Frequently Asked Questions
- I am currently studying at another institution – what are my options for entering the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine?
- How many Commonwealth supported / International / Full fee places will be available in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine?
- Can I enter the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine via the Bachelor of Biomedicine degree at the University of Melbourne?
- What is the Animal Health and Disease major?
- I am a student from Canada; what are the requirements for entry to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Melbourne?
- I am a student from the United Kingdom; what are the requirements for entry to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Melbourne?
- I am a student from the United States; what are the requirements for entry to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Melbourne?
- I don't have the prerequisites for entry to the DVM – how can I get them?
- What degrees will be acceptable for entry as a graduate to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine?
- First and second year Science subjects required to be eligible for selection into the Veterinary Bioscience specialisation.
- When does selection into the Veterinary Bioscience specialisation take place?
- A recommended read about the new Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program
- I am in Year 12; what are my options for studying Vet Science at Melbourne?
- I need to talk to a person. How can I contact Veterinary Science?
- In what countries can a graduate of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine practise?
- How can I study Veterinary Science at the University of Melbourne?
- Do graduates have any advantage in selection for the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine?
- What other majors will be open to me if I don't get into the Veterinary Bioscience specialisation?
- How long will it take to qualify as a veterinarian through the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program?
- Where will the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program be taught?
- How many students will be admitted into the Veterinary Bioscience specialisation and the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine?
- What subjects should I study in Year 12 if I am aiming to study Veterinary Science at the University of Melbourne (via the Bachelor of Science)?
- Will I need to do work experience during the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine?
- Where can I find information about graduate and research degrees and scholarships for international students at the Faculty of Veterinary Science?
- Where can I find information about graduate and research higher degrees and scholarships for local students at the Faculty of Veterinary Science?
- What sort of person becomes a Veterinarian?
- What do Veterinarians do?
- What career directions are there for veterinarians?
- Is there provision for mature age entry into the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine?
- Is the Veterinary Bioscience specialisation in the University of Melbourne's Bachelor of Science the preferred pathway to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine?
- What if I am not selected for entry into the Veterinary Bioscience specialisation?
- Are interviews conducted for entry to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine?
- What are the University of Melbourne's English language requirements?
- Is Access Melbourne open to students applying for graduate professional degrees?
- In what countries can a University of Melbourne BVSc graduate practise?
- Can I study the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine part time?
- Can I do a double degree at the University?
- Breadth subjects available as part of the new generation degrees
- Are animals used in teaching the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine?
- Student mobility
- Mature age entry to New Generation degrees
- Is there any guarantee I'll get into the graduate professional degree of my choice?
- Science Points Count
I am currently studying at another institution – what are my options for entering the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine?
There are a number of options open to students who are currently studying a science degree at another institution:
Transfer to the University of Melbourne's Bachelor of Science degree at the end of your first year
Students may be eligible to transfer to the University of Melbourne Bachelor of Science degree at the end of their first year of studies. Prospective students should contact the Faculty of Science regarding transfer eligibility: http://science-unimelb.custhelp.com.
Provided students who transfer to the Bachelor of Science have completed the necessary first year subjects, they may enter the Animal Health and Disease major in second year (available from 2010). Prerequisites for entry to second year Animal Health and Disease subjects are: two units of each of Biology and Chemistry, and one unit of Physics if not completed in Year 12. Students who complete the second year Animal Health and Disease subjects at the University of Melbourne will be eligible for selection into the Veterinary Bioscience specialisation.
It is important to note that it will not be possible to transfer from another institution directly into the third year Veterinary Bioscience specialisation. Students should aim to transfer to Melbourne prior to commencing second year, in order to undertake core second year animal health subjects at Melbourne.
Apply for entry to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine following completion of a science degree
Graduates may apply for entry to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine upon the completion of a science degree from another institution. Graduates must have completed at least one semester of study in both general/cellular biology and biochemistry. Selection will be based on results obtained in all final year and penultimate year science subjects. Students who follow this pathway will enter the four-year DVM program, which includes animal health foundation studies in the first year of the program.
How many Commonwealth supported / International / Full fee places will be available in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine?
In each year of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine there will be 60 Commonwealth supported places, 50 international places and 10 full fee paying places.
Can I enter the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine via the Bachelor of Biomedicine degree at the University of Melbourne?
Students wishing to enter the Bachelor of Biomedicine undergraduate degree as a pathway to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine will be eligible for selection into the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine via the Veterinary Bioscience specialisation in third year provided they do the following:
- Enrol in the Bachelor of Biomedicine, taking the compulsory Biomedicine subjects in the first year
- Take the Veterinary Science subjects Foundations of Animal Health 1 and Foundations of Animal Health 2 in second year as selectives (two units) alongside the compulsory second year Biomedicine subjects
- During the second year of study, apply to transfer to the Bachelor of Science. (Please contact the Eastern Precinct Student Centre prior to September for full details about the process and deadlines.)
- Also during the second year of study (usually in July/August), apply for entry to the Veterinary Bioscience specialisation (i.e. the Veterinary Science stream of the Bachelor of Science) for third year.
- Students who gain entry to the Veterinary Bioscience specialisation and pass all third year subjects will progress into the DVM, with credit for all subjects in DVM year 1.
Students following this pathway will graduate with a Bachelor of Science (Animal Health and Disease major) after three years and a DVM after six years.
In addition, students who enter the Bachelor of Biomedicine with an ENTER score of 98.5 or above, maintain an average of 70% or higher in first and second year and complete all prerequisite subjects, will be guaranteed entry to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine via the Veterinary Bioscience specialisation of the Bachelor of Science, provided they follow the application process as detailed above.
Alternatively, students who complete the 3-year Bachelor of Biomedicine will be eligible to apply for entry as graduates to the four year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program.
What is the Animal Health and Disease major?
Animal Health and Disease is one the majors on offer in the Bachelor of Science.
The core second year Animal Health and Disease subjects - Foundations of Animal Health 1and 2, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology - are the prerequisites for entry to the Veterinary Bioscience specialisation. During second year studies in the Animal Health and Disease major, students can apply for entry to the Veterinary Bioscience specialisation for third year. Students who are admitted to, and successfully complete, the Veterinary Bioscience specialisation in third year are guaranteed entry to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with 100 points credit (1 year of study), leaving 3 years of study in the DVM.
The major also provides a pathway for students interested in pursuing careers in areas such as animal science and research, animal production industries, disease surveillance and bio-security, and animal welfare. The alternative specialisation is Animal Disease Biotechnology, from which students will graduate with skills in the areas of animal health and disease surveillance.
I am a student from Canada; what are the requirements for entry to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Melbourne?
Students from Canada can apply for entry to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine following completion of a science degree. The specific prerequisites for science graduates are at least one semester of study in each of cellular/general biology and biochemistry. As an indication, to be competitive for selection, students will need to have achieved AT LEAST a B average (3.0 GPA) in their undergraduate course.
Students may also enter the Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne as a school leaver, and apply for entry to the Veterinary Bioscience specialisation at the end of second year. Information about International Student entry to the Bachelor of Science can be found on the International Future Students website.
I am a student from the United Kingdom; what are the requirements for entry to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Melbourne?
Students from the UK can apply for entry to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine following completion of a science degree. The specific prerequisites for science graduates are at least one semester of study in each of cellular/general biology and biochemistry. As an indication, to be competitive for selection, students will need to have achieved AT LEAST a B average (3.0 GPA) in their undergraduate course.
Students may also enter the Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne as a school leaver, and apply for entry to the Veterinary Bioscience specialisation at the end of second year. Information about International Student entry to the Bachelor of Science can be found on the International Future Students website.
I am a student from the United States; what are the requirements for entry to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Melbourne?
Students from the United States can apply for entry to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine following completion of a science degree. The specific prerequisites for science graduates are at least one semester of study in each of cellular/general biology and biochemistry. As an indication, to be competitive for selection students will need to have achieved AT LEAST a B average (3.0 GPA) in their undergraduate course.
Students may also enter the Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne as a school leaver, and apply for entry to the Veterinary Bioscience specialisation at the end of second year. Information about International Student entry to the Bachelor of Science can be found on the International Future Students website.
I don’t have the prerequisites for entry to the DVM – how can I get them?
Students can apply for entry to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine following completion of a science degree. The specific prerequisites for science graduates are at least one semester of study in each of cellular/general biology and biochemistry.
If you have not completed cellular/general biology and biochemistry as part of your science degree you may study these subjects as part of the Community Access Program (CAP) at the University of Melbourne. See www.unimelb.edu.au/community/access for more information.
Students may also study the required subjects at other institutions. Students are encouraged to contact the institution directly to see if they offer a program similar to the CAP.
What degrees will be acceptable for entry as a graduate to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine?
Students applying for entry to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine must have completed a science degree, including at least one semester of study in both general/cellular biology and biochemistry.
Degrees / majors which may be appropriate include: Agriculture, Biochemistry, Biomedicine, Biotechnology, Cell Biology, Dentistry, Domestic Animal Science, Genetics, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Pharmacy, Physiology and Zoology. Many science majors of a Bachelor of Science degree will be appropriate.
First and second year Science subjects required to be eligible for selection into the Veterinary Bioscience specialisation.
First year:
two units of each of Biology and Chemistry; one unit of Physics if not completed in Year 12; plus two Science elective subjects and two breadth subjects.
Second year:
two units of Foundations of Animal Health; one unit of Biochemistry; plus three Science elective subjects and two breadth subjects.
Elective subject selection in first and second year will determine which other majors are open to students in third year. More information about subject selection and Science majors is available from the Eastern Precinct Student Centre.
When does selection into the Veterinary Bioscience specialisation take place?
Science students can apply for selection into the Veterinary Bioscience specialisation (i.e. the Veterinary Science stream of the Bachelor of Science degree) during their second year. Students need to have completed (or be undertaking) the prerequisite first and second year subjects to be eligible for selection. Once selected, students who successfully complete all studies in the Veterinary Bioscience specialisation in third year will have guaranteed entry into the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
A recommended read about the new Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program
Are CSP places available with the DVM*?
A number of CSP places will be available with the new DVM degree.
How many students will you take into the DVM?
We will be selecting 120 students into the course every year.
Where will the new program be taught?
The four-year DVM program will be taught at both the Parkville and Werribee campuses. The first two years of the DVM will be taught largely at Parkville and the third and fourth years will be taught largely at Werribee.
When does selection into the Veterinary Bioscience specialisation take place?
After completing prerequisite first and second year subjects, students will apply for selection into the Veterinary Bioscience specialisation that will be offered in the third year of the Bachelor of Science (this will be quota limited). Students should apply during their second year of the Bachelor of Science. Once selected, students who successfully complete all studies in the Veterinary Bioscience specialisation will have guaranteed entry into the new DVM.
What subjects do I need to take in the first year of the new generation Bachelor of Science degree offered at the University of Melbourne?
Two units each of Biology and Chemistry, and one unit of Physics for students without Year 12 Physics.
I am in Year 12; what are my options for studying Vet Science at Melbourne?
The Melbourne School of Veterinary Science has moved to a graduate model of veterinary education with our new professional entry graduate degree, the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. There are a number of pathways to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program available to students in Year 12:
Enter the Bachelor of Science's Veterinary Bioscience specialisation at the University of Melbourne
School leavers can enter the Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Melbourne, completing the Animal Health and Disease major with the Veterinary Bioscience specialisation in third year. Students can apply for selection into the Veterinary Bioscience specialisation during second year, after completing prerequisite first and second year subjects. Entry will be quota limited and students will need to excel in their first and second year studies to be eligible. Once selected, students who successfully complete all subjects in the Veterinary Bioscience specialisation will have guaranteed entry into the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program with 100 points credit (one year of study), leaving three years of study in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
High achieving year 12 students will be guaranteed entry to the DVM via the Veterinary Bioscience specialisation. Australian school leavers will need to achieve an ENTER (or equivalent) of 98.5 or above, and maintain a minimum average of H2 (70%) in first and second year Science subjects, to enter the DVM via the guaranteed pathway.
OR
Complete a science degree and enter the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine as a graduate
Students can complete a science degree at the University of Melbourne or another institution, before entering the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine as a graduate. Prerequisites for entry as a graduate are at least one semester of study in both cellular/general biology and biochemistry. Students who follow this pathway will apply for entry to the four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program which includes animal health foundation studies in the first year of the program. This pathway is available from 2011.
I need to talk to a person. How can I contact Veterinary Science?
We are always happy to help you on the phone or in person, please contact us:
Tel: +61 3 8344 7357
Fax: +61 3 8344 7374
Visit the Veterinary Science Student Centre on the corner of Park Dr and Flemington Rd, Parkville
In what countries can a graduate of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine practise?
The University of Melbourne Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree allows a graduate to register to practise as a veterinarian throughout Australia, in New Zealand, North America and in the United Kingdom. The University's veterinary graduates regularly proceed to postgraduate internship and residency programs and a large number currently hold academic appointments in veterinary medical teaching institutions in North America and the United Kingdom.
For registration in Singapore and Hong Kong the applicant must hold a recognised degree in veterinary medicine. As a guide, degrees recognised by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, United Kingdom, are generally acceptable.
How can I study Veterinary Science at the University of Melbourne?
Aligned with the Melbourne Model, the Melbourne School of Veterinary Science is moving to a graduate model of veterinary education. Students who wish to study Veterinary Science at the University of Melbourne will now study an undergraduate science degree followed by our newly-created professional entry graduate degree - the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
From 2009, students who wish to enter the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree will need to complete EITHER the three year Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Melbourne OR another science degree from the University of Melbourne or another institution.
Do graduates have any advantage in selection for the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine?
Selection of students into the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine will be based on academic results, and as such there will be no preference for students who have completed an undergraduate degree. Places in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine will be awarded to the top 120 applicants with the appropriate prerequisite subjects or degrees.
What other majors will be open to me if I don't get into the Veterinary Bioscience specialisation?
The majors open to students at the end of second year Bachelor of Science will depend on Science electives taken in first and second year. It is possible to keep two of the three Animal Science majors (Animal Health and Disease, Domestic Animal Science or Zoology) open until the end of second year with appropriate selection of elective science subjects. Students should talk to the Eastern Precinct Student Centre for information about subject selection and majors.
How long will it take to qualify as a veterinarian through the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program?
It will take a school leaver six years to qualify as a veterinarian via the University of Melbourne pathway (3-year Bachelor of Science with Veterinary Bioscience specialisation, followed by 3-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine).
Students who enter the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine after completing another science degree will take four years to complete the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, following the completion of their undergraduate degree (usually 3-4 years).
Where will the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program be taught?
The first year of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (or the Veterinary Bioscience specialisation for students entering via the 6-year Bachelor of Science/Doctor of Veterinary Medicine pathway) will be taught largely at the Veterinary Pre-Clinical Campus in Parkville. The second year will also be based at the Veterinary Pre-Clinical Campus, while the final two years of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine will be based at the University of Melbourne's Veterinary Hospital in Werribee.
How many students will be admitted into the Veterinary Bioscience specialisation and the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine?
There are 120 places in total in the Veterinary Bioscience specialisation and the first year of the four-year DVM. This will be comprised of students in the Bachelor of Science and graduates of other science degrees.
What subjects should I study in Year 12 if I am aiming to study Veterinary Science at the University of Melbourne (via the Bachelor of Science)?
The entry requirements for the Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne are a study score of at least 25 in English, English Language or Literature; or at least 30 in ESL; at least 25 in Mathematical Methods; and at least 25 in one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
In addition to this, students considering progressing to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine are strongly advised to complete Year 12 Chemistry. This will provide a strong foundation for first year university Chemistry subjects that are a prerequisite for enrolment in a number of core second year biological science subjects. Those students who don't undertake Year 12 Chemistry will need to undertake an introductory pathway in Chemistry (one unit) followed by two units of first year Chemistry, therefore one subject will need to be completed in Summer Semester in order for the student to undertake Biochemistry in second year.
Students who haven't completed Year 12 Physics will need to complete one unit in first year, as it is a prerequisite for core second year animal health subjects.
Will I need to do work experience during the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine?
You will need to do work experience during the course, both on farms and with veterinarians. This is to enable you to understand how animals are managed on the farm. Work with veterinarians reinforces the theoretical learning by letting you see practical application in the ‘real’ situation. Most of this work is done in vacations between semesters or in the summer vacation. But work experience is not a selection requirement. However to enable you to make an informed career choice you should have some understanding of what veterinarians do.
Where can I find information about graduate and research degrees and scholarships for international students at the Faculty of Veterinary Science?
Information about postgraduate study at the Faculty of Veterinary Science for international students can be found on the following web pages:
For details about postgraduate courses available please go to: www.vet.unimelb.edu.au/coursesOffered.html
If you would like to undertake a research degree, you will find information about current research opportunities here www.vet.unimelb.edu.au/postgradops.html
An application form may be submitted electronically or downloaded from: www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/int/ipg/ipgapply.html
Information about fees is available at: www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/int/fees/index.html
Scholarship information is available at: cms.services.unimelb.edu.au/scholarships/pgrad
Please be aware that scholarships are extremely competitive and it is important that you apply for admission to your course before the closing date for scholarships. This will ensure that you are automatically considered for the full range of scholarships available.
Please also note that to be considered for scholarships your course offer must be unconditional.
For other important information, including English Language Requirements please go here: www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/int/ipg/index.html
Where can I find information about graduate and research higher degrees and scholarships for local students at the Faculty of Veterinary Science?
Information about postgraduate study for local students at the Faculty of Veterinary Science can be found on the following web pages:
For details about our postgraduate courses please see: www.vet.unimelb.edu.au/coursesOffered.html
If you would like to undertake a research degree, you will find information about current research opportunities here: www.vet.unimelb.edu.au/postgradops.html
Scholarship information is available at: cms.services.unimelb.edu.au/scholarships/pgrad
Please be aware that scholarships are extremely competitive. The closing date for scholarships applications is 31 October.
You may also like to search JASON - a national database of postgraduate scholarships. Please see: www.jason.edu.au
Students who wish to apply for a PhD should do so through the School of Graduate Research.
An application form for Master of Veterinary Science or Master of Veterinary Studies can be obtained from the Faculty Office at Parkville- please phone 03 8344-0357 or submit an email via our web form.
What sort of person becomes a Veterinarian?
Veterinarians have a genuine commitment to the well-being of animals and a regard for the concerns of their owners. As a potential veterinarian, you should have an understanding of, empathy with, and respect for animals. You should feel comfortable with animals of all types and be accepting of their responsible integration in social structures. Veterinarians should have high academic ability, with an interest in the sciences. The best way to find out if you are suited to the profession is to see a veterinarian in action. Many students do work experience in practices for short periods while still at school - this can be organised through the school's careers adviser.
What do Veterinarians do?
Veterinarians look after the health and well-being of animals. They not only diagnose, treat, prevent and investigate animal disease and injury but are trained in all aspects of the general management of animals. Many veterinarians own or work in a practice. This requires a variety of management and business skills. Veterinarians must learn to be good communicators (while their patients are animals, their clients are humans) and work well with others, including veterinary nurses, receptionists and administrators. Most veterinarians concentrate on at least one field, such as companion animals, horses or livestock. Many focus on special interests within these fields, such as surgery, medicine, ophthalmology and dentistry. Veterinary science is a lifestyle as well as a career - veterinarians work hard and long hours and must keep up with developments in their chosen field through continuing education and training.
What career directions are there for veterinarians?
Most of Australia's approximately 8,100 veterinarians work in private practices. Veterinary practices are typically small businesses, with many consisting of only one or two full-time veterinarians. Specialisation is an increasing trend, with some practices limiting their work to certain types of animals e.g. horse or small animals. Half of Australia's veterinarians work in a capital city; a further 16 per cent in another major city or large country city. Just over one-third work in rural areas. State Governments employ 10 per cent of the nation's veterinarians. The Federal Government employs about 4 per cent. Other veterinarians are employed in research or marketing by companies making or selling veterinary medicines, in intensive animal production businesses and by universities. Zoos also employ their own veterinarians as do an increasing number of animal welfare organisations. Australian vets contribute on a regular basis to international programs on animal production, disease control and environmental management.
Some veterinarians undertake further study and achieve specialist registration. This may be, for example, as a specialist in veterinary medicine for a particular species or in surgery for a particular species.
Is there provision for mature age entry into the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine?
The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine is a graduate course; therefore all students who apply for the course will officially be classed as mature age.
Is the Veterinary Bioscience specialisation in the University of Melbourne's Bachelor of Science the preferred pathway to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine?
Selection of students into the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine will be based on academic results, and as such there will be no preference for students who have entered via the University of Melbourne Veterinary Bioscience specialisation. Places in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine will be awarded to the top 120 applicants with the appropriate prerequisite subjects or degree.
What if I am not selected for entry into the Veterinary Bioscience specialisation?
Students in the Bachelor of Science who are not selected into the Veterinary Bioscience specialisation in third year can opt to complete the alternative specialisation of the Animal Health and Disease major – Animal Disease Biotechnology. Graduates will be equipped with skills suitable for careers in a wide range of industries and institutions including state departments of Primary Industry and Sustainability and Environment; the federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service; animal welfare organisations; zoos; production animal industries; the equine industry; and a wide range of scientific institutions.
Students who graduate from the Bachelor of Science with a major in Animal Health and Disease (Animal Disease Biotechnology) are also eligible to apply for entry as a graduate to the four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program. There will also be other majors open to students, depending on subject selection in first and second year.
Are interviews conducted for entry to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine?
Applicants to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine may be interviewed in order to clarify aspects of their application. Students may be asked to provide references or evidence to demonstrate their interest in a veterinary career.
What are the University of Melbourne's English language requirements?
All students must meet the University's Undergraduate English language requirements or Postgraduate English language requirements.
Is Access Melbourne open to students applying for graduate professional degrees?
From 2008, the University's combined special entry and scholarships scheme, Access Melbourne, will be expanded to cover the new graduate professional programs introduced under the Melbourne Model.
The scheme provides access to applicants whose personal circumstances have had a sustained adverse effect on their academic achievement at undergraduate level or who are members of a specified group known to be underrepresented in higher education.
At least 20% of the total number of Commonwealth supported places available in graduate degrees will be allocated to Access Melbourne applicants. In addition, up to 100 bursaries will be awarded to eligible Access Melbourne applicants enrolling in graduate programs. The one-off grant of $5000 is designed to support students in meeting the costs associated with graduate study.
Further information is available on the website at: http://www.access.unimelb.edu.au
In what countries can a University of Melbourne BVSc graduate practise?
The University of Melbourne degree of Bachelor of Veterinary Science allows a graduate to register to practise as a veterinarian throughout Australia, in New Zealand, North America and in the United Kingdom. The University's veterinary graduates regularly proceed to postgraduate internship and residency programs and a number currently hold academic appointments in Veterinary Medical teaching institutions in North America and the United Kingdom.
For registration in Singapore and Hong Kong the applicant must hold a recognised degree in veterinary medicine. As a guide, degrees recognised by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, United Kingdom, are generally acceptable.
Can I study the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine part time?
The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine cannot be studied part-time. The program has a set course plan and is a full time only course.
Can I do a double degree at the University?
The introduction of the Melbourne Model in 2008 will see the creation of an exciting range of new options for undergraduate students looking to expand the breadth of their studies.
All new generation degrees will require students to take 75 points (or one quarter of their three year program) from outside their major area of study. Some breadth subjects will focus on new skill sets, some will be interdisciplinary and others will provide the opportunity for study in a field unrelated to a student’s core program. This will allow students to learn about alternative areas of knowledge as well as different methods of enquiry and interpretation. In addition, the University’s concurrent diplomas in Arts, Modern Languages, Music (Practical), Geographic Information Systems and Information Systems will continue to provide students with the opportunity to expand their undergraduate experience.
Concurrent diplomas allow students to study different areas of interest without undertaking two degrees. Diploma subjects are studied alongside the main course and add a year to the duration of the original degree.
Students who have completed their first Bachelor’s degree will also have the opportunity to apply for professional graduate programs or research higher degrees. New graduate schools will be introduced commencing with: Law, Nursing, Architecture, Building and Planning, Education and Commerce. These new schools will offer more intensive and better supported highly specialised professional graduate training.
The University will also continue to offer many of its current graduate and professional programs. Alternatively, students might choose to undertake sequential undergraduate degrees. This means completing one undergraduate course before commencing the second. In most cases, credit for studies completed in the first degree will allow students to finish two three-year degrees in five years (the same time it takes to complete most double degrees). By completing one undergraduate degree before beginning the second, students can progress through their studies with the same cohort of students, helping to foster a sense of a shared Melbourne Experience. It also ensures that knowledge in one area is fully developed before further study commences.
Breadth subjects available as part of the new generation degrees
The breadth component of each new generation degree offers students the opportunity to expand their thinking and experience by studying at least a quarter of their subjects (or 75 points) from outside the core program.
- Subjects taken as breadth will each offer a different perspective:
- some will focus on the acquisition of new skills that complement core studies. For example, completing a subject about the history of science to provide context for core Science subjects.
- some will be interdisciplinary. For example, the 'University breadth subjects' discussed below;
- others will provide an opportunity for study in a completely new area of interest (or the continuation of an interest developed at school). For example, pursuing an interest in music or a foreign language while completing the Bachelor of Science or Environments.
Among the many options for breadth study are 'University breadth subjects' which are being developed as multi-disciplinary subjects drawing on foundation knowledge from the humanities, social sciences and sciences. Many of these subjects will address the 'big issues' facing the world today for example, climate change, human relationships and the role of science and technology.
A brochure explaining the range of breadth options in the Bachelor of Science degree is available from the Eastern Precinct Student Centre.
Are animals used in teaching the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine?
Study in Veterinary Science does involve the use of animals in teaching. The use of animals in teaching is an essential part of the course and exemptions are not available. Strict ethical guidelines are applied to all such animal use.
Student mobility
Helping to create accomplished global citizens is one of the key aims of the Melbourne Model. International student exchange and mobility programs offer students a valuable opportunity to live, study and learn in different social, cultural, and intellectual environments – broadening their student experience and offering new perspectives on discipline studies. All University of Melbourne students are actively encouraged to take up exchange opportunities at one of over 120 partner institutions in 31 countries across the world. From 2009 onwards a minimum of 800 Melbourne Abroad Scholarships will be awarded each year to help students study overseas as part of their undergraduate course. The scholarship will be valued at $2500 a year and will be awarded to eligible students in the second or third year of their undergraduate studies. For more information see www.services.unimelb.edu.au/exchanges
Mature age entry to New Generation degrees
If you don’t meet the standard entry requirements you may be eligible to apply for a New Generation undergraduate degree using the non-school leaver entry pathway. To be eligible for this pathway you must: be aged 23 or older by September in the year preceding admission; and have no qualifications from the past seven years which could be used as a basis for selection. All applicants will be required to achieve competitive results in a specified general aptitude test and demonstrate appropriate English language competency. Applicants may be required to undertake subsequent studies (this can be done using the University’s Community Access Program) to meet prerequisites or complement their results in the general aptitude test. For more information about the pathway visit www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/aust/aug/nslpathway.html
Is there any guarantee I'll get into the graduate professional degree of my choice?
Standards have been set for high achieving Year 12 students, which, if met at the completion of an undergraduate degree at the University of Melbourne, will guarantee a place in a graduate professional degree.
Students who meet the prerequisite requirements for entry into a graduate professional degree will be guaranteed entry to their course of choice if they meet the following criteria:
For a Commonwealth supported place:
- achieve an ENTER (or equivalent) of 99.9 (achieved in the final year of schooling in Australia in 2007 or 2008);
- commence an undergraduate course at the University of Melbourne in 2008 or 2009; and
- complete the undergraduate course with a H2A (75%) weighted average.
- For Medicine, Dental Science, Physiotherapy or Optometry: meet the threshold UMAT requirement (test to be undertaken in final year of secondary school).
- For an Australian fee place (does not apply to Medicine or Dental Science):
- achieve an ENTER (or equivalent) of 99.0 (achieved in the final year of schooling in Australia in 2007 or 2008);
- commence an undergraduate course at the University of Melbourne in 2008 or 2009; and
- complete the undergraduate course with a H2A (75%) weighted average.
- For Physiotherapy or Optometry: meet the threshold UMAT requirement (test to be undertaken in final year of secondary school).
Applications for a graduate professional degree using this pathway will be made in the final year of undergraduate study. It is not necessary to nominate an intention to pursue this pathway before then.
The majority of students will apply for graduate professional degrees and be assessed on the basis of their undergraduate study (at the University of Melbourne or another university) and any other course requirements.
Science Points Count
If you are unsure of how many points you have completed in your degree, if you have fulfilled the requirements of a major, or to find out how many subjects you need to complete, you can request a formal science points count. Official points counts are done by Faculty Student Advisers and provide an up-to-date record of where you stand in your degree. Once completed, you will receive the points count either by personal collection, mail or email. For combined degree students, the points count will be for the science component only. Undergraduate students in the Faculty of Science can request a points count at any time of the year by filling in a form at the Faculty of Science office in person or request a points count by email. Requests for points counts generally take a week to be processed. To access this service: science-queries@unimelb.edu.au (03) 8344-6404/7977 Faculty of Science Office, Old Geology Building