Overview
A flexible world-leading postgraduate veterinary programme
This world-leading online education programme attracts students from all around the globe.
Level
- Postgraduate, NZQF Level 9
Credits
- 120
Duration
- 1 year(s) full-time. Available part-time.
Other
- Not all listed subject course options are on offer every year.
Massey’s Master of Veterinary Medicine programme offers practicing veterinarians a flexible, modular system of study via online learning. You may choose from a wide range of small animal, large animal, epidemiology and veterinary business courses, or put them together for a qualification.
You’ll be joining one of the few online distance education programmes for veterinarians that offers the option of completing a qualification.
This qualification is not designed to retrain veterinarians wanting to return to practice. The courses assume a base level of knowledge of learnings in the veterinary degree, and aim to extend veterinarians to a higher level of knowledge and skill. All courses have some assessments that require reporting of clinical material you may have managed.
In-depth
Your courses will advance your knowledge and skills to an in-depth level beyond that obtained in your primary veterinary degree. Courses can be completed for continuing education or put towards a Master of Veterinary Medicine or other qualification.
Massey University has an excellent reputation for veterinary teaching, with our expert lecturers coming to us from all over the world.
As well as specific knowledge in areas of interest, you will strengthen your:
- technical knowledge and skills in particular fields of general (non-specialist) veterinary practice
- ability to explore effective problem-solving strategies within the constraints of general veterinary practice
- confidence in your skills and in your approach to cases
- skills in sourcing and evaluation of literature relevant to clinical practice
- ability to reflect and self-assess your work.
On-campus workshops are held in Palmerston North, New Zealand. Attendance at these workshops is strongly recommended, but not compulsory (with the exception of the capstone contact workshops which are compulsory either in person or online). All courses require a computer and internet access.
Find out more about specific courses and our lecturers at www.massey.ac.nz/mvm.
About specialisations
You may enrol in this qualification with or without a specialisation. See the Regulations for this programme for the courses available for the ‘without specialisation’ option.
Specialisations
Majors, subjects or endorsements
Careers and further study
Careers
Graduates of the Master of Veterinary Medicine programme often become the go-to people in clinical practice to discuss cases. They are confident in communicating with clients and have excellent writing skills. You will develop your critical thinking skills, which are transferrable to many situations in the veterinary profession.
Career prospects for MVM graduates
When you graduate from this programme, you could go on to:
- academic research
- animal feed companies
- governmental agencies
- the pharmaceutical industry
- veterinary administration
- veterinary journalism
- the veterinary medical industry
- veterinary practice.
Skills gained through a master’s programme
A person with a master’s degree is able to:
- show evidence of advanced knowledge about a specialist field of enquiry or professional practice
- demonstrate expertise in sophisticated theoretical subject matter
- evaluate critically the findings and discussions in literature
- research, analyse and argue from evidence
- work independently and apply knowledge to new situations
- engage in rigorous intellectual analysis, criticism and problem solving.
Entry requirements
University admission
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Programme admission
Required
To enter the Master of Veterinary Medicine you will have been awarded or qualified for:
- a Massey University Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc), or
- have a veterinary qualification that can be registered by the New Zealand Veterinary Council or is considered by the Academic Board to be equivalent to the Massey University BVSc.
In order to enrol directly into the Master of Veterinary Medicine programme you must have obtained a B grade average in your veterinary degree.
See the MVM web pages for details about:
- entry by equivalent degree
- suitable international entry examinations
- information on discretionary entry.
Entry is subject to final approval by the Director of the MVM.
Prior learning, credit and exemptions
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
- review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
- contact us through the Enquire button on this page.
If you do not have the entry requirements
If you are not eligible to enrol directly into the Master of Veterinary Medicine, you may still be able to gain entry. An option is to complete at least two Master of Veterinary Medicine courses within another Massey qualification. You must also achieve a B grade in those courses.
Suitable qualifications are the:
- Certificate of Proficiency
- Postgraduate Certificate in Science and Technology (PGCertScTech), or
- Postgraduate Diploma in Veterinary Science (PGDipVSc).
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PGCertScTech
PGDipVSc
MVM
MVM
Entry into these programmes is dependant on you meeting those qualifications’ entry requirements.
If you complete the MVM courses successfully, you may able to transfer your enrolment to the Master of Veterinary Medicine.
For more information, see the MVM entry requirements page.
English language and foundation courses
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, we have courses and qualifications that may help.
Courses and planning
Credit summary
120 credits
- Schedule A subject courses – 90 credits
- Courses selected from Schedule A or Schedule A and/or B – 60‑75 credits
- Schedule C research report or professional practice report – 45‑60 credits
A subject is optional, and requires 90 credits in the subject.
Courses for this programme
Schedule A: Subjects
Please refer to individual specialisation page for a list of courses for your specialisation.Schedule B: Elective courses
| 118785 | Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice | 15 |
| 118786 | Applied Veterinary Epidemiology | 15 |
Schedule C: Research courses
| 118851 | Research Report (MVM) (45 credit) | 45 |
| 118852 | Research Report (MVM) (60 credit) | 60 |
| 118853 | Advanced Profession Practice in Veterinary Science | 45 |
Majors and minors
About specialisations
You may enrol in this qualification with or without a specialisation.
Master of Veterinary Medicine without specialisation
See the Regulations for this programme for the courses available for the ‘without specialisation’ option.
Planning your programme
Planning overview
The MVM degree is 120 credits in total, made up of four or five 15-credit taught courses and 45 or 60 credits of research or professional practice. If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.
The Master of Veterinary Medicine may be awarded with or without a subject.
You may complete the Companion Animal subject by passing at least 90 credits in the subject.
Qualifications
The Master of Veterinary Medicine (MVM) is the highest-level qualification. Other qualifications you can study towards include the Postgraduate Diploma in Veterinary Science (PGDipVSc) (120 credits) and the Postgraduate Certificate of Science and Technology (PGCertScTech) (60 credits). The master’s degree and the PGDipVSc allow a subject endorsement showing the emphasis of your study.
All courses including those available for the ‘without specialisation’ option
Courses offered in February in odd years
- 118.777 Veterinary Clinical Reproduction and Fertility
- 118.762 Dermatology for Small Animal Veterinarians
- 118.761 Canine and Feline Emergency Medicine
- 118.752 Canine and Feline Endocrinology
- 118.771 Advances in Ruminant Nutrition for Veterinarians
- 118.785 Introduction to Evidence Based Practice
Courses offered in July in odd years
- 118.759 Ophthalmology in Small Animal Practice
- 118.763 Canine and Feline Orthopedic Surgery
- 118.756 Canine and Feline Neurology
- 118.776 Lameness Investigation and Control for Cattle Veterinarians
- 118.786 Applied Veterinary Epidemiology
Courses offered in February in even years
- 118.758 Avian Medicine
- 118.753 Canine and Feline Oncology
- 118.764 Canine and Feline Soft Tissue Surgery
- 118.775 Advanced Mastitis Management for the Production Animal Veterinarian
- 118.785 Introduction to Evidence Based Practice
Courses offered in July in even years
- 118.757 Cardiorespiratory Medicine for Small Animal Veterinarians
- 118.755 Clinical Pathology in Small Animal Practice
- 118.754 Diagnostic Imaging for Small Animal Veterinarians
- 118.751 Canine and Feline Gastroenterology
- 118.772 Calf Medicine, Health and Management
- 118.786 Applied Veterinary Epidemiology
Duration of courses
The duration of most courses is 24 teaching weeks over two semesters (seven to eight months total):
- Semesters One and Two (late February to early November), or
- Semester Two and summer school (mid-July to mid-February).
Exceptions are the epidemiology courses, 118.785 and 118.786, which are single semester (either February–June or July–November).
Time commitment
Each course offered over two semesters involves about five to six hours of work per week – one-eighth of a full-time workload. You need to allow about 150 hours for each 15-credit course.
When are courses offered?
Most courses in the Master of Veterinary Medicine (MVM) programme are offered once every second year.
These courses are offered every year:
- the capstone courses (118.851, 118.852, 118.853)
- 118.761 Canine and Feline Emergency Medicine
- 118.785 Introduction to Evidence Based Practice.
Research reports
There are three ways to complete the final 45 or 60-credit research reports (118.851,118.852, 118.853), which are called capstone courses. Two of these are research reports (45 and 60 credits) (118.851, 118.852). The third capstone option for the MVM is a 45-credit practicum course (118.853). You will spend three months full-time under supervision with an expert in any discipline of veterinary science.
Location
All courses in the Master of Veterinary Medicine programme are delivered by distance learning. Contact workshops are held in Palmerston North, New Zealand. Attendance at these is strongly recommended but not compulsory (except for capstone courses 118.851, 118.852 and 118.853).
Maximum time limits for completion
There are maximum time limits to complete 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.
Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit
Where your qualification is completed within the stated time limit and to a high standard, you may be able to graduate with a class of Honours, Distinction or Merit.
- Look for information under ‘Student Progression’ in the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates.
- Contact us through the Enquire button on this page if you have any questions.
Fees and scholarships
Fees and finance
Fees, student loans and free fees scheme
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.
- Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
- View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable
Already know which courses you're going to choose?
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
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 can find their National Student Number in the student portal.
- Student loans (StudyLink)
- Fees Free
- Student portal
A good fit if you:
- are already a qualified veterinarian
- would like the flexibility of studying via distance online learning
- would like to increase your in-depth knowledge of specifics of veterinary medicine.
Meet our students
“
I was amazed by the knowledge of the lecturers at Massey and the high quality of teaching provided within the programme.
” Alexandr Mastakov
Avian and exotic animal residency at the University of Queensland
“
The main thing I got out of the MVM was confidence! This has helped me realise how much I have to offer in relation to experience, knowledge and teaching our new graduates in practice.
” Nicky Hooper
“
The MVM team is highly supportive, friendly and professional and are eager to help you succeed at every stage.
” Raewyn Taylor
Meet our lecturers
A University of Queensland graduate, Craig has spent time internationally in practice, research and with the small animal faculty at Oregon State University. His research interests lie in minimally invasive testing for gastrointestinal and pancreatic diseases, vitamin and mineral deficiency states in these diseases, and the role of the neuroendocrine system of the GI tract in gastrointestinal disease.
Craig Ruaux
Lecturer, MVM
Accreditations and rankings
Massey University’s veterinary programme is ranked 19th in the world 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.
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.
Regulations
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.
Postgraduate regulations
General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates.
Applying and enrolling
Applying for the programme
Check you are ready
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.
Choose your programme and click on Apply now
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.
Receive and accept an Admission Offer of Place
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.
Enrolling in courses
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:
- prerequisites (courses you have to do before the one you are enrolling in)
- corequisites (courses you have to do at the same time as the one you are enrolling in)
- restrictions (courses that you cannot enrol in if you are completing or have completed another identified similar course)
- location – for instance some distance-based courses still have an on-campus element, so double check that the way the course is taught is suitable for your situation.
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.
What are courses and credits?
What are courses and credits?
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.
- See the ‘Courses for this programme’ section for the list of courses.
- Courses search
Understanding course numbers
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:
- sub-degree courses are '0' (i.e. xxx.0xx)
- undergraduate study begins at 100-level, (i.e. xxx.1xx)
- as you progress through 200- and 300-level courses this number changes to 2 and 3 respectively. The higher the number that starts the second three digits, the higher the level of study.
| 1 | 6 | 2 | . | 3 | 0 | 1 | |
| Subject area | Level | Course ID number | |||||
Workload and time management
Use this tool to help determine how much time you will need each week to complete your studies.
Returning students
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.
Scholarships and awards
There are a number of scholarships available for new and current students. They could relate to your situation, achievement or interest.