Why Study/Key Benefits

• The Master of Veterinary Studies (MVS) is a postgraduate research-focused qualification for veterinary graduates who want to deepen their knowledge, develop research capability and investigate a particular area of veterinary science.
• Massey describes the MVS as an internationally recognised degree combining taught study with research.
• The Without Specialisation pathway allows students to tailor their study from a range of veterinary science courses rather than completing one named subject.
• Research areas available through the School of Veterinary Science include epidemiology, animal welfare science, biosecurity, wildlife health, veterinary public health, equine health and performance, production-animal health and companion-animal health.
• The qualification can support veterinarians seeking professional development, non-clinical expertise or preparation for a research-oriented career.
• Massey notes that several School of Veterinary Science research centres have World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Collaborating Centre status.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The MVS is a parts-based qualification. Students must complete Part One before progressing to Part Two, and a B grade average is required across Part One courses for progression.

Part One requires 60–120 credits selected from the approved course schedules. Examples include:

• Decision Making with Animal Health Data – 15 credits
• Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Epidemiologic Data – 15 credits
• Current Topics in Epidemiological Methods and Data Analysis – 15 credits
• Analysis of Epidemiologic Data – 30 credits
• Veterinary Public Health – 60 credits
• Cardiorespiratory Medicine for Small Animal Veterinarians – 15 credits
• Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice – 15 credits
• Applied Veterinary Epidemiology – 15 credits
• Advanced Topics in Epidemiologic Data Analysis – 15 credits
• Research Methods in Animal, Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences – 15 credits
• Statistical Reliability and Survival Analysis – 15 credits.

Additional elective options include subjects such as:

• Canine and Feline Gastroenterology
• Canine and Feline Endocrinology
• Canine and Feline Oncology
• Diagnostic Imaging for Small Animal Veterinarians
• Clinical Pathology in Small Animal Practice
• Canine and Feline Neurology
• Avian Medicine
• Ophthalmology in Small Animal Practice
• Canine and Feline Emergency Medicine
• Dermatology for Small Animal Veterinarians
• Canine and Feline Orthopedic Surgery
• Canine and Feline Soft Tissue Surgery
• Advances in Ruminant Nutrition for Veterinarians
• Calf Medicine, Health and Management
• Advanced Mastitis Management for the Production Animal Veterinarian
• Lameness Investigation and Control for Cattle Veterinarians
• Veterinary Clinical Reproduction and Fertility
• Special Topic courses.

Part Two provides two research options:

1. 120-credit thesis

The thesis route consists of:

• 118897 Thesis 120 Credit Part 1 – 60 credits
• 118898 Thesis 120 Credit Part 2 – 60 credits

Massey describes the thesis as supervised, guided independent research resulting in a substantial scholarly work.

2. 60-credit research report

Course:

• 118811 Research Report – 60 credits

The research report involves detailed examination of a specific veterinary topic and may involve original research, problem investigation, existing data or published literature.

Disciplines/Specialisations

The requested programme is Without Specialisation.

Massey's regulations state that the MVS can be awarded with or without a subject. The subjects listed in the regulations are:

• Advanced Veterinary Practice
• Conservation Veterinary Medicine
• Epidemiology
• Veterinary Pathology
• Veterinary Public Health

Programme Highlights

• NZQF Level 9 Master's degree.
• 180 credits.
• Internationally recognised Master of Veterinary Studies.
• Without Specialisation pathway allows considerable flexibility in course selection.
• Manawat campus and distance/online study options.
• International students can study on campus in New Zealand or online from outside New Zealand.
• Research options include either a 60-credit research report/dissertation or a 120-credit thesis.
• Research opportunities cover epidemiology, animal welfare, biosecurity, wildlife health, veterinary public health and multiple animal-health disciplines.
• Part One provides preparation for the research component.
• A B average across Part One is required for progression to Part Two.

Career Outcomes

Massey states that graduates have gone on to become leaders in areas such as:

• veterinary epidemiology
• veterinary public health
• veterinary research
• animal-health research
• evidence-based veterinary practice
• non-clinical veterinary professional roles.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The current programme is explicitly open to international students both on campus in New Zealand and online from outside New Zealand.
• The current qualification page states 1.5 years full-time for 180 credits, while the 2026 International Prospectus specifically lists the Without Specialisation pathway as February, part-time only, with a minimum duration of two years. Applicants should confirm the study pattern available for their intake before accepting an offer.
• Students must maintain at least a B average in Part One to progress to Part Two.
• The qualification regulations require at least 60 credits at 800 level.
• Some courses are restricted against other courses with overlapping content, and not all listed courses are offered every year.
• Research students should discuss their proposed research area and potential supervision with the School of Veterinary Science Postgraduate Office before finalising their study plan.
• The MVS is not a clinical veterinary-registration qualification.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student who studies the MVS physically at Massey's Manawat campus, the relevant New Zealand visa is generally the Fee Paying Student Visa.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• Offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Sufficient funds to pay tuition fees or an appropriate scholarship.
• Sufficient funds for living costs or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical/travel insurance.
• Good health and character.
• Genuine intention to study.
• Evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of their stay.