Program Overview

Programme: MMedVet in Ophthalmology (Coursework)

Programme Information

A master's degree in Veterinary Medicine (MMedVet) is a clinical specialty degree at NQF-level 9 of 360 credits to be completed in 3 years of full-time study as part of a residential training program. The training program consists of clinical work (at least 90 weeks of supervised clinical training), coursework, culminating in a multi-component examination (270 credits) and a research project resulting in a mini-dissertation (of 90 credits) and subsequent publications as required for SAVC registration as a specialist.

Admission Requirements

• General Admission Regulations: Refer to the UP Institutional Admissions Policy as well as the General Academic Regulations and Student Rules.
• All applications must be accompanied by the following documents:
  • Certified full academic transcripts from undergraduate to current level.
  • Certified copy of ID or passport.
  • A research concept note (not applicable to honours or coursework master's degrees).
• All applicants with international qualifications must submit the following documents:
  • A SAQA evaluation of the completed qualification or a comprehensive Foreign Qualification Report.
  • TOEFL or IELTS or Pearson Test of English or Oxford Test of English test results (if applicable).
  • Certified copy of passport.
• All postgraduate applications are subject to departmental admissions processes.
• Admissions is based on the content of and performance in the prior degree, bridging arrangements (where required), academic merit and prior work experience (if applicable).
• Admission to all qualifications is subject to supervisory capacity and/or research projects in the field of specialisation in a department.
• Complying with the minimum admissions requirements does not automatically guarantee admission to the degree.

Minimum Admissions Requirements

• Bachelor of Veterinary Science (or equivalent) veterinary degree (NQF level 8).
• Applicable experience as a veterinarian of at least two years, or training at least one year in the specific field as an intern at a recognised training facility.
• Registration as a veterinarian with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) or authorisation by the SAVC to be enrolled for Master of Veterinary Medicine studies.

Examinations and Pass Requirements

• The MMedVet is conferred by virtue of completion of a minimum of 90 weeks of clinical training, examination in specialist module, and a mini-dissertation.
• Examination in specialist module: The examination(s) in the specialist field of study may only be taken on completion of the minimum clinical training.
• A minimum examination mark of 50% is required in each of the theoretical and practical sections of the specialist module.

Research Information

• All students should register for (and pass) the module Research methodology (VRM 813) (non-credit-bearing).
• The MMedVet master's degree consists of a minimum of 90 weeks of clinical training, coursework modules as well as a mini-dissertation of 90 credits.
• The basic requirements and Faculty expectations of an MMedVet mini-dissertation are:
  • The student should show the ability to undertake a research project and write up the project.
  • The student does not need to make an original contribution to science, but still show the ability to do research.

Core Modules

• OFM 800: Ophthalmology 800 (Credits: 270.00)
  • Module content: An advanced theoretical, practical and experiential module in ophthalmology of domestic animals (large and small animals).
• OFM 890: Mini-dissertation: Ophthalmology 890 (Credits: 90.00)
• VRM 813: Research methodology 813 (Credits: 0.00)
  • Module content: A web-based introductory module in research methodology that includes planning and undertaking a research project or clinical trial, collecting and analysing data, scientific writing, and enabling preparation and presenting of a research protocol.

Pass with Distinction

• A professional master's degree is awarded with distinction if a student meets the following requirements:
  • Obtained at least a final mark of 75% (not rounded), based on the module prescribed for the professional master's degree in question.
  • Obtained a final mark of 75% or above for the mini-dissertation.
  • Completed the qualification within the maximum period allowed for master's study, but not in less than the prescribed minimum period of one academic year.