This two-year, part-time Diploma in Bovine Reproduction provides postgraduate veterinary education in bovine reproduction health and is recognised by both the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the European College of Animal Reproduction. It’s delivered primarily at the Leahurst campus in the heart of rural Cheshire, 12 miles south of Liverpool which is home to two farms, two referral hospitals, and two of the Institute's veterinary practices.
Please note, this programme is available to start every other year.
Introduction
Successful reproduction is the cornerstone of the dairy industry and the Diploma in Bovine Reproduction (DBR) programme has been successfully completed by over 100 vets, many being leading farm animal vets practicing in the UK whilst working in full time clinical practice. They have also contributed back into the course to maintain its relevance to modern cattle practice.
The course focuses on the study of reproduction in cattle, but it also includes reference to other species to establish biological principles or to illustrate concepts for which information is not available in cattle and also covers key areas impinging on fertility such as nutrition and infectious disease.
Gaining this qualification will mean that you will achieve a widely-based and deep understanding of bovine reproduction, enabling you to provide sound scientific advice to the cattle industry. After completing this course you will be able to apply in-depth knowledge of herd management and monitoring of fertility in cattle, artificial manipulation of reproduction in cattle, the principles of genetic selection for breeding purposes, analyse and diagnose the causes of infertility in herds and understand legislation as applied to the health, management, and welfare of cattle and food production in the UK.
The programme is modular in structure, with eight residential weeks spaced over two years.
Who is this course for?
This course is for veterinary graduates (who are able to apply for registration with the RCVS). You must have been working in a university for at least three years or for five years in general practice with a substantial component of cattle work.
While studying you must be able to maintain an involvement in bovine fertility work throughout the duration of the programme and carry out regular fertility work in at least three cattle herds, each of reasonable size. Consideration may be given to candidates with less than five years’ experience who have sufficient farm animal experience
What you'll learn
Management and monitoring of fertility in the herd
Critically evaluate the role of the veterinary surgeon in planned cattle fertility management and production
Artificial manipulation of reproduction and its legislation; be able to apply this knowledge to herd management.
Reproductive management of herds, understand the principles of genetic selection for breeding; advise upon the pre-breeding assessment and evaluation for breeding purposes.
Causes of infertility in herds to evaluate reproductive performance of the herd and the individual and diagnose the causes.
Understand the legislation relating to the health, management, and welfare of cattle and food production in the UK.
Accreditation
Diploma in Bovine Reproduction, a qualification recognised by both Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and European College of Animal Reproduction (ECAR).
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year one
The programme is structured around the reproductive cycle of the cow with modules focussing on a key period in the cycle or factor effecting fertility. Each comprises a residential week, with pre-week guided reading and access to speaker presentations.
All modules are mandatory and taken in sequence as they follow a logical build accumulation of knowledge and skills that follows the reproduction cycle of cattle.
Your dissertation will run over the full two years to allow data collection within the working period and will usually involve testing a hypothesis directly relevant to the clinical decision that you will need to make. You will receive guidance on literature searching, critical review of literature, study design, statistics, research ethics and the Animal Scientific Procedures Act.
Compulsory modules
The non-pregnant cow (DBRM611)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module is designed for master level veterinary graduates in clinical cattle practise to give up to date information regarding the endocrine control of reproduction in the non pregnant beef and dairy cow and a systematic approach to evaluating fertility on beef and dairy herds. The module comprises lecture and tutorials during a residential week at the Leahurst campus, and farm visits and guided group work to produce a farm fertility report. Assessment is via a fertility report for a beef and dairy farm, contribution to discussions and a MCQ.
NUTRITION AND FERTILITY (DBRM612)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
To give a comprehensive scientific and theoretical background with which participants will be able to assess and enhance their knowledge concerning nutrition of mammals. • To introduce candidates to new practical and communication skills while developing an enthusiastic approach to reproductive problems and research. • To produce postgraduates capable of an advanced level of veterinary/mammalian nutrition to meet market demand
POST-PARTUM COW (DBRM613)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module is designed for master level veterinary graduates in clinical cattle practise to give up to date information regarding the physiology and pathophysiology of the reproductive system in the post-partum beef and dairy cow. The module comprises lecture and tutorials during a residential week at the Leahurst campus, farm visits and guided group work to produce a farm fertility report. Assessment is via a fertility report for a beef and dairy farm, contribution to discussions and a MCQ.
THE BULL (DBRM614)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: whole session
This module is designed for Masterslevel veterinary graduates in clinical cattle practice to provide up todate information on physiology and pathophysiology of male reproductive system in cattle. The module comprises seminars during a residential week at the Leahurst campus and visits to a bull stud. Assessment is via i) Report clinical examination of bulls ii) Practical assessment of semen samples, iii) contribution to discussions and iv) a MCQ.
GENETICS OF CATTLE (DBRM615)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module is designed for Masters level veterinary graduates in clinical cattle practice to provide up to date information on genetic assessment and selection of cattle. This includes the underlying science and recent developments including genomic selection. The module comprises seminars and practical session during a residential week at the Leahurst campus. Assessment is via reports on the genetic assessment of a i) dairy and ii) beef herds and recommendations for genetic improvement, iii) contribution to discussions and iv) a MCQ.
EARLY PREGNANT COW (DBRM616)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module is designed for master level veterinary graduates in clinical cattle practise to give up to date information regarding early pregnancy in beef and dairy cow including a systematic approach to evaluating fertilization and embryo survival in cattle herds. The module comprises lecture and tutorials during a residential week at the Leahurst campus. Assessment is via i) a technical report on the cost/benefit of pregnancy diagnosis in cattle and subsequent advice /decisions. ii) Report on findings of 10 cows using different methods of pregnancy diagnosis, iii) contribution to discussions and iv) a MCQ.
LATE PREGNANCY AND PARTURITION IN CATTLE (DBRM617)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module is designed for master level veterinary graduates in clinical cattle practise to give up to date information regarding late pregnancy and parturition in beef and dairy cow including a systematic approach to evaluating parturition and perinatal mortality in cattle herds. The module comprises lecture and tutorials during a residential week at the Leahurst campus. Assessment is via i) Report of postmortem findings of two cases or perinatal mortality ii) Reflective portfolio of 5 cases of dystocia, iii) contribution to discussions and iv) a MCQ.
THE FUTURE OF CATTLE REPRODUCTION (DBRM618)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module is designed for Masters level veterinary graduates in clinical cattle practice to provide up to date information on recent advances in reproductive technologies, farm economics, management of heifers (young female animals) and business models for moving into consultancy work once graduated. The module comprises lectures and tutorials during a residential week at the Leahurst Campus. Assessment is via a farm report focussing on advising the farm regarding future options for animal health and the business and oral, written and practical examinations.
DBR Research Dissertation (DBRM621)
Credits: 60 /
Semester: semester 2
To introduce candidates to the skills of formulating a hypothesis, study design, research ethics, data gathering, analysis and presentation of findings in writing and orally. Critical review and survey of peer-reviewed literature will be introduced. Students in completing their dissertation will, with the support of their supervisor, carry out a study demonstrating the application of knowledge and a critical understanding of how professional knowledge and practice is advanced through research.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year two
Again, each module comprises a residential week, with pre-week guided reading and access to speaker presentations.
Each residential week is a blend of plenary lectures from international speakers followed by timetabled discussion time led by the speaker, and practical sessions/visits putting the lecture in clinical context
You will be expected to satisfy essay and work based continual assessments for each module during the course; to pass written, practical and oral examinations of the final module at the end of the programme; and to present a dissertation (undertaken over the summer), not exceeding 8,000 words, before the award of the Diploma.
Compulsory modules
EARLY PREGNANT COW (DBRM616)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module is designed for master level veterinary graduates in clinical cattle practise to give up to date information regarding early pregnancy in beef and dairy cow including a systematic approach to evaluating fertilization and embryo survival in cattle herds. The module comprises lecture and tutorials during a residential week at the Leahurst campus. Assessment is via i) a technical report on the cost/benefit of pregnancy diagnosis in cattle and subsequent advice /decisions. ii) Report on findings of 10 cows using different methods of pregnancy diagnosis, iii) contribution to discussions and iv) a MCQ.
LATE PREGNANCY AND PARTURITION IN CATTLE (DBRM617)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module is designed for master level veterinary graduates in clinical cattle practise to give up to date information regarding late pregnancy and parturition in beef and dairy cow including a systematic approach to evaluating parturition and perinatal mortality in cattle herds. The module comprises lecture and tutorials during a residential week at the Leahurst campus. Assessment is via i) Report of postmortem findings of two cases or perinatal mortality ii) Reflective portfolio of 5 cases of dystocia, iii) contribution to discussions and iv) a MCQ.
THE FUTURE OF CATTLE REPRODUCTION (DBRM618)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module is designed for Masters level veterinary graduates in clinical cattle practice to provide up to date information on recent advances in reproductive technologies, farm economics, management of heifers (young female animals) and business models for moving into consultancy work once graduated. The module comprises lectures and tutorials during a residential week at the Leahurst Campus. Assessment is via a farm report focussing on advising the farm regarding future options for animal health and the business and oral, written and practical examinations.
DBR Research Dissertation (DBRM621)
Credits: 60 /
Semester: semester 2
To introduce candidates to the skills of formulating a hypothesis, study design, research ethics, data gathering, analysis and presentation of findings in writing and orally. Critical review and survey of peer-reviewed literature will be introduced. Students in completing their dissertation will, with the support of their supervisor, carry out a study demonstrating the application of knowledge and a critical understanding of how professional knowledge and practice is advanced through research.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
How you'll learn
You will be taught through lectures, demonstrations, videos, practical work, discussions, field visits and directed reading. You’ll be expected to satisfy essay and work based continual assessments for each module during the course; to pass written, practical and oral examinations of the final module at the end of the programme; and to present an 8,000 word dissertation.
How you're assessed
For each module you’ll be assessed via participation in discussion sessions throughout the lecture period and multiple choice questions during the lecture period. Report-essay writing appropriate to each module. In addition, oral examinations will take place over the two years on your final dissertation study design, literature review and major findings from the research project.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Your experience
Our purpose-built Veterinary School and specialist Leahurst campus in the heart of the beautiful rural Cheshire countryside means you can get hands-on with animals from the start with teaching by University staff and invited external contributors, each a recognised authority in a specialised field. You’re getting full experience with the herds, and utilising your RCVS competencies from day one.
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
An exciting place to study
Ranked consistently amongst the top Veterinary Schools in the world
Two on-site working farms, two referral hospitals, three first opinion practices
Top ranked Veterinary School for research in REF2021
Liverpool University Veterinary Society is the largest student society with a variety of special interest sub-societies
Access to Virtual Learning Environment as well as residential schools and clinical placements.
Most Veterinary Science graduates are employed in general practice however graduates are increasingly tending to specialise in particular areas of farm or companion animal practice, and continue their professional development by studying for postgraduate certificates and diplomas awarded by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and at European level.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
As well as working in general practice, veterinary science graduates also work in veterinary and medical schools, medical research institutes and those institutes that deal expressly with animal health and disease. Some go into research at either universities or research institutes, or go into industry, animal charities (e.g. RSPCA) or Government bodies such as DEFRA.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Part-time place, per year
£6,100
International fees
Part-time place, per year
£12,800
Fees stated are for the academic year 2024/25 and are subject to change for 2025/26. The listed fee totals are inclusive of bench fees. These are currently £1,550 per year of study, equalling £3,100 in total.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies..
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
You must have been working in a university for at least three years or for five years in general practice with a substantial component of cattle work.
Consideration may be given to candidates with less than five years’ experience who have sufficient farm animal experience
International qualifications
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this Diploma in Bovine Reproduction, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification
Requirements
IELTS
The IELTS requirements for this course are currently being confirmed. We'll update this information as soon as possible.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Contact us
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