If you’re an animal lover with a knack for science, join our School of Veterinary Medicine to kick-start your dream career.
Could there possibly be a career that is more universally coveted than being a veterinarian?
In this article, you’ll discover our world-class School of Veterinary Medicine and learn why we are the top choice for future veterinarians, science professionals, researchers, and animal welfare experts.
A day in the life of a Veterinary Medicine student
A very hands-on discipline, you’re guaranteed to be in the thick of it. On any given day, students might:
- Review real cases from the veterinary hospital in a wide variety of animals.
- Visit the stables and learn about performance horses.
- Assist on research projects to improve the welfare of sheep and cattle.
- Perform pregnancy examinations on horses, alpacas and pigs.
- Learn about disease management and prevention in livestock.
- Get hands-on training in the principles of surgery and anaesthesia.
- Visit working farms and workplaces throughout WA, Australia, and overseas.
- Learn all the latest developments in pharmacology and diagnostic imaging, and
- Discover avian, wildlife and exotic pet medicine.
There’s never a dull day! To find out about careers in vet medicine, head here.
The Murdoch difference
The magic can be found in what we do on campus day in, day out. It’s this commitment and passion that has helped build our enviable reputation. For students, there are many valuable, unique facilities and resources at your fingertips:
The Animal Hospital at Murdoch University (TAHMU)
Western Australia’s very own veterinary teaching hospital is right here on our Perth campus, and this is where final year students apply classroom theory to real animal patients. You’ll work with household pets, exotic animals, farm animals and horses in a variety of settings. You will also benefit from working alongside expert staff including registered veterinarians, specialists in radiology, anaesthesiology, emergency and critical care, and more. Find out more.
Murdoch University farmland
The only Australian city university with a campus farm. For our students, this is a one-of-a-kind experience. Access farms in three different locations – a 51-hectare vet farm (located at our Perth campus), the 60-hectare heritage-rich Whitby Falls Farm, and the 80-hectare Mardella Farm. You’ll: work with breeder cows, sheep, horses, pigs, alpacas and goats; learn animal handling and clinical examination techniques; and perform breeding soundness examinations and pregnancy diagnosis. You’ll also have access to the animal handling facilities and cattle feedlot. Find out more.
Surgery and lab facilities
This includes a large sterile surgery room, a viewing area, a surgical preparation area and facilities for animal anaesthesia. You’ll develop skills for a range of important tasks, including suturing and surgery techniques, venous catheterisation, injection administration, and gaseous maintenance of general anaesthesia.
Veterinary Anatomy Museum
To complement our anatomy classes, our Anatomy Museum allows you to examine and understand animals inside and out. The museum features various specimens including equine, bovine, porcine, canine and feline, as well as body systems such as cardiovascular and nervous systems.
Learn more about the school and our academics.
Beyond the classroom
Your off-campus opportunities include:
- International study tours. Get valuable work experience while on tour with other students from your area of study, in countries such as Namibia and Thailand.
- Clinical placements. Work alongside experienced veterinarians in real-world settings. You may undertake placements in animal shelters, at Perth Zoo and a wide range of farms and veterinary practices, both in Australia and internationally.
- Professional mentoring. We encourage students to join programs such as Murdoch Student Emerging Leaders and Murdoch Industry Mentoring.
- Study exchange. Being at uni doesn’t mean you have to put travel plans on hold. You can take a semester or two at one of our partner universities, living on campus and experiencing life in another culture.
Your future awaits
Murdoch University is highly respected in the veterinary science field, and we have strong ties to business and research. We partner with industry bodies and leaders to make sure our curriculum is fresh and relevant so, as a graduate, you’ll be career-ready with all the skills you need to make an impact in your profession.