Massey University

What you'll study

The pre-selection programme provides a solid grounding in the core science subjects and practical skills required for veterinary training. Typical subject areas include animal biology and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, genetics, biochemistry, and statistics. Coursework emphasises foundational laboratory and field techniques such as microscopy, basic animal handling, data collection and analysis, and scientific communication. Students also cover introductory animal health, welfare and husbandry topics and may undertake introductory modules in farm systems, companion animal care and wildlife biology depending on the approved course options.

Study is usually structured to allow completion of prerequisite credit requirements for application to the professional BVSc programme. Assessment commonly combines laboratory reports, written assignments, exams and practical assessments, and students are encouraged to gain complementary practical experience through volunteer roles or work placements with veterinary clinics, farms or animal welfare organisations.

Entry requirements

Entrance to the pre-selection pathway typically requires university entrance from secondary school (or recognised equivalent) with strong achievement in science subjects. Applicants are generally expected to have studied biology and chemistry at senior secondary level and to meet Massey University’s general admission standards. Where relevant, demonstrated competence in mathematics or statistics is preferred. International applicants must meet Massey’s English language proficiency requirements.

For applicants whose background does not exactly match the typical subject profile, alternative entry routes include completion of relevant tertiary-level science courses or foundation certificates. Selection for progression from the pre-selection pathway into the BVSc professional programme is competitive and based on academic performance, prerequisite completion and, in many cases, additional selection criteria such as interviews, referees’ reports or demonstrated animal-handling experience.

Career prospects

Completing the pre-selection programme prepares students for application to Massey’s BVSc; successful progression leads to a professional veterinary qualification and clinical career. Even if students do not proceed to the BVSc immediately, the science knowledge and practical experience gained open a range of career options. Typical roles graduates move into include animal health technician or technologist, laboratory or research assistant, biosecurity and quarantine support, farm advisory roles, animal welfare officer, wildlife conservation support, and positions in agribusiness or pharmaceutical technical support.

Graduates may also pursue further study in allied disciplines such as animal science, ecology, public health or biomedical research, or undertake vocational training to become registered veterinary nurses where relevant qualifications are available.

Why study at Massey University

Massey University offers an established pathway into veterinary training with campus facilities and teaching that focus on both theory and applied practice. Students benefit from access to teaching farms, clinical training facilities and laboratory resources that support hands-on learning in animal management and health. The veterinary programme has close links with industry, biosecurity agencies and research providers across New Zealand, providing opportunities for placements and real-world experience.

Massey’s multi-campus structure and research networks support interdisciplinary learning in areas such as animal welfare, epidemiology and production animal systems, helping prepare students for a wide range of roles in animal health, agriculture and environmental management. Academic staff with active research and clinical practice contribute to curriculum relevance and student mentorship as they prepare for competitive entry to the professional BVSc programme.