By studying veterinary science at Massey University you’ll join a world-leading veterinary programme that will qualify you to work as a veterinarian in many different areas. The Massey University BVSc programme is fully accredited by the Australasian Veterinary Board Council (AVBC), the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). The BVSc is also recognised through reciprocity by the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA).This means you could work as a veterinarian not only in New Zealand, but also Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the USA and many other countries. Veterinary science is a key focus for Massey University’s Palmerston North campus and we have some of the best facilities in Australasia. The BVSc is a 5-year degree that is divided into a pre-selection phase and a professional phase. How does it work? Massey’s Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc), is a five-year (10 semester) programme. The first semester (beginning in February) is referred to as the “BVSc pre-selection” semester. Vet (BVSc) pre-selection courses available at Auckland and Manawatu. Depending on your performance in this first semester, you may be selected to the ‘professional phase’ of your qualification, beginning in July (4.5 years long). Selection is highly-competitive so focussing on great results for your first semester is vital. Professional phase is available in Manawatu. What will it be like? You will study core medical sciences (tailored for veterinary students), as well as normal and then abnormal animal structure and function. Then you’ll be taught how to “fix” animals, or return them to normal function through clinical studies, medicine, surgery, and health management of companion and agricultural animal species. Throughout years 1-4 there is a focus on professional studies and attributes for veterinarians, and integrative problem oriented courses. These integrative courses encourage students to apply the information learned in the other individual courses to real life veterinary cases and scenarios designed to develop problem solving and critical thinking. In your fifth and final year, you get to choose an area of interest (track), and will do lots of work placements while you are studying, giving you invaluable on-the-job experience. This individualised final year curriculum allows you to further explore your area of interest while ensuring wide coverage of the main veterinary species. Careers The study of veterinary science at Massey University will give you broad-based scientific training that can lead to many different challenging and rewarding careers in fields related to animals. Veterinary practice If you work as a clinical veterinarian you’ll provide high-quality care for animals, whether they are pets, working animals, farm livestock, or wildlife. You’ll use diagnostic and communication skills to promote the health and wellbeing of a range of animals, to make a real difference for both them and their owners. Other potential careers There are many other career opportunities for you with your veterinary qualification, like: animal incursion investigator helping to diagnose new and emerging animal diseases, and working on responses to potential outbreaks; food safety veterinarian; veterinary researcher contributing to animal health and production; protect New Zealand wildlife in the Department of Conservation. Most BVSc graduates spend some time working in clinical practice or other veterinary endeavours for a few years to gain further experience. However, there are opportunities to develop further skills through clinical specialisation or via postgraduate study.