Master of Veterinary Clinical Studies

Part 1: Preliminary

1  Course codes

Part 2: Admission requirements

2  Eligibility for admission to candidature

(1) To be eligible to be admitted to candidature for the Master of Veterinary Clinical Studies by the Dean or Associate Dean, an applicant must:

(a) hold or have completed the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Veterinary Science or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Sydney; and

(b) be registrable by the New South Wales Veterinary Practitioners Board, unless exempted by the Head of School and Dean.

(2) The Head of School and Dean may admit to candidature an applicant who does not meet the requirements of sub-clause (1), provided that the applicant:

(a) holds a qualification or qualifications that, in the opinion of the Postgraduate Research Education Committee (PREC), are equivalent to those prescribed in sub-clause (1); and

(b) is eligible for limited registration with the New South Wales Veterinary Practitioners Board.

3  Application for admission to candidature

(1) An applicant for admission to candidature must submit to the Faculty:

(a) satisfactory evidence of the applicant's eligibility for admission;

(b) a proposed course of research and advanced study, approved by the Postgraduate Coordinator; and

(c) a statement certifying the applicant's understanding that, subject to the University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research) Rule 2026 and Academic Board policies and procedures for Higher Degrees by Research, if the candidature is successful, his or her thesis will be lodged with the University Library and made available for immediate public use.

(2) In addition, an applicant for admission to part-time candidature must submit a statement that he or she will have sufficient time available to complete the requirements of the degree in accordance with these resolutions.

(3) Candidates must concurrently enrol in the Master of Veterinary Studies.

4  Credit transfer

The HDR Rule and the Higher Degree by Research Policy specifies the conditions for the granting of credit for previous studies, including the effect on completion times.

Part 3: Candidature

5  Appointment of supervisor

The Head of School will appoint supervisors for each candidate in accordance with the Higher Degree by Research Supervision Policy.

6  Control of candidature

The HDR Rule specifies the conditions for the control of candidature by the University.

7  Location of candidature and attendance

The Higher Degree by Research Policy specifies the conditions for the location of candidature and attendance by candidates at the University.

Part 4: Requirements

8  Degree requirements

(1) To satisfy the requirements of the degree candidates must:

(a) complete any specified probationary requirements;

(b) complete any prescribed advanced clinical components;

(c) conduct research on the approved topic;

(d) complete units of study and any other activities described in the milestones document for the degree;

(f) write a thesis embodying the results of the research.

9  The thesis

(1) A candidate shall produce a thesis that meets the requirements specified in the Academic Board policies and procedures for Higher Degrees by Research thesis examinations.

(2) The thesis should not normally exceed 40,000 words.

Part 5: Enrolment and progression

10  Probation

(1) A candidate is normally accepted for candidature on a probationary basis for a period not exceeding one year according to the provisions of the Higher Degree by Research Policy.

(2) In the probationary period each candidate must:

(a) complete a specified research methods unit of study if prescribed by the Faculty;

(b) develop and present a refined research proposal to the satisfaction of the Supervisor and Postgraduate Coordinator; and

(c) demonstrate adequate English language competency for the completion of the degree.

11  Time limits, earliest and latest submission dates

The HDR Rule specifies the allowable completion times and submission dates available for full- and part-time candidates in this course.

12  Mode of attendance

The attendance pattern for this course is full-time or part-time according to candidate choice. Visa requirements commonly restrict international students to full-time study only.

13  Discontinuation of candidature

A candidate may discontinue enrolment in a unit of study or the degree subject to the conditions specified by the Higher Degree by Research Policy.

14  Suspension of candidature

A candidate may suspend enrolment from the degree subject to the conditions specified by the Higher Degree by Research Policy.

15  Leave of absence

A candidate may take leave of absence from the degree subject to the conditions specified by the Higher Degree by Research Policy.

16  Progress

A candidate is required to maintain satisfactory progress towards the timely completion of the degree. Progress will be reviewed annually according to the provisions of the Higher Degree by Research Policy and the Higher Degree by Research Candidature and Progress Procedures.

Part 6: Examination

17  Examination of the thesis

(1)  Examination of the thesis will be conducted in general accordance with relevant standards prescribed by Academic Board policies and procedures for Higher Degrees by Research thesis examinations for the Master's by research, which are set out in the Higher Degree by Research Policy and the Higher Degree by research Thesis and Examinations Procedures.

18  Award of the degree

The degree is awarded at the Pass level only.

Part 7: Other

19  Transitional provisions

(1) These course resolutions apply to students who commenced their candidature after 1 January 2021 and to students who commenced their candidature prior to 1 January 2021 and elect to proceed under these resolutions.

(2) Candidates who commenced their candidature prior to 1 January 2021 may complete the requirements in accordance with the resolutions in force at the time of their commencement.