University of Pretoria MMedVet Pathology (Coursework)

This programme is offered by the Department of Paraclinical Sciences.

The master’s degree in Veterinary Medicine is a professional degree and equips the student with a broad scientific background in the theoretical and practical aspects of the chosen field of study.

The MMedVet degree is conferred by virtue of completion of a minimum of 90 weeks of clinical training (to be undertaken at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Campus); an oral, written and practical examination in the specialist module; and a mini-dissertation.

The MMedVet degree may entitle the holder to registration as a specialist with the South African Veterinary Council together with other requirements as determined by Council. Candidates are encouraged to review current Council guidelines on specialist registration.

Students are required to confirm whether a module will be presented in any particular year. This enquiry should be directed to the relevant head of department according to the syllabi information provided in the list of modules in this publication.

Elective modules will in all instances be determined in consultation with the head of department in which the proposed special field of study is offered. If deemed necessary, modules offered by other faculties of the University of Pretoria may form part of the prescribed programme.

Also consult the General Regulations.

(i)     Unless stipulated otherwise, the Dean must be satisfied that the candidates will have sufficient access to appropriate facilities and, where necessary, supervision by an appropriate person to complete the work required for the degree at a satisfactory level.
(ii)    Attendance requirements are determined in each individual case by the head of department concerned.
(iii)   Candidates will be required to keep a logbook or similar record of experiential training which is to be signed by the supervisor every 6 months. The logbook or other suitable record is to be made available for auditing when the specialist module is monitored by the South African Veterinary Council.

Subject to the stipulations of the applicable UP General Regulations, a candidate must be in possession of the BVSc or an equivalent degree; and have two (2) years of applicable experience or one year of training as an intern at a recognized training facility. In certain cases, the head of department under which a specific field of study lies, may require a candidate to pass an entrance examination.

Additional Requirements

Candidates are required to be qualified veterinarians registered with the South African Veterinary Council or authorized by the South African Veterinary Council and to work in the field of specialization under supervision of an approved supervisor for the required duration at a facility approved for this purpose.

The number of students that can be admitted to the MMedVet degree programme annually depends on the training capacity of a department, the number of specialists appointed and the number of available posts.

All international applicants whose first language is not English, may be required to pass a proficiency test in English (TOEFL). Application and more information: www.ets.org/toefl/

Postgraduate applicants who have completed any foreign qualifications must have all their previous post-school qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) before applying for postgraduate studies at the University of Pretoria: www.saqa.org.za

International requirements

Candidates are required to write the South African Veterinary Council exam and be registered with the South African Veterinary Council or apply for special permission from the council before applying for a MMedVet degree.  For application email: [email protected]

International students have to ensure they are aware of all aspects pertaining to them to study at the University of Pretoria which can be found at www.up.ac.za/isd.

An average of 60% in Pathology at undergraduate level is required.

To consider your application we also need the following for a departmental screening process:

• Complete Curriculum vitae.
• Complete certified academic records.
• Letter of recommendation of employer (if the relevant sponsor).
• Source of funding for your subsistence (if no fellowship is available).
• Email addresses of three referees that the Department could contact.
• Medical history and clinical examination report from a registered medical practitioner.

The University of Pretoria aspires to be internationally competitive and nationally relevant. The Faculty achieves this by ensuring that its academic and research programmes conform to the highest standards and that the national and international accreditation of its degrees by professional bodies is maintained. Furthermore, the Faculty strives that the market value associated with its degree will always be of competitive benefit to students.