- Type of qualification
- Master's degree
- Level of study
-
Postgraduate study
Once you’ve graduated with a bachelor’s degree – or have equal experience – you can study at the postgraduate level. Doctoral qualifications require additional entry requirements.
NZQF level 9Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.
- Time to complete
-
1 year full-time (120 credits)Part-time available
- Where you can study
-
Distance and online
-
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
- Open to international students studying online from outside New Zealand
Study a Master of Veterinary Medicine – MVM
Evidence to impact, anywhere: Massey's Online MVM
Embark on a transformative journey with Massey's revamped Master of Veterinary Medicine (MVM). In a rapidly evolving field, veterinarians need more than just knowledge – you'll gain the tools to thrive amidst change.
In depth
Our qualification offers unparalleled access to our university Library. You'll extend your digital literacy skills, and delve into a wealth of resources, from peer-reviewed journals to cutting-edge research, raising your clinical reasoning to new heights.
Beyond traditional coursework, you'll navigate complex cases and make informed decisions based on solid evidence. With the flexibility of online/distance learning, you can engage with the curriculum from anywhere in the world, allowing you to balance your studies with professional and personal commitments. Prepare to adapt and drive change in veterinary medicine. Future-proof your career with Massey University's MVM and become a veterinary leader.
Massey has an excellent reputation for veterinary teaching. Our expert lecturers come 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.
A MVM is 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.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
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 qualification you must have obtained a B grade average in your veterinary degree.
You will need to provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.
Please contact us via the 'Get advice' button for more information.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
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 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 Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
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 Get advice button on this page.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
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 qualification if you wish to continue your studies.
Can't meet 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 2 Master of Veterinary Medicine courses within another Massey qualification. You must also achieve a B grade in those courses.
Suitable qualifications are the:
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.
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 qualification 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 qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Structure of the Master of Veterinary Medicine
Structure of the Master of Veterinary Medicine
The MVM is 120 credits in total, made up of 15 and 30-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.
Schedule of courses
- 118785 Introduction to Evidence-based practice –15 credits, single semester, annually in Semester 1
- 118786 Applied Veterinary epidemiology – 15 credits, single semester, annually in Semester 2
- 118761 Emergency medicine – 15 credits, double semester, annually
- 118791 Special Topic – 15 credits, single semester, Semester 1 or 2. This course can include large or small animal topics. Contact the mvm@massey.ac.nz for information on the topics being offered.
- 118792 Special Topic – 30 credits, double semester. This course can include large or small animal topics. Contact the mvm@massey.ac.nz for information on the topics being offered.
Topics on offer in 2026 include:
- Semester 1: Soft tissue surgery, Cattle lameness; Neurology (semester TBC)
- Semester 2: Soft tissue rehabilitation, Cardiology, Production animal topic (TBC).
Business courses
Students enrolled in the MVM can include any of the following MBA courses as personal variations, or consider the PGCert Bus Admin
- 115775 Business Law for New Zealand and International Contexts
- 115725 Leadership and People
- 115726 Marketing
- 115728 Contemporary Strategy
- 115732 Operations and Logistics
- 295701 Managing Financial Decisions
- 295705 Engage, Motivate, Persuade: Global Leadership Communication in Action
Duration of courses
The duration of most courses vary from 12 weeks (single semester) to 24 teaching weeks over 2 semesters (7-8 months in total):
- Semesters One: late February to June
- Semester Two: July to early November
Time commitment
You need to allow about 150 hours for each 15-credit course, and 300 hours for each 30-credit course. This equates to 5-10 hours per week, however some of this may include work-integrated-learning and reflections.
Research reports
There are 3 ways to complete the final 45 or 60-credit 'capstone' research reports. 118851 and 118852 are research reports. 118853 is a 45-credit practicum course, where you'll spend 3 months full-time under supervision with an expert in any discipline of veterinary science.
Location
Courses are delivered by distance learning. Contact workshops are held in Palmerston North, New Zealand. Attendance at these is strongly recommended. Special topic courses do not include a contact workshop. The virtual contact workshop for the Capstone courses is compulsory. It is delivered online in early February, please initiate your enrolment in the year prior to study ensure full Stream and Library access ahead of the workshop days.
Courses and specialisations
Courses and specialisations
Key terms
- Courses
- Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
- Course code
- Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
- Credits
- Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
- Specialisations
- Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.
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.
Course planning key
- Prerequisites
- Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
- Corequisites
- Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
- Restrictions
- Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
Schedule for the Master of Veterinary Medicine (Choose between 60 and 75 credits from)
Course code: 118751 Canine and Feline Gastroenterology 15 credits
The principles of gastroenterology of dogs and cats for veterinary graduates. Pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of diseases of the alimentary system.
View full course detailsCourse code: 118752 Canine and Feline Endocrinology 15 credits
The principles of endocrinology of dogs and cats for veterinary graduates. Pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of diseases of the endocrine glands.
View full course detailsCourse code: 118753 Canine and Feline Oncology 15 credits
The principles of oncology of dogs and cats for veterinary graduates. Pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of neoplastic disease.
View full course detailsCourse code: 118754 Diagnostic Imaging for Small Animal Veterinarians 15 credits
The principles of diagnostic imaging in small animal practice for veterinary graduates. Principles of radiography and other imaging modalities. Radiologic interpretation of all body systems, primarily of dogs and cats, and integration with case management.
View full course detailsCourse code: 118755 Clinical Pathology in Small Animal Practice 15 credits
The principles of clinical pathology in dogs and cats for veterinary graduates. It includes the indications, application and interpretation of haematological, biochemical, urine, cytological and special testing of dogs and cats.
View full course detailsCourse code: 118756 Canine and Feline Neurology 15 credits
The principles of neurology in dogs and cats for veterinary graduates. Pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of diseases of the nervous system.
View full course detailsCourse code: 118757 Cardiorespiratory Medicine for Small Animal Veterinarians 15 credits
The principles and practice of cardiorespiratory medicine in dogs and cats for veterinary graduates. Pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of cardiac and respiratory disease.
View full course detailsCourse code: 118758 Avian Medicine 15 credits
The principles and practice of avian medicine in companion birds and aviary collections, for veterinarians. Pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of diseases of birds.
View full course detailsCourse code: 118759 Ophthalmology in Small Animal Practice 15 credits
The principles of ophthalmology in dogs and cats for veterinary graduates. Pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of diseases of the eye.
View full course detailsCourse code: 118761 Canine and Feline Emergency Medicine 15 credits
The principles and practice of emergency medicine in dogs and cats for veterinarians. Pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of conditions seen in emergency practice.
View full course detailsCourse code: 118762 Dermatology for Small Animal Veterinarians 15 credits
The principles of dermatology in dogs and cats for veterinarians. Pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of skin diseases.
View full course detailsCourse code: 118763 Canine and Feline Orthopedic Surgery 15 credits
The principles and practice of orthopaedic surgery in dogs and cats for veterinarians. Pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of orthopaedic diseases.
View full course detailsCourse code: 118764 Canine and Feline Soft Tissue Surgery 15 credits
The principles and practice of soft tissue surgery in dogs and cats for veterinarians. Pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of soft tissue diseases.
View full course detailsCourse code: 118771 Advances in Ruminant Nutrition for Veterinarians 15 credits
An advanced course on ruminant nutrition and feeding practices for veterinarians. Principles of microbial digestion in the rumen, absorption and utilisation of nutrients. Practical nutrition for enhancement of animals’ performance and health, including critical study of the evaluation of feeds, feed intakes and nutrient requirements. Practical assessments of animal and feed resources; ration formulation. Current developments in ruminant feeding technologies, including genetic modification of feeds and rumen flora.
View full course detailsCourse code: 118772 Calf Medicine, Health and Management 15 credits
An advanced course on specific aspects of calf rearing, health management and medicine for veterinarians. A critical study of the systems and environments utilised in calf rearing, nutrient and health requirements with respect to disease prevention, herd biosecurity, health, welfare and productivity.
View full course detailsCourse code: 118775 Advanced Mastitis Management for the Production Animal Veterinarian 15 credits
An advanced course on mastitis for production animal veterinarians. This course will provide in-depth study of mastitis causing agents and their treatment and control within the herd and at an individual level. It will address the epidemiology of disease, mastitis prevention, herd biosecurity, herd/animal health, welfare and productivity.
View full course detailsCourse code: 118776 Lameness Investigation and Control for Cattle Veterinarians 15 credits
An advanced course on cattle lameness for veterinarians. This course will provide in-depth study of lameness diagnosis, treatment and control within the herd. It will address the epidemiology of disease, lameness prevention, herd biosecurity, welfare and productivity.
View full course detailsCourse code: 118777 Veterinary Clinical Reproduction and Fertility 15 credits
An advanced course on clinical reproduction for veterinarians. Comparative veterinary reproductive anatomy, physiology, and technology across a range of species. In-depth study of reproductive management in a nominated elective species. Use of scientific literature to inform decision making on reproductive issues.
View full course detailsCourse code: 118785 Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice 15 credits
Students will study the principles of veterinary epidemiology to provide them with the skills necessary to critically evaluate the literature for the purposes of evidence-based medicine. Examples and case studies will be drawn from a range of species including production animals, wildlife, companion animals and horses.
View full course detailsCourse code: 118786 Applied Veterinary Epidemiology 15 credits
Students will gain the skills necessary to design an epidemiological study in a clinical setting and investigate an outbreak of disease. Examples and case studies will be drawn from a range of species including production animals, wildlife, aquatic species, companion animals and horses.
View full course detailsCourse code: 118791 Special Topic 15 credits
Course code: 118792 Special Topic 30 credits
Research courses (Choose between 45 and 60 credits from)
Course code: 118851 Research Report (MVM) (45 credit) 45 credits
A detailed examination of a specific topic within the field of study of the candidate, approved by the course co-ordinator in advance, which may include aspects of original research, problem investigation, and/or study of pre-existing data or published literature.
View full course detailsCourse code: 118852 Research Report (MVM) (60 credit) 60 credits
A detailed examination of a specific topic within the field of study of the candidate, approved by the course co-ordinator in advance, which may include aspects of original research, problem investigation, and/or study of pre-existing data or published literature.
View full course detailsCourse code: 118853 Advanced Profession Practice in Veterinary Science 45 credits
A supervised placement in an approved setting of veterinary practice. Students will observe the work of experts in the selected area of veterinary practice, undertake some work under supervision, and gain experience in using the empirical literature to guide evidence-based decision making and writing reports in the discipline.
View full course detailsFees and scholarships
Fees and scholarships
2026 tuition fees
- Domestic students: $15,686
- International students: $81,620
Tuition fees are estimates only. The exact fees charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment. The estimates are for full-time study (120 credits). Fees are in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax (GST).
The estimates do not include the Student Services Fee. This fee is $1,164 for on-campus students and $948 for distance students for full-time study (120 credits). For more information about this fee and other fees you may need to pay, see non-tuition fees.
There may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
Course fees
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, including how much could be covered and your eligibility on the Inland Revenue website.
Scholarship and award opportunities
- Massey University Postgraduate Overseas Research Grant
- Massey University Postgraduate Scholarship
- Muriel Caddie Scholarship in Vet Science
Fees disclaimer
This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.
Careers and job opportunities
Careers and job opportunities
Graduates of the Master of Veterinary Medicine 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 qualification, 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 qualification
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.
What our students say
“The MVM has taught me how to be critical of scientific literature - something I was not expecting from the course. I believe this is a really important skill set to have in our ever-evolving veterinary profession.”
“The MVM team is highly supportive, friendly and professional and are eager to help you succeed at every stage.”
Accreditations and rankings
QS Ranking - Veterinary Science
The Veterinary School is ranked by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) as 19th in the world for veterinary science, the highest ranked school in the southern hemisphere.
ShanghaiRanking - veterinary science
Massey ranks among the top 75 in the world for veterinary science — and in the top 5 in Australasia — in ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.
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