Bachelor of Science / Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Do you want to be a veterinarian? Western Australia’s only Veterinary Science course will provide you with the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and practical experience necessary to solve the existing and emerging problems of our companion animals, livestock and wildlife.

A science-based approach and hands-on experience will prepare you for the highest standard of work in the veterinary industry.

To become a qualified veterinarian, you will need to complete an integrated Bachelors-Masters degree over five years.

Students with prior university study in a relevant discipline may be eligible for advanced standing for first year units, with an opportunity for an accelerated option to complete an additional mandatory first year unit over summer. These students can be considered for entry into the second year of the veterinary course, thereby completing the degree over 4 calendar years.

3 reasons to study Veterinary Science at Murdoch

1. Our veterinary science course is accredited with a number of leading associations around the world, including the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Inc, American Veterinary Medical Association and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
2. Learn real-world skills in our state-of-the-art facilities that include veterinary teaching hospitals, clinics and a working farm, all located on the Perth campus.
3. Extend your experience with all species of animals by completing placements with animal shelters, the Perth Zoo and a wide range of farms and veterinary practices, both in Australia and internationally.

What you’ll learn

Build the knowledge and skills you need to meet your career or study goals. Here are some of the things you’ll learn:

• Veterinary structure and function
• Principles of surgery, anaesthesia and diagnostic imaging
• Processes in animal disease
• Veterinary pharmacology and radiography
• Health and management of production animals
• Avian, wildlife and exotic pet medicine

Your future career

When you graduate you will be prepared for a career in animal health related fields, with animals of all species and sizes.  You could work in primary care or emergency hospitals, in small animal practice, in large animal or mixed practice, or as a government veterinarian. Careers could include:

• Veterinary Clinician in private practice or academia
• Industry Consultant in agriculture, equestrian sport, animal welfare, animal behaviour
• Government Veterinarian, working on biosecurity, food security, herd disease and management
• Researcher in all aspects related to animal health and welfare, including animal models of disease

You could undertake specialist training in a wide range of clinical disciplines such as surgery, medicine, pathology, reproduction, or dermatology.

Previous admission information is available at Murdoch Admission Information - Veterinary Science

Professional accreditation

The School of Veterinary Medicine is accredited by the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC), the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) in the UK, and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

Professional recognition

Graduates of this course will be eligible for registration to practise veterinary medicine, without further examination, in Australia and a number of other countries including United Kingdom, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong. The BSc/DVM degree is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association which, after passing the appropriate National or State licensing examinations, allows Murdoch University graduates to practise in the USA and Canada.