Program Overview

Master of Veterinary Medicine

The Faculty of Vetsuisse at the University of Bern offers an integrated curriculum in veterinary medicine, in accordance with the Bologna system, as well as several doctoral programs.

Program Description

The program focuses on the following areas:

• Measures to promote animal health and well-being: breeding, housing, feeding, treatment
• Research, prevention, and treatment of diseases
• Protection of humans from damage caused by animal diseases
• Control of foodstuffs of animal origin
• Issues related to animal and environmental protection

Program Structure

The Master's program consists of 5 semesters and is composed of courses and clinical rotations. It is divided into a core curriculum and a specialization. The core curriculum covers general knowledge and skills that form the basis of veterinary practice. In the specialization, students deepen their knowledge in specific areas.

Specializations

Three clinical and two non-clinical orientations are offered:

• Small animals
• Horses
• Farm animals
• Pathobiology, infectious diseases, and biomedical research
• Veterinary Public Health

Fourth Year of Study

During the fourth year of study, the teaching of fundamental clinical subjects in veterinary medicine is deepened and expanded in the respective specialization areas.

Fifth and Fifth-and-a-Half Years of Study

Except for short introductory modules, the last three semesters are entirely focused on practice. This ensures that graduates acquire learning experiences corresponding to the expected competencies for their first day of work as veterinarians.

Course Content

The program includes rotations, external internships, and a period reserved for writing the Master's thesis.

Assessment and Evaluation

Students are regularly evaluated according to the ECTS system based on Bologna and local university regulations. Evaluation methods are defined in the study plan.

Admission Requirements

The following certificates of study allow for application to the Master's program in veterinary medicine:

• Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine from the Vetsuisse Faculty or an equivalent university degree
• Bachelor's degree in veterinary medicine from a foreign university or an equivalent degree from an institution of education evaluated positively or accredited according to the directives of the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE) or the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), as well as proof of admission

Application and Admission

The application and admission process for new students includes:

• Procedure for admission with a Swiss certificate of study
• Procedure for admission with an international certificate of study
• General admission requirements

The deadline for application is February 15th, and late applications are not authorized.

Post-Master Opportunities

After completing the Master's program, students can register for the federal examination in veterinary medicine. Upon passing the federal examination, numerous professional opportunities open up, including work in small animal, farm animal, or equine practice, as well as specialized fields, public service, laboratory diagnostic work, industry, or an academic career.

Continuing Education and Specialization

The Vetsuisse Faculty of Bern and the Swiss Veterinary Society (SVS) offer a wide range of continuing education opportunities in all areas. Within the faculty, practical training programs (internships) of one to two years are offered in the clinical field as a basis for European or Swiss specialization programs (residencies / specialized veterinarians).

In research, in addition to classical dissertations (Dr. med. vet), doctoral programs (PhD) are offered in collaboration with the Graduate Schools of the University of Bern. Since 2024, a Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in One Health has been offered.

General information on academic careers at the faculty is available via the link: Career paths and promotion of young talent at the Vetsuisse Faculty of Bern.