The School of Veterinary Science offers two programmes that will help you become a veterinary professional with the skills to sustain the health, welfare and productivity of companion animals, farm animals and wildlife. These degrees are:
- The Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc): qualifies you to register as a veterinarian.
- The Bachelor of Veterinary Technology (BVetTech): qualifies you to work in partnership with other veterinary professionals to help animals.
Becoming a veterinarian – the BVSc
The Bachelor of Veterinary Science is New Zealand’s veterinary qualification, recognised internationally.
This five-year programme gives you training in a broad range of species, with hands on, problem-solving learning and the chance to track in your area of interest in your final year.
Acceptance into the vet programme is very competitive. Find out about entry requirements and programme details.
Bachelor of Veterinary Technology
There is growing demand for veterinary professionals who have in-depth knowledge of veterinary technology, the latest research, veterinary best practice and welfare issues.
The Bachelor of Veterinary Technology will give you transferable skills that open up opportunities to work in many different industries.
US/Canadian applicants and counselors
There are specific advantages to US or Canadian students studying to become a vet at Massey University. We also offer support and detailed information to counselors.
International students/agents
We welcome international students to Massey! You’ll study at a world-leading institution in the beautiful environment of our Palmerston North campus. Find out more about entry requirements and support at Massey for international students.
Location
The School of Veterinary Science is located on Massey’s campus in Palmerston North. Academic and administrative staff are located in the Hopkirk building, Veterinary Building and the Vet Tower just off the Ring Road. These offices are adjacent to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and Wildbase Hospital and within walking distance of the Equine Veterinary Clinic and Farm Services.
Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre
The Centre focuses on animal welfare in a diverse range of human-animal interactions. This includes the use of animals in research, teaching and testing, on farms, in the home, for sport, recreation and entertainment, in service roles, in zoos and the wild, and in other arenas.
Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre
EpiCentre
The EpiCentre is the largest veterinary epidemiology training and research centre in Australasia. It is widely considered to be one of the leading groups in the world. We have expertise in the understanding and control of disease in animal populations, the transmission of disease from animals to humans, and hazards in food of animal origin.
Equine Research Centre
Much of the equine research carried out in New Zealand is conducted at Massey University. Our aim is to perform scientific research and promote education to optimise equine health, welfare and the productivity of the equine industry.
Hopkirk Institute
The Hopkirk Institute is a joint institute – scientists are from both AgResearch and Massey University. It has the southern hemisphere’s largest concentration of health sciences for pastoral-fed animals.
Scientists collaborate on researching solutions for the sustainable control of parasitic diseases, primarily in sheep and cattle including:
- evaluating more effective vaccines to combat infectious disease, including tuberculosis, Johne’s disease, mastitis and pneumonia
- identifying and predicting food poisoning threats in New Zealand and devising strategies to minimise their prevalence and impact.
Infectious Disease Research Centre (IDReC)
The Centre engages in applied research concerning multi-host pathogens and fundamental research regarding pathogen evolution and disease emergence. We cover the spectrum of population-based infectious disease research from microbiology, through population genetics, epidemiology, molecular epidemiology, disease ecology, statistics, mathematical modelling, and public health.
Infectious Disease Research Centre
One Health Aotearoa
Massey University scientists are part of One Health Aotearoa. An alliance of New Zealand’s leading infectious diseases researchers, this group work together to address important health hazards in New Zealand.
Wildbase research centre
Research at Wildbase promotes collaborative investigation of wildlife in support of the welfare and conservation of New Zealand native fauna. Our research expertise covers a wide range of wildlife issues.
Working Dog Centre
We work to improve the health and working life of working and service dogs through cutting-edge scientific investigations.
mEpiLab
The mEpiLab’s works to improve the health of New Zealanders by developing and applying new techniques to inform decision making and guide the prevention and control of infectious disease.
One Health at Massey
Massey University expertise is contributing to tackling global epidemics and pandemics under the One Health umbrella.