Veterinary medicine is a rapidly evolving discipline, comprising a wide range of specialist areas. Research in veterinary medicine is directly relevant to the improvement of health and welfare of domestic animal species and the protection of public health. **Research reputation** The R(D)SVS has an international reputation, and its clinical services - Hospital for Small Animals (dog and cat and exotics, zoo and wildlife) and Large Animal Hospital (equine and livestock) - are among the most influential centres for clinical care in the UK and Europe. It is best placed to advance the skills of the sector due to the skills in primary, secondary and tertiary care medicine and surgery, and its extensive research activities in all aspects of veterinary medicine. **Who is this programme for?** Veterinary practitioners are under pressure to maintain high standards of practice while also keeping abreast of the latest developments. In response to the increasing requirement for support in developing advanced clinical skills, this distance learning programme is aimed primarily, but not exclusively, at veterinarians in practice. **How will I learn?** The modular, portfolio approach allows the greatest flexibility to meet the needs of the modern practitioner. The goal is to provide you with the skills and knowledge required to be a highly effective practitioner and to enable you to act as a leader and mentor within the veterinary community.