Master of Veterinary Science

The Master of Veterinary Science (MVSc) (Clinical), is a Research Higher Degree that can be undertaken in any of the Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences' clinical research programs. Research training based on the conduct of experiments, or analysis of clinical cases, under appropriate supervision, is given in a selected field of veterinary science.

Candidates are expected to meet regularly with their research supervisor(s) and 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 partial fulfilment of the degree. The thesis should demonstrate a critical application of specialist knowledge and make an independent contribution to existing scholarship in the area of research.

In addition to research and publication of a thesis, students will obtain advanced professional training through participation in the clinical investigation and management of clinical cases under supervision of senior staff (Clinical Practicum). This portion of the Masters is assessed by a 3 hour examination held in the final year of candidacy.

Students who enrol in this course as part of the Clinical Residency Training Program will be enrolled on a part-time basis. The duration of part-time candidature is three years, with the possibility of two six-month extensions. For local students, RTS is available for a maximum of two years full-time equivalent (fours years part-time).

The main objective of this research degree program is to train graduate veterinarians in clinical research and in advanced clinical skills. Graduates of the program will:

• have achieved a breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding in a particular field or set of related fields in veterinary science;
• be able to apply scientific methods to the definition and solution of problems by research;
• have acquired advanced technical skills relevant to their field of research;
• have acquired skills in the search for and interpretation of scientific literature and other relevant data bases;
• be effective in both spoken and written scientific communication to both professional colleagues and the wider community;
• have an understanding of the financing and management of scientific research;
• develop interpersonal skills to work as part of a team;
• observe the appropriate research codes of practice; and
• demonstrate a professional approach to all areas of responsibility.

Assessment will be weighted 75% to the research thesis and 25% to the practicum component. A pass is required in both components. Candidates whose progress in the course is not satisfactory may have their candidature terminated after appropriate counselling and an opportunity for appeal.

A candidate will have appropriately experienced supervisor(s) and an Advisory Committee who, in consultation with the candidate, will arrange 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).

There are two components to the MVSc (Clinical):

1. Research thesis
Candidates will be required to undertake research culminating in the production of a thesis of no more than 30,000 words to be submitted for examination by two external examiners. The format of the thesis, including a statement on authorship, must follow prescriptions laid down by the University and found in the Masters by Research Generic Guidelines.

2. Practicum component
The practicum component of this program will be undertaken during enrolment in the MVSc (Clinical). It will involve participation in clinical rounds, tutorials, seminars, and other similar activities, according to the candidate’s area of interest. The practicum component must be clearly related to the research project and will be in an area such as small animal medicine and surgery, anaesthesia, equine medicine and surgery, diagnostic imaging, dairy medicine, and pathology. The practicum component will be assessed by a three-hour written examination at the end of the candidacy and will contribute 25% to the final assessment for the degree.

Regular progress reporting requirements apply, such as a probationary period, confirmation report and seminar, and completion seminar.

Candidates in the Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences' Clinical Residency Training Program will be enrolled in this course on a part-time basis. They will be allocated a total of 30 weeks over a three-year period solely for pursuit of research for the degree. However, candidates will be expected to pursue components of the research, for example preparation of the literature review, collection of samples or other data, and some laboratory work, during the remaining weeks of their candidacy.

The topic of the research project and the practicum component is determined by the candidate's srea of specialisation in disciplines such as small animal medicine and surgery, anaesthesia, equine medicine and surgery, diagnostic imaging, dairy medicine, and pathology.

Students completing the MVSc (Clinical) as part of their clinical residency training will enrol in the Master Thesis in Vet Science (Clinical) and one practicum subject (either the full-time (FT) or part-time (PT) subject listed below):

The usual entry requirement is a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (honours level) or recognised equivalent qualification.

Please note that all students must meet the University’s English language requirement and be eligible to register as a veterinarian with the Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board of Victoria.

All MVSc (Clinical) candidates are required to complete the equivalent of at least six months full-time (12 months part-time) advanced study and research at the University unless studying at an outside institution approved by the Research Higher Degrees Committee (RHDC). The RHDC will not approve entirely distance supervision or entirely on-line supervision for research higher degree students.

Throughout their candidature candidates are expected to attend the University in order to benefit from planning, conducting and writing up their research within a University community and environment.

The residency requirement is deemed especially important during the first six months of candidature. During this time the student is expected to interact on a regular basis with the supervisor, the department (including staff and other research students) and the University, so as to:

• build the skills and knowledge necessary to carry out the proposed research program,
• acquire an understanding of the standards and requirements for an master by research awarded by the University, and
• make use of support programs and facilities provided by the Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences and the University throughout the period of candidature.

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 the requirements of this course are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser 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.

Application Procedure

Detailed information for prospective MVSc (Clinical) students regarding the application process is available at http://www.u-vet.com.au/learning-at-uvet/program-overview. Expressions of interest for the clinical residency program and MVSc (Clinical) are accepted between June 1st and August 31st for the following year.

MVSc (Clinical) applicants should identify a supervisor before lodging an application by completing an Expression of Interest.

Which scholarship can I apply for?

Students can find information about graduate research scholarships offered by the University of Melbourne at the Melbourne Scholarships Office.

Facilities and Support:

The Melbourne School of Graduate Research makes available a broad range of Programs & Services available to graduate research students.

Candidature:

Candidates undertake a period of supervised advanced study and research in the Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences. The term of candidature is three years on a part-time study basis. Candidates are expected to meet regularly with their supervisor and are required to submit an annual report on the progress of their work. They are expected to present their work in the Faculty's research seminar program. They are assisted to participate in relevant national or international conferences.

Assessment:

A thesis is submitted for examination by a minimum of two external examiners. The format of the thesis, including a statement on authorship, must follow prescriptions laid down by the University and advised to the candidate at the time of enrolment.

The practicum component will be assessed by a three-hour examination held in the final year of candidacy. The format of this examination will be determined by the candidates’ residency supervisors.

Candidates whose progress in the course is not satisfactory may have their candidature terminated after appropriate counselling and an opportunity for appeal.