Master Thesis in Vet Science (Clinical)

Entry into the Master of Veterinary Science (Clinical). The usual entry requirement is a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (usually honours level) or recognised equivalent qualification, and registration as a veterinarian with the Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board of Victoria (as required for the co-requisite subject).

In addition to this thesis subject, students enrolled in the MVSc (Clinical) will also enrol in either the full-time or part-time version of the following practicum subject:

Candidates must have a recognised degree in veterinary science with appropriate clinical experience.

Students enrolled in the Master Thesis in Veterinary Science (Clinical) are not allowed to enrol in the following subject:

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 MPhil awarded by the University, and
• make use of support programs and facilities provided by the Melbourne School of Graduate Research throughout 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 training, based on the conduct of experiments under appropriate supervision, is given in a selected discipline area within the field of Veterinary Science. Advanced professional training is obtained through participation in the clinical investigation and management of clinical cases under supervision of senior staff. Candidates are expected to meet regularly with their supervisor(s) and to present their work in the Faculty’s research seminar program.

Candidates enrolled in this course as part of the Residency Training Program will be allocated a total of 30 weeks over a three-year period solely for pursuit of research for the degree. They 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.

Students enrolled in this subject will:

• achieve a breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding in a particular field or set of related fields in veterinary science;
• apply scientific methods to the definition and solution of problems by research;
• acquire advanced technical skills relevant to the field of research.

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.

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.

Assessment of this subject will contribute 75% of final result of the MVSc (Clinical) course.

Candidates will conduct a literature review as part of the thesis.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Generic skills demonstrated in this subject are:

• approaching scientific research in a critical, perceptive and constructive way;
• developing interpersonal skills to work as part of a team;
• observing the appropriate research codes of practice;
• acquiring skills in the searching and manipulation of scientific literature and other relevant data bases;
• communicating effectively through both the spoken and written medium and to both professional colleagues and the wider community.

Application Procedure

Detailed information for prospective MVSc (Clinical) students regarding the application process, including the application form is available at http://www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/grad/research. Applications are accepted year-round.

MPhil applicants should identify a supervisor before lodging an application by completing an Expression of Interest.

The Find an Expert website may also assist you to find an appropriate supervisor.

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 Supports:

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