Veterinary Science at Murdoch University

Course Description

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 a three-year, 6 semester Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Biology) that progresses into an integrated two-year, 6 trimester DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine).  You are therefore able to complete your full qualification over 5 calendar 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.

5 reasons to study Veterinary Science at Murdoch

• Be able to register as a veterinarian, to diagnose and treat diseases of animals, and to care for their health and welfare.
• Develop knowledge and skills that you can use to help your clients and their animals.
• Learn real-world skills in facilities that include veterinary teaching hospitals, clinics and working farm, all located on the Perth campus.
• 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.
• Class sizes are restricted, so that you can make the most of the knowledge and practical training provided by some of the best veterinary teaching staff in Australia and beyond. 

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
• 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.