Massey University

What you'll study

The programme combines foundational biomedical sciences with progressive clinical training. Early years focus on anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology and animal behaviour to build a solid scientific base. Intermediate stages introduce pathology, pharmacology, diagnostic imaging, herd health and epidemiology, along with modules on animal welfare, ethics and One Health principles.

In the later clinical years you undertake intensive, hands‑on training in medicine, surgery, anaesthesia, reproduction and emergency care across companion animals, production animals and wildlife. Teaching methods include lectures, laboratory practicals, simulated clinical skills training and supervised clinical rotations in on‑campus veterinary teaching hospitals and affiliated practices. Research methods and a final year project or case‑based assessments are commonly included to develop critical appraisal skills.

• Foundational sciences: anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology
• Disease and diagnostics: pathology, clinical pathology, diagnostic imaging
• Clinical practice: medicine, surgery, anaesthesia, emergency care
• Population health: herd/flock health, epidemiology, biosecurity
• Professional skills: communication, ethics, animal welfare and practice management
• Practical placements: on‑campus clinics, mobile clinics, farm and community placements

Entry requirements

Admission typically requires strong secondary school qualifications with a focus on sciences. Applicants are normally expected to have completed biology (or equivalent) and chemistry; mathematics and physics are recommended. International qualifications such as A‑levels, the International Baccalaureate or recognised national school certificates are accepted when they meet Massey’s standard entry criteria for health and science degrees.

Selection may also consider academic performance in prerequisite subjects, personal statements, interviews or situational judgement assessments, and evidence of relevant animal or veterinary experience. Enrolment into the clinical years is conditional on passing health screenings, vaccinations and police vetting where required; proof of English language proficiency is required for applicants whose first language is not English.

Career prospects

Graduates are trained to pursue registration as veterinarians and enter clinical practice in small animal, equine, production animal or mixed practice. Career paths also include government and regulatory roles in biosecurity and public health, positions in animal welfare organisations, veterinary industry roles (pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, research and product development), and opportunities in wildlife and conservation medicine.

With further postgraduate training or specialist residencies, graduates can work as veterinary specialists, researchers or academics. There are also pathways into laboratory animal medicine, epidemiology, food safety and policy roles that draw on the degree’s strong foundations in population health and One Health concepts.

Why study at Massey University

Massey is home to a long‑established veterinary programme with integrated clinical teaching and access to veterinary teaching hospitals and farm facilities that support hands‑on learning. The curriculum emphasises a balance of individual animal care and population health, reflecting New Zealand’s mixed animal production and strong emphasis on biosecurity and One Health.

Students benefit from practical placements across diverse clinical settings, links with industry and government agencies, and research opportunities within Massey’s veterinary and animal science research centres. The programme is designed to produce veterinary graduates ready for clinical practice and for roles that address contemporary challenges in animal and public health.