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Postgraduate Diploma in Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health (Distance Learning)
Interview with Joseph Montebello
Joseph completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health (Distance Learning) and recently headed to the Royal Festival Hall to officially graduate. He tells his story of the journey from finding the course to completing it.
Why did you choose these studies?
I graduated with a 2:1 BSc (Hons) in Veterinary Biosciences and had a keen interest in zoonotic disease that I had developed during my undergraduate studies. I was also interested in using statistical modelling to show the likely outcome of an epidemic and help
inform public health interventions. The RVC is a globally-recognised academic institution and I came across Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health studies on the RVC website. The course overview offered exactly what I was looking for in a postgraduate qualification.
How well did studying by distance work for you?
Distance-learning was my preferred method because it enabled me to continue full-time employment to support myself financially and save enough money to contribute towards my course fees.
Although I had to devote many an evening and weekend to my studies, the course is flexible in that I was in control of when and where I studied.
I decided the workload I could take on when selecting which modules to take for the year and had great flexibility over which tutor-marked assessments I could complete.
I received great support from the Distance-Learning Office at the RVC.
The staff were incredibly knowledgeable and efficient and would always either assist me directly or put me in touch
with people who could help. Feedback received from course tutors following tutor-marked assessments and examinations was comprehensive and constructive. It allowed me to focus on my weaker areas and develop my strengths.
How applicable did you find the course to your current role and future career options?
I took this postgraduate course
because I had not been successful in finding relevant employment with my undergraduate qualifications. I was very interested in a career in the scientific field and, through taking this course, many other employment avenues in government, public health, academia and industry were opened up for me. I must admit that I did not fully realise the diversity of potential job roles available to me through taking this course at the time.
I was able to access the Careers Advice Service at the RVC, who gave me advice and guidance on seeking employment and how to develop my CV, job applications and prepare for interviews.
I am now currently working in Clinical Trials, where I work on developing protocols, statistical analysis plans, research ethics and regulatory approvals and liaison with government bodies. I whole-heartedly
feel that the Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health course equipped me with the skills, knowledge and experience to secure this position and excel very quickly!
Would you recommend this path to other professionals?
I would recommend this path to other established professionals in their field, as the course is so diverse and has so many aspects. This would allow you to really specialise in a certain area of interest, or develop specific skills required for you to take the next rung up the career ladder.
However, it is also a course I would recommend to people like myself,
who may have relevant undergraduate qualifications and an appropriate interest in this area but need additional education and qualifications to secure their dream career path. As well as specialising, this course allows you
to get a broad, but comprehensive overview, of veterinary epidemiology and global public health issues.
The only limit to the amount that you can learn and develop yourself is the time and effort that you put into the course.
If you would like more information about the modules available, entrance requirements, deadlines and fees, please refer to our website: www.rvc.ac.uk/vetepi-ph or email us at development@rvc.ac.uk.
Don’t forget, RVC alumni are offered a 20% discount!
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