Doctor of Veterinary Studies

Overview

The Doctor of Veterinary Studies aims to promote advanced research and clinical specialty training in disciplines in veterinary sciences, development of systematic and critical understanding of a complex field of learning and critical reflection on veterinary professional practice and make a significant and original contribution to knowledge in that discipline through:

Providing candidates with distinctive educational programs for the veterinary profession
Providing candidates with the opportunity to engage and continue lifelong learning, in keeping with the University’s mission statement
Provide the educational needs of veterinary science professionals aspiring to achieve specialty qualifications in a designated veterinary science discipline
Promote the acquisition of advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, research skills and technical skills that enhance the capacity of the candidate to fulfil requirements for specialty status
Encourage excellence in scholarship and focused research within the selected veterinary science discipline
Promote strong links to high quality veterinary professional practice in undergraduate veterinary teaching and clinical research

Admission and Credit

Admission

Entry Requirement

The Research Advisory Committee (RAC) of the University holds the delegated authority to approval for admission to a research higher degree program.
Basis of Approval for Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Studies
The RAC shall base its decision on admission to a proposed Doctor of Veterinary Studies candidature upon the following evidence, that:

the proposed area of research falls within an approved University field of research for admission to a higher degree by research;

the proposed supervisors are sufficiently expert in the area of research, and have the time and commitment to be able to provide appropriate supervision, and that adequate physical resources are available;

the applicant has the background and ability to undertake the proposed course (refer also to Entry Qualifications, below);

the applicant has given the necessary commitment to work regularly on the approved program of study and research and maintain regular contact with the supervisor(s).

For admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Studies, applicants would need to demonstrate that they:

Have a veterinary science degree with class 1 or class 2(i) honours which enables candidates to be registered by the Veterinary Practitioners Board of New South Wales or equivalent academic and/or research experience,
and

Have a minimum of 1 year of veterinary professional experience.

Applicants with a first language other than English must satisfy Charles Sturt University’s normal requirements for language competency.

Credit

Credit Arrangements

Other graduation requirements

Students must satisfactorily complete the core subjects, including successful completion of a dissertation in accordance with CSU Academic regulations, to graduate.

Language requirements

Standard

Structure

Course information

The course structure involves integration between subjects. In Session 1, VSC712 and VSC714 are undertaken to develop clinical research skills and plan the research project in the context of professional practice. Concurrent exposure to professional workplace settings is integral to the subject for students to acquire knowledge, understanding and skills required for research, identify areas for the research and planning for the development of new knowledge and advancement of professional practice, which underpins the purpose of a professional doctorate degree. Research skills and experience are developed and increased as students progress throughout the course. Development of knowledge and skills in professional practice, including integration of evidence for research-led practice, is undertaken in sessions 2 and 3.

The research project is completed in the dissertation subject (VSC713) during sessions 4-6. The progression through the course and assumed development of knowledge and skills requires students to complete the subjects in chronological order.

For the research project and VSC713, the students, under the direction of supervisors, identify gaps in the existing knowledge relevant to the selected veterinary discipline, formulate research questions and hypotheses and develop a proposal and planning for the project to address the identified problem(s) confronting professional veterinary practice. Students develop a systematic understanding of a complex field of learning in their chosen discipline and advanced cognitive, technical, and communication skills to generate new knowledge for the advancement of professional practice through significant original contributions to discipline knowledge. Students apply expert knowledge and skills to progress and finalise the research project. Students will produce a body of significant and original research outcomes in the form of a dissertation for independent examination by external examiners of international standing.

Essential set 192 Credit Points

The essential subject set consists of subjects that meet the specific depth of knowledge and skills requirements for the disciplinary or professional area of study in a course.

Core subjects192 Credit Points

Enrolment Pattern

Full-time

Handbook

4900VT01 - Doctor of Veterinary Studies