University of Adelaide

What you'll study

The PhD is an original research degree focused on a substantial, supervised research project in areas such as infectious disease, epidemiology, veterinary clinical science, animal genetics, welfare, nutrition or production animal systems. Students work closely with a supervisory team to design and carry out experiments or field studies, analyse data and present findings in a thesis and peer‑reviewed publications.

Research is supplemented by professional development and discipline‑specific coursework where appropriate. Typical coursework and training options include:

• Research methods and experimental design — advanced statistics, study design and data analysis.
• Veterinary epidemiology and disease surveillance — population health methods, outbreak investigation and modelling.
• Molecular and laboratory techniques — pathogen diagnostics, genomics and molecular epidemiology for laboratory‑based projects.
• Clinical research skills — clinical trial design, case management and evidence synthesis for clinically oriented candidates.
• Animal welfare, ethics and policy — welfare assessment, ethics and regulatory frameworks relevant to animal research and industry practice.
• Professional and transferable skills — science communication, grant writing, research integrity and leadership.

Work is delivered primarily through supervised research at the University of Adelaide’s research facilities, including access to Roseworthy campus resources, laboratories and clinical or field sites as relevant to the project.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a relevant honours degree with a research component or a master's degree by research in veterinary science, animal science, biomedical science or a closely related discipline. Qualified practising veterinarians with a professional degree plus demonstrated research experience may also be eligible.

• Academic preparation — an undergraduate honours degree with a significant research thesis or a research master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Research proposal and supervision — a clear research proposal and the support of at least one potential supervisor within the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences are normally required.
• English language proficiency — applicants whose prior study was not in English will need to meet the university’s English language requirements.
• Other documentation — curriculum vitae, academic transcripts and referee reports outlining research capability and experience.

Career prospects

Graduates with a PhD in Veterinary Science pursue careers across academia, government and industry. Typical pathways include:

• Academic researcher and lecturer — leading research programs, teaching and supervising future scientists and veterinarians.
• Veterinary specialist and clinical researcher — specialist clinical practice combined with research in university teaching hospitals or private referral centres.
• Government biosecurity and public health — roles in surveillance, policy development and outbreak response at state and national agencies.
• Industry R&D and biotech — research and development positions in animal health companies, feed and genetics industries, and pharmaceutical firms.
• Non‑government and international organisations — positions in development, animal welfare, conservation and One Health programmes.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers a research environment with strengths in animal health, infectious diseases, welfare science and production systems, supported by facilities at the Roseworthy campus and laboratory infrastructure. Supervisors in the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences have active research programs that span laboratory, clinical and fieldwork, enabling interdisciplinary and translational projects.

PhD candidates benefit from collaborative links across the university and with external partners in government, industry and research institutes, as well as opportunities to engage in clinical casework, diagnostic services and large‑scale livestock research. The university provides structured researcher development to build technical skills, research leadership and communication abilities needed for advanced careers in veterinary science and related fields.