Dairy Herd Health

This course draws on the experience gained by the UCD Dairy Herd Health Group in investigating many herd problems throughout Ireland. The programme will consist of modules in herd health skills, dairy herd fertility, nutrition and production disease, milk quality and mastitis, calf health and heifer rearing, and bio-secure/infectious diseases. The programme is designed for Irish conditions and production systems, and how Irish veterinarians deal with issues. It is expected that students will attend a number of face to face teaching days in Lyons research farm.



Applicants must possess a degree in Veterinary medicine that is registerable with the Veterinary Council of Ireland (www.vci.ie).

Applicants must have access to dairy farms and dairy farm data to complete relevant coursework such as farm reports.

Applicants should have at least three years of relevant veterinary practice experience.

Applicants must demonstrate a significant interest in dairy cattle practice.



Grad Cert Dairy Herd Health consists of modules in herd health skills, dairy herd fertility, nutrition and production disease, milk quality and mastitis, calf health and heifer rearing, and bio-secure/infectious diseases



distance programme that is delivered on-line through the use of problem-based learning with current herd problems providing the necessary material.

innovative online-learning activities coupled with hands on teaching of herd based clinical skills at the UCD Lyons Farm or the UCD Veterinary Hospital.

practical sessions that will teach students a range of skills invaluable to cattle practitioners, for example body condition scoring, locomotion scoring, teat scoring, recent developments in reproductive ultrasonography for cattle.



Who should Apply?



Part Time option suitable for:



Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. No



The programme is designed to offer busy veterinarians the opportunity to participate in part-time education and enjoy the benefit of:



• Studying online at a time and place that suits your needs,

• Joining an online community to exchange knowledge and ideas,

• Working in groups online to solve a range of current herd problems,

• Applying new learning experiences to professional practice.

Stage 1 Option:



Dairy Herd FertilityVET40130

Calf Health & Heifer RearingVET40140

Milk Quality & MastitisVET40150

Infectious diseases, biosecurity and parasite controlVET40160

Nutrition&Production DiseasesVET40170

Herd Health Investig SkillsVET40180

Applicants must possess a degree in Veterinary medicine that is registerable with the Veterinary Council of Ireland (www.vci.ie).

Applicants must have access to dairy farms and dairy farm data to complete relevant coursework such as farm reports.

Applicants should have at least three years of relevant veterinary practice experience.

Applicants must demonstrate a significant interest in dairy cattle practice.



Non-UCD Graduates must provide transcripts of degree(s).



International applicants must demonstrate proof of English proficiency.

If English is not your native language and unless you have completed your primary degree through English, an English language qualification is required (e.g. IELTS/TOEFL).

IELTS – an overall score of 6.0 IELTS (90-100 Internet Based)

TOEFL – 550 on the paper-based test TOEFL (213 on Computer Based)



An extensive induction to learning online will be provided, however applicants will also require:

1. Broadband Access

2. Access to a computer

3. Basic IT skills (e.g. the ability to browse the internet, use email and word processing applications etc.)

The following entry routes are available:



Grad Cert Dairy Herd Health Sep PT (X389)

Duration 18 Months

Attend Part Time

Deadline Rolling*

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised

18 Months Part Time Online

NEXT INTAKE: 2024/2025 September.