Master of Veterinary Studies – MVS

Program Overview

The Master of Veterinary Studies (MVS) at Massey University is a flexible program designed for veterinarians to enhance their expertise in a specific area of veterinary science. It offers a combination of taught courses and a research component, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests. The program is internationally recognized and provides graduates with a wide range of career opportunities in veterinary medicine, research, academia, and beyond.

Program Outline

Master of Veterinary Studies (MVS) - Massey University

Degree Overview:

The Master of Veterinary Studies (MVS) program at Massey University is designed to help veterinarians progress their professional development by gaining expertise in a specific area of veterinary science. It is particularly suitable for individuals who want to undertake a combination of taught courses and a research project. Key features of the MVS program:

• Internationally recognized degree: The MVS is recognized internationally, making it valuable for those seeking career opportunities outside of New Zealand.
• Flexibility: The program can be tailored to the student's area of interest.
Students can choose to specialize in a particular field or complete a general MVS without a specialization.
• Wide range of taught courses: The MVS program offers a variety of courses to choose from, covering diverse topics within veterinary science.
• Research opportunities: Students can choose to complete a 60-credit research report or a 120-credit thesis, allowing them to engage in in-depth research in their chosen area of interest.

Outline:

• Duration: The MVS program can be completed in 1.5 years full-time (180 credits) or up to 5 years part-time.
• Structure: The program is divided into two parts.
Part One focuses on foundational knowledge and skills, while Part Two involves the research component (thesis or research report).
• Part One Courses:
• Students must choose at least 60 credits from a selection of elective courses.
• These courses may include topics such as advanced animal welfare, wildlife health, or veterinary epidemiology.
• Some courses may have prerequisites that need to be completed first.
• Part Two Research:
• Students can choose to complete either a 120-credit thesis or a 60-credit research report.
• The thesis involves conducting original research and producing a written dissertation.
• The research report involves a detailed examination of a specific topic within veterinary science, which may include original research, problem investigation, or analysis of existing data.
• Course Schedule: The specific course schedule will vary depending on the student's chosen specialization and the availability of courses in a given semester.

Assessment:

Assessment methods in the MVS program may vary depending on the individual courses and the research component. Potential assessment methods could include:

• Exams: Written or oral exams to assess students' knowledge and understanding of the course material.
• Assignments: Essays, reports, or projects that allow students to apply their knowledge and critical thinking skills to real-world scenarios.
• Presentations: Oral presentations to communicate research findings or course-related topics.
• Research report/thesis: The research component is assessed based on the quality of the research conducted, the clarity and organization of the written work, and the student's ability to defend their findings.

Teaching:

The MVS program is taught by experienced and internationally recognized lecturers who are experts in their respective fields.

• Teaching methods: The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, tutorials, practical sessions, and online resources.
• Real-life case studies: The program incorporates real-life case studies into its curriculum, providing students with valuable insights into practical veterinary applications.
• Collaboration: The teaching staff actively collaborates with researchers in other related disciplines, such as animal production, physiology, and nutrition, to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of veterinary science.

Careers:

Graduates of the MVS program have a wide range of career opportunities available to them, both in New Zealand and internationally. Potential career paths may include:

• Veterinary specialist: With further training and experience, MVS graduates can pursue specialization in areas such as veterinary epidemiology, animal welfare, or wildlife health.
• Veterinary researcher: Graduates can contribute to the advancement of knowledge in veterinary science by conducting research in areas such as disease control, animal production, or public health.
• Academic positions: MVS graduates may pursue careers in academia, teaching veterinary science at universities or other educational institutions.
• Government and regulatory agencies: Graduates can work for government agencies or regulatory bodies involved in animal health and welfare, food safety, or public health protection.
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs): Graduates can contribute their expertise to NGOs working on animal welfare, conservation, or international development projects.

Other:

• Entry Requirements: To be eligible for the MVS program, applicants must have a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (or equivalent) with a minimum B grade average.
• English Language Requirements: Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the university's English language requirements.