Master of Veterinary Science

This stream of the Master of Veterinary Science is a Research Higher Degree with no practicum component which can be undertaken in any of the Faculty of Veterinary Science’s research programs. Research training, based on the conduct of experiments under appropriate supervision, is provided in a selected discipline area within the field of veterinary science. Candidates are expected to meet regularly with their supervisor(s) and to present their work in the Faculty’s research seminar program. They are assisted to participate in relevant national or international conferences. A thesis is submitted in fulfillment of the degree.

The student is expected to have achieved a breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding in a particular field or set of related fields in veterinary science. On the completion of the course students should:

• Be able to apply scientific methods to the definition and solution of problems by research and approach research in a critical, perceptive and constructive way;
• Have acquired skills in the searching and manipulation of scientific literature and other relevant data bases;
• Be effective in scientific communication through both the spoken and written medium and to both professional colleagues and the wider community;
• Have an understanding of the financing and management of scientific research;
• Demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, research ethics or code of practice; and
• Develop interpersonal skills to work as part of a team.

All candidates for the MVSc will be examined on the basis of their thesis. A candidate will have appropriately experienced supervisor(s) and an Advisory Committee who in consultation with the candidate, arranges a course of supervised research designed to suit the individual requirements and interests of the candidate. A candidate may be required to supplement their research program by attendance at, or enrolment in, additional subjects if considered necessary by the supervisor(s).

All MVSc candidates are required to complete the equivalent of at least 6 months full-time (12 months part-time) advanced study and research at the University (unless studying at an approved outside institution). The Faculty of Veterinary Science will not approve entirely distance supervision or entirely on-line supervision for research higher degree students.

Duration of candidature is 18 months. Two extensions of three months each may be allowed. For local students, RTS is available for a maximum of two years.

None

All students enrolled in this research-only stream of the MVSc will enrol in the following subject:

The usual entry requirement is a BVSc (usually honours level) or recognised equivalent qualification. Please note that all students must meet the University’s English language requirement.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the University’s programs. Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Subject Coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Research Masters degrees at the University of Melbourne seek to develop graduates who have a capacity for defining and managing a research project characterised by originality and independence.

The University expects its research Masters graduates to have the following qualities and skills:

• An ability to initiate research projects and to formulate viable research questions;
• A demonstrated capacity to design, conduct and report independent and original research on a closely-defined project;
• An ability to manage time to maximise the quality of research;
• An understanding of the major contours of international research in the research area;
• A capacity for critical evaluation of relevant scholarly literature;
• Well-developed and flexible problem-solving abilities appropriate to the discipline;
• The ability to analyse research data within a changing disciplinary environment;
• The capacity to communicate effectively the results of research and scholarship by oral and written communication;
• An understanding of and facility with scholarly conventions in the discipline area;
• A profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of research and scholarship;
• A capacity to cooperate with other researchers; and
• An ability to manage information effectively, including the application of computer systems and software where appropriate to the student’s field of study.

Students can find information about scholarships offered by The University of Melbourne from the Melbourne Scholarships Office.

Theses are examined by the Melbourne School of Graduate Research. Three months prior to the submission date of the thesis, the candidate is required to submit an 80-word summary of the thesis argument to the Melbourne School of Graduate Research. The summary activates the process of nominating potential examiners for the thesis.