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Specialise in Without Specialisation for your Master of Veterinary Medicine at Massey
Massey’s Master of Veterinary Medicine qualification offers practising 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 qualifications 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.
Planning information
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.
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).
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, 118785 and 118786, 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.
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 be 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.
Courses you can enrol in
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 A
Course code: 115725 Leadership and People 15 credits
A study of organisational behaviour theory and practice in the contemporary environment. The course provides a particular focus on the fundamental knowledge and skills involved in management, leadership and teamwork.
View full course detailsCourse code: 115726 Marketing 15 credits
A study of the marketing function in business, including a range of marketing tools and techniques and their application to marketing situations.
View full course detailsCourse 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 detailsSchedule B: Elective courses
Course 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 detailsSchedule C: Research courses
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 detailsEntry 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 you must have obtained a B grade average in your veterinary degree.
Entry is subject to final approval by the Director of the MVM.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
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 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).
Entry into these qualifications is dependent on you meeting those qualifications’ entry requirements.
If you successfully complete the MVM courses under one of these other qualifications, you may able to transfer your enrolment to the Master of Veterinary Medicine.
Fees and scholarships
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
Scholarship and award opportunities
Search our scholarships and awardsFees 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.
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Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz