If you are interested in a postgraduate programme that is predominantly taught, a postgraduate diploma may be right for you.
Postgraduate diplomas provide education training in specialist disciplines and involve taught courses, although often a project may be included.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Veterinary Science (Veterinary Medicine) is a course of study open to graduates or those who have been able to demonstrate extensive practical, professional, or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind.
Courses or other work prescribed will be at an advanced level that builds on attainment in the academic field of the prior degree.
Massey University has a unique strength in veterinary public health. We are internationally renowned in this area. You’ll be able to work with and learn from groups that are actively working on different aspects of research and training, including:
The area of public health crosses over into many other scientific disciplines. You’ll be able to take advantage of Massey’s expertise and specialised equipment in relevant areas. That could include microbiology, molecular biology, mathematics, genomics and other areas.
Find out more about specific courses and our lecturers at www.massey.ac.nz/mvm
A 2017 Ministry of Education publication, The post-study earnings and destinations of young domestic graduates, found that, in New Zealand, earnings and employment rates increase with the level of qualification completed.
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
To enter the Postgraduate Diploma in Veterinary Science (Veterinary Medicine) you will have been awarded or qualified for a Bachelor of Veterinary Science, or an equivalent qualification.
International students requiring a study visa and studying onshore in New Zealand will not be able to include courses from the Veterinary Medicine endorsement in their programme of study.
You will provide verified copies of all academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.
To study this programme you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, we have courses and programmes that may help.
From the Schedule to the Diploma including:
A specialisation (endorsement) is compulsory, requiring at least 120 credits in the endorsement.
Also attend field trips, studios, workshops, tutorials and laboratories as required.
See ‘Courses for this programme’ below for schedules of courses.
| 118751 | Canine and Feline Gastroenterology | 15 |
| 118752 | Canine and Feline Endocrinology | 15 |
| 118753 | Canine and Feline Oncology | 15 |
| 118754 | Diagnostic Imaging for Small Animal Veterinarians | 15 |
| 118755 | Clinical Pathology in Small Animal Practice | 15 |
| 118756 | Canine and Feline Neurology | 15 |
| 118757 | Cardiorespiratory Medicine for Small Animal Veterinarians | 15 |
| 118758 | Avian Medicine | 15 |
| 118759 | Ophthalmology in Small Animal Practice | 15 |
| 118761 | Canine and Feline Emergency Medicine | 15 |
| 118762 | Dermatology for Small Animal Veterinarians | 15 |
| 118763 | Canine and Feline Orthopedic Surgery | 15 |
| 118764 | Canine and Feline Soft Tissue Surgery | 15 |
| 118771 | Advances in Ruminant Nutrition for Veterinarians | 15 |
| 118772 | Calf Medicine, Health and Management | 15 |
| 118775 | Advanced Mastitis Management for the Production Animal Veterinarian | 15 |
| 118776 | Lameness Investigation and Control for Cattle Veterinarians | 15 |
| 118777 | Veterinary Clinical Reproduction and Fertility | 15 |
| 118778 | Advanced Studies in Equine Lameness for Veterinarians | 15 |
| 118779 | Advanced Studies in Equine Diagnostic Imaging | 15 |
| 118780 | Equine Gastroenterology | 15 |
| 118785 | Principles of Veterinary Epidemiology | 15 |
If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.
Note that if you are an international student that requires a study visa to study in New Zealand you will not be able to include courses from the veterinary medicine endorsement in your programme of study.
There are maximum time limits to complete some undergraduate and all postgraduate qualifications. If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the programme if you wish to continue your studies.
For postgraduate qualifications where they are completed within the stated time limit and to a high standard, you may be able to graduate with a class of Honours, or Distinction or Merit.
Look for information on ‘Student Progression’ in the:
Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.
There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
If you already know which courses you are going to take, you can use our fees calculator to get an estimate of your fees.
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.
Current and returning Massey students will find their National Student Number on their student homepage.
The BVSc programme is fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
Massey University’s veterinary programme is ranked in the top 50 universities worldwide by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS).
Massey University is ranked no.1 in New Zealand for veterinary science by the ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.
Review this important information before you apply for this programme. This gives you full details of the rules and regulations about what you need to study and what you must achieve in order to graduate with this qualification. That includes structure, courses and requirements. These regulations should be read in conjunction with all other Statutes and Regulations of the University including the below.
General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates.
If you are ready to apply, have a look at our application checklist. It will help you get prepared with what you need. Please also check the entry requirements carefully before you apply.
You will apply for the programme using the Apply now button on this page. You’ll also choose your specialisation (major, subject or endorsement) if applicable.
Some programmes have additional requirements such as the submission of a portfolio or CV. Click on Apply now and you will be able to submit those documents as part of the application process.
You will receive an Admission Offer of Place when you have been accepted into the programme. You need to accept this before you can enrol in your courses. International students also need to pay their fees at this point.
You’ll then get access to your own student homepage (also known as the student portal). This is where you can enrol in courses. Any updates on your application or enrolments will also be on your student homepage. Make sure you check this regularly.
When you choose courses, ensure you check for any requirements that apply including:
Each of our courses has its own webpage where you can find this information. You can use our course search to find course pages.
More information on courses is in the ‘Courses for this programme’ section on this page.
You can find information on application due dates and semester dates on the key dates page.
We look forward to welcoming you to Massey!
If you have any questions, contact us through the Enquire button on this page.
Each Massey programme is made up of courses (in some tertiary institutions they are called ‘papers’).
You will have some compulsory courses and some you can choose from.
Each course is worth a certain amount of credits (often 15 credits, but this does vary). You must gain a set number of credits to be able to graduate from this programme.
There may also be some rules about which courses you need to pass to progress to the next year, or stage, of your study (known as progression). There are also courses you must pass to graduate with a specialisation.
The first three digits of our course numbers show you which subject the course is about.
The second three digits show you the level and course ID number. For instance:
| 1 | 6 | 2 | . | 3 | 0 | 1 | |
| Subject area | Level | Course ID number | |||||
Use this tool to help determine how much time you will need each week to complete your studies.
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the programme or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these programmes go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Enquire button on this page if you have any questions.
There are a number of scholarships available for new and current students. They could relate to your situation, achievement or interest.