Bachelor of Science / Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

This is a five-year combined degree for people who know they want to be veterinarians and want to get there without a separate postgraduate application. You start with a Bachelor of Science year, then move into the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine professional training. Murdoch runs it as one continuous course, so you do not graduate with the science degree and then reapply. The whole thing is registered on CRICOS as course 108256A.

What you study

The early science year covers the basics you will need later: animal structure and function, cell biology, chemistry, genetics and microbiology, plus animal handling and husbandry. From there the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine units move into anatomy and physiology of domestic species, pathology, pharmacology, medicine and surgery, animal behaviour, and population health. You will spend real time in the teaching hospital and on farm and clinic placements, because you cannot learn to examine a horse or calve a cow from a lecture slide. The final part of the degree is clinical rotations across small animal, large animal, equine and exotic practice, emergency and critical care, and a research or clinical project.

How the Australian qualification is structured

Australian veterinary degrees sit at master's level after an initial bachelor phase, and this one is no different. Study runs on semesters, with units of study each worth credit points. You need to pass the required units and accumulate the credit points for the award. The clinical year is full-time and largely placement-based, which is standard for veterinary training in Australia. Assessment mixes written exams, practical exams, case presentations and supervised clinical work.

Skills and registration

Graduates can diagnose and treat animals, perform surgery, prescribe medicines, manage herd and flock health, and work with owners on prevention and welfare. You also learn to read research, write clinical records and communicate with clients who are worried about an animal they love. Veterinary practice is a regulated profession in Australia, so check the current registration requirements with the Veterinary Surgeons' Board in the state or territory where you intend to work before you enrol.

Who it suits

This suits school leavers and career changers who are comfortable with science, happy to get their hands dirty, and prepared for a long degree. You will need to handle animals, work in a team, and cope with euthanasia and distressed clients. If you want a single application that takes you from first year to veterinary registration, this structure saves you the postgraduate entry round. International students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying, and may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream after graduating. English requirements, fees, intake dates and credit arrangements are set out on the official Murdoch course page and the CRICOS register, confirm the current details there before applying.

• Veterinarian in small animal practice, treating dogs, cats and exotic pets in suburban and regional clinics across Australia.
• Large animal or mixed practice veterinarian, cattle, sheep and horse work with rural practices and agricultural businesses.
• Equine veterinarian, racing, breeding and performance horse medicine, including track and stud work.
• Government veterinary officer, biosecurity, quarantine, disease surveillance and meat inspection with state and Commonwealth agencies.
• Zoo, wildlife or conservation veterinarian, zoos, wildlife hospitals, sanctuaries and rescue organisations.
• Veterinary researcher or academic, universities, CSIRO and animal health research organisations.
• Pharmaceutical and animal health industry roles, technical services, clinical trials, regulatory affairs and product development.
• Emergency and critical care veterinarian, after-hours hospitals and specialist referral centres.
• Animal welfare and policy roles, RSPCA, advocacy groups and industry bodies.
• Veterinary public health, food safety, zoonotic disease control and One Health programmes.