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.

Becoming a veterinarian is a great goal that leads to an interesting, varied and rewarding career working with people and their animals. Massey’s veterinary degree is highly ranked and widely accredited. Our graduates can work in many countries including the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, the UK, and several in Asia.

Great facilities

Veterinary science is a key focus for Massey University and we have some of the best facilities in Australasia. You can see them in our Behind the Scenes virtual tour.  We’re also currently building more great facilities that will make our future veterinary students’ learning experience even better.                         

Pre-selection and professional phases

Our Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc), is a five-year (10 semester) programme offered solely on the Manawatū campus. The first semester (starting in February) is referred to as the ‘pre-selection’ semester. Depending on your performance in the pre-selection semester, you may be selected to the ‘professional phase’ beginning in July (4.5 years long). Selection is competitive so focussing on great results for your first semester is vital.  It pays to come well prepared for the pre-selection semester.  Make sure you work on your people skills and get a good background in the sciences before joining us.

A broad range of species

If you’re selected into the professional phase, you’ll be well trained in a broad range of species. You’ll get lots of hands on learning and develop problem-solving skills while learning everything you need to work as a veterinarian. You’ll spend the final year on clinical placements and have the opportunity to focus more in your area of interest. In line with the international recognition of the degree, you will find the study rigorous, challenging and interesting.

Come and join us at Massey University and become one of tomorrow’s great veterinarians.

Studying veterinary science at Massey University will give you scientific training with a broad range of species.   As well as working as a clinical veterinarian, your veterinary degree could lead to many different challenging and rewarding careers.

Veterinary practice

If you work as a clinical veterinarian you’ll provide high-quality care for animals, whether they are pets, working animals, 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.

Develop specialist skills

If you have a particular interest, you could become a specialist in that area by completing some further training. There are veterinary specialists in areas like oncology (cancer), ophthalmology (eyes), dermatology (skin), epidemiology and surgery.

You could work as a specialist for a private company, or use your specialist skills to make your mark as a university lecturer, helping to teach and inspire up and coming veterinarians.

Other potential careers

There are many other career opportunities for you with your veterinary qualification, like:

• helping to diagnose new and emerging animal diseases, and working on responses to potential outbreaks.
• working as a food safety veterinarian to protect public health.
• researching in various different areas of animal health.
• helping to create policies to promote animal welfare in New Zealand or overseas.
• protecting New Zealand wildlife.