgow is renowned for its world-changing research and teaching in One Health. Examples include the world-leading research into eliminating rabies, the surveillance of anthrax in Africa, and ecological factors of Lyme disease in the Outer Hebrides. It is this ongoing research that inspires the innovative, multinational ideas running throughout our multidisciplinary programme.
  • By enrolling in the One Health & Infectious Disease programme at Glasgow, you’ll build an understanding of the interconnectedness of public health, medicine, veterinary medicine and ecology. You’ll find out about disease threats and how One Health approaches can be applied to surveillance, prevention and control of infectious diseases, including emerging/re-emerging infections.
  • Throughout the Master’s in One Health & Infectious Disease online programme, we also raise awareness of cultural and societal factors that influence how One Health approaches are translated into practice.
  • We welcome students from a wide range of backgrounds, including medical and veterinary professions, biosciences, environmental sciences and economics.
  • Fuelled by the latest research-led knowledge, this programme is perfect for busy professionals looking to diversify or expand into careers where understanding the bigger picture is key.

Video: One Health and Infectious Disease at University of Glasgow

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Why study online?

  • Visit our MSc in One Health & Infectious Disease taster course to experience our virtual learning environment and enjoy a short introduction to the subject.
  • Online learning at the University of Glasgow allows you to experience the outstanding education we are known for without the need for relocation.
  • Flexible learning can be done at any time to fit in with other commitments. Speak to us about flexible learning options.
  • Most communication is via discussion boards on our virtual learning environment, so you can reply at a time that suits you, fitting in with time zones and work commitments.
  • Our learning resources are presented asynchronously.
  • Occasionally, we organise live sessions. These are recorded in case you can’t make it.
  • Your learning can be accessed on your computer, laptop, tablet or phone via the internet. 
  • We provide software to assist you, such as Office 365.
  • Your MVLS Digital Education Team provides support with technology issues by email or video chat.   
  • Flexible payment options are available. You don't have to pay everything upfront.
  • Be part of a global community of learners.
  • You do not need to have experience of studying online, you will be guided on how to access and use all of our online resources.
  • Access Library e-resources remotely at any time. This includes an extensive catalogue of e-books and journals, searchable from the library homepage.

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Programme structure

This programme is online and flexible and is offered on a part-time basis only. This degree is structured to allow sequential progression via PG Certificate (PgCert), PG Diploma (PgDip) and MSc phases. It is also possible to undertake the PgCert or PgDip as exit qualifications. Provided you meet academic requirements, you can initially enrol on to the PgCert and progress on to the PgDip and/or the MSc. Taken on a part-time basis, the duration of this programme is 2.5 to 6 years depending on the credential obtained.

The first year of study will explore and examine the value of the One Health framework, introduce policy making in a One Health and global context and introduce zoonotic and emerging infectious diseases. During the second year, you will be able to choose courses in an area of special interest. The third year will allow you to gain in-depth knowledge in your area of special interest through a research or dissertation project.

The One Health & Infectious Disease programme comprises:

  • PgCert - Year 1: four 10 credit compulsory courses and one 20 credit compulsory course.
  • PgDip - Year 2: one 20 credit compulsory courses plus two 20 credit optional courses
  • MSc - Year 3: one 60 credit dissertation / project

Courses

Year 1

Year 2

One core course in semester one:

A choice of four optional courses in semester two:

A choice of two optional courses in the Summer:

Year 3

The programme is delivered fully online using a range of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, asynchronous discussion boards, tutorials, and team-based work.

You will have the flexibility to tailor the subject of many of your assessments and final dissertation to disciplines or specialisms that are relevant and of interest to you and/or your future career.

The online and part-time nature of this programme, and the flexibility this route offers, makes it ideally suited to individuals in full-time employment.

Although the programme is flexible, there is an expectation that students will contribute 20 hours weekly to discussion fora, activities, etc.

"Content covered in modules such as zoonotic disease, epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance has already begun to inform my approach to practicing veterinary medicine, and I am currently exploring how I might grow on the foundations provided by the course further." James Carrier, Online MSc One Health student

Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract.

Career prospects

This programme supports individuals to develop knowledge, skills and graduate attributes that will help them to prepare for specialised or leadership roles in academia, private industry, and international organisations, such as the WHO, WOAH or UNEP.

The programme provides a platform for students to move into the field of research, with the potential for individuals to continue studying towards a PhD in One Health and associated subjects such as zoonotic diseases, public health, antimicrobial resistance, and health economics.

We have a dedicated team in our careers service waiting to help you when you graduate. Learn more about our career's service. 

Graduates may also be employed by:

  • International organisations (such as the WHO, FAO, WOAH)
  • Local agencies
  • Government agencies (such as APHA or the public health sector)
  • Non-governmental organisations

Other career paths include science communication and education.

"It has been refreshing to think outside the confines of daily professional experiences. The academic focus has stimulated me to strengthen my critical thinking and reasoning, and the breadth of the study has changed and broadened my perspectives – I think this is very important." Judith Taggart, Online One Health student

Fees & funding

Tuition fees for 2027-28

MSc

UK / EU / International:

  • £15,000 (total cost)

You can pay in instalments of £1,667 per 20 credits

PgDip

UK / EU / International:

  • £10,000 (total cost)

You can pay in instalments of £1,667 per 20 credits

PgCert

UK / EU / International:

  • £5,000 (total cost)

You can pay in instalments of £1,667 per 20 credits.

Fees for students funded by the NHS or UK social care organisations or UK health and social care partnership (HSCP)

  • £12,063 (total cost for MSc)
  • £8,042 (total cost for PgDip)
  • £4,021 (total cost for PgCert)
  • £1,341 per 20 credits

Fee status

Additional fees

  • Fee for re-assessment of a dissertation (PGT programme): £370
  • Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed: £350
  • Registration/exam only fee: £170

Funding opportunities

UK Study Online Scholarship

The UK Study Online scholarship is open to UK, EU and international students taking online undergraduate and postgraduate courses. 

Please see UK Study Online for more details.

The scholarships above are relevant to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database


Entry requirements

2.2 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in Biomedical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Ecosystem Health, Environmental Sciences, Life Sciences, Medicine, Public Health, Veterinary Biosciences, or Veterinary Medicine.

We may also accept degrees in other disciplines.

We may also accept applicants with significant relevant work experience in addition to lower qualifications. Where this is the case, please provide a CV and personal statement.

English language requirements

 

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office using our enquiry form

For applicants from non-majority English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

Accepted English Language Tests

We accept a wide range of English language tests for entry to this programme. Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date, and requirements must be met using a single test.  

IELTS Academic/IELTS Academic for UKVI/ IELTS Academic online

  • 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0 
  • IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
  • We do not accept General Training

TOEFL iBT (including MyBest and Home Edition)

Test taken up to 20 January 2026

  • 90 overall with no subtest less than Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21 

Tests taken from 21 January 2026

  • 92 overall with no subtest less than 4.5

PTE Academic (test centre only)

  • 65 overall with no subtest less than Reading 60; Listening 60; Speaking 65; Writing 60
  • We do not accept the online PTE Academic

Cambridge C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency

  • 176 overall with no subtest less than 169

Oxford ELLT

  • 7 overall with no subtest less than 6

LanguageCert Academic/Academic SELT/ Academic Online

  • 70 overall with no subtest less than 65

Password Skills Plus

  • 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0

Trinity College Integrated Skills in English II

  • 96 overall with no subtest less than 90

Kaplan Test of English

  • Any two subtests at 480 or higher, and any two subtests at 450 or higher

PSI Skills for English

  • B2 Pass with Merit

Duolingo English Test

  • 120 overall with writing at 120 and no subtest less than 110

Oxford Test of English Advanced

  • 140 Overall with any two subtests at 126 or higher, and any two subtests at 136 or higher

Alternatives to English Language test

Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)

  • students must have studied for a minimum of their final year at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within 6 years of programme start.

TNE degree from UK university taught at a campus outside of the UK

  • students must be awarded the degree by the UK university and must have completed the degree within 6 years of programme start.

Pre-sessional courses

The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study and remain valid for 2 years following date of successful completion.

Our courses give you: 

  • direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS); 
  • essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University; 
  • flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.

For more detail on our pre-sessional courses please see: https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/mlc/eas/pre-sessionalcourses/

We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:

  • Heriot Watt
  • Kingston Upon Thames
  • Middlesex University
  • Manchester University
  • Reading University
  • Edinburgh University
  • St Andrews University
  • UCL
  • Durham 

Computer requirements for studying online

Broadband internet connection

  • 3 mbps or higher

Internet Browsers

Our online learning platform Moodle is compatible with any standards compliant web browser. This includes:

Desktop:

  • Chrome
  • Firefox
  • Safari
  • Edge
  • Internet Explorer

Mobile:

  • MobileSafari
  • Google Chrome

For the best experience and optimum security, we recommend that you keep your browser up to date. 

Javascript needs to be enabled within your browser

Please note: legacy browsers with known compatibility issues with Moodle 3.3 are:

  • Internet Explorer 10 and below
  • Safari 7 and below

Computer specifications

  • Processor: 2GHz
  • Operating system (minimum):
    • Microsoft Windows Vista service pack 1
    • Windows 7
    • Mac OS X v10.4.11+
  • Memory: 3GB of RAM or more
  • Hard disk: 300GB
  • Sound card and microphone
  • Speakers or headphones
  • Monitor and video card with 1024x768 display or higher

Mobile device specifications

  • iOS: latest (Apple Safari & Google Chrome)
  • Android: 4.4+ with latest Google Chrome

Other software

  • Adobe Acrobat Reader
  • Media player e.g. Windows Media Player or VLC
  • Word processing software (that outputs to the following file types for marking online: .doc, .docx, .html, .txt, .rft, .pdf, .ppt, .pptx, .pps, .hwp)
  • Anti-virus software

Advised hardware / software

  • Microsoft Office 2010
  • Headset (ideally with a USB connector)
  • Webcam

How to apply

To apply for a postgraduate taught degree you must apply online. We cannot accept applications any other way.

Please check you meet the Entry requirements for this programme before you begin your application.

Documents

As part of your online application, you also need to submit the following supporting documents:

  • A copy (or copies) of your official degree certificate(s) (if you have already completed your degree)
  • A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained
  • Official English translations of the certificate(s) and transcript(s)
  • Evidence of your English language ability (if your first language is not English)
  • Any additional documents required for this programme (see Entry requirements for this programme)
  • A copy of the photo page of your passport

You have 42 days to submit your application once you begin the process.

You may save and return to your application as many times as you wish to update information, complete sections or upload supporting documents such as your final transcript or your language test.

For more information about submitting documents or other topics related to applying to a postgraduate taught programme, see how to apply for a postgraduate taught degree

Guidance notes for using the online application

These notes are intended to help you complete the online application form accurately; they are also available within the help section of the online application form. 

If you experience any difficulties accessing the online application, see Application System Help.

  • Name and Date of birth: must appear exactly as they do on your passport. Please take time to check the spelling and lay-out.
  • Contact Details: Correspondence address. All contact relevant to your application will be sent to this address including the offer letter(s). If your address changes, please contact us as soon as possible.
  • Choice of course: Please select carefully the course you want to study. As your application will be sent to the admissions committee for each course you select it is important to consider at this stage why you are interested in the course and that it is reflected in your application.
  • Proposed date of entry: Please state your preferred start date including the month and the year. Taught masters degrees tend to begin in September. Research degrees may start in any month.
  • Education and Qualifications: Please complete this section as fully as possible indicating any relevant Higher Education qualifications starting with the most recent. Complete the name of the Institution (s) as it appears on the degree certificate or transcript.
  • English Language Proficiency: Please state the date of any English language test taken (or to be taken) and the award date (or expected award date if known).
  • Employment and Experience: Please complete this section as fully as possible with all employments relevant to your course. Additional details may be attached in your personal statement/proposal where appropriate.

Application deadlines

For entry in September 2027

  • Applications for this online programme will be accepted up until it starts.
Apply now

More information about this programme

Watch our webinar:

uofg online