MSc Veterinary Tropical Diseases

Faculty of Veterinary Science

Department: Veterinary Tropical Diseases

Programme Code: 08251118

SAQA ID: 83935

Faculty Notes

The Faculty of Veterinary Science is unique in South Africa. It is the only institution responsible for training veterinarians and veterinary nurses. Our graduates and research programmes are vital in enhancing human and animal health, promoting biosecurity and welfare, and ensuring our production animals, wildlife and pets are safe and in good health.

The quality and scope of the Faculty’s training is such that our graduates are able to enter postgraduate programmes at universities across the world and can practice in many countries without the need to write registration exams. The Faculty is locally relevant and passionate about meeting the needs of South Africa. This not only applies to commercial farming but also to primary animal healthcare, where veterinarians as well as veterinary nurses can assist rural communities and smallholder farmers.

Programme Information

Also consult the General Academic Regulations G30 – G41 and Faculty regulations.

There will only be an intake of new students every second year.

It remains the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the degree they wish to apply for, will indeed be presented.

A coursework master’s degree requires a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence, and in some cases demonstration of the ability to relate knowledge to a range of contexts for professional practice.

This programme is offered as a course-work master’s programme with modules in the advanced fundamentals of pharmacology and regulatory pharmacology. The course is designed to assist persons working in the field of regulatory veterinary pharmacology and covers training in the fundamentals (pharmacokinetics theory, basic pharmaceutics and pharmacodynamics theory), pharmacokinetic modelling, pharmacodynamics data analysis, veterinary legislation; preclinical toxicology, dossier evaluation; good laboratory practice, good clinical practice and good manufacturing practice.

The coursework master’s degree curriculum consists of compulsory core and elective theoretical modules (90 credits) as well as a mini-dissertation (90 credits).

The curriculum consists of two compulsory core modules (FAK 876 and VIP 800 for 40 and 50 credits, respectively) as well as a mini-dissertation (VIP 890 for 90 credits). In addition, students should also register for (and pass) the module Research methodology (VRM 813) (non-credit-bearing).

Note: The first year is dedicated to coursework modules whilst the second year is dedicated to the research work.

Also consult the General Academic Regulations G35 - G38.

Each module will require a certain amount of contact sessions and the balance may be presented online. The detail of the contact sessions for each module is published in the study guides.
A minimum number of students could be set (as per discretion of the module coordinator) for the presentation of any given module. When the required minimum number of students for a certain module is not reached, the module will not be presented in that academic year but will be offered again in the following academic year. For some modules a maximum number of students who can enrol might be set. The details for each module are published in the study guides.
Students are required to confirm whether a module will be presented in any particular year. This enquiry should be directed to the Faculty PG Student Administration co-ordinator according to the syllabi information provided in the list of modules in this yearbook.

Minimum duration of study

1 years, full-time

Total credits

180

Admission Requirements

BVSc (or equivalent) degree or relevant four-year BScAgric degree or relevant BSc honours degree or relevant postgraduate diploma (on NQF level 8)
An admissions examination may be required
The candidate may be required to submit proof of experience in their selected field of study

Additional Requirements

In cases where web based/online modules are offered, basic computer skills are required in order to successfully participate in the degree programme.
In certain cases, it remains the prerogative of the head of department to require, in addition to the entrance requirements, the successful completion of an admissions test before registration.
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 qualification must have all their previous post- school qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) before applying for postgraduate studies at the University of Pretoria: www.saqa.org.za

Pass with Distinction

Qualification with distinction: A coursework master’s degree is awarded with distinction if a student meets the following requirements:

Obtained a weighted average of at least 75% (not rounded) in the coursework modules needed to comply with degree requirements, and
Obtained a final mark of 75% or above for the mini-dissertation; and
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. Note: the maximum allowable time is twice that of the prescribed duration time period in relation to postgraduate students who study part-time (i.e. study while working full-time).
In the case of a coursework master’s degree, did not fail or repeat any module during an additional examination. The result of a discontinuation of a module(s) will not be considered when calculating a qualification with distinction.

General Information

University of Pretoria Programme Qualification Mix (PQM) verification project

The higher education sector has undergone an extensive alignment to the Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework (HEQF) across all institutions in South Africa. In order to comply with the HEQSF, all institutions are legally required to participate in a national initiative led by regulatory bodies such as the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Council on Higher Education (CHE), and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The University of Pretoria is presently engaged in an ongoing effort to align its qualifications and programmes with the HEQSF criteria. Current and prospective students should take note that changes to UP qualification and programme names, may occur as a result of the HEQSF initiative. Students are advised to contact their faculties if they have any questions.

Minimum credits: 180

Fundamental modules

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.

Period of presentation	Semester 1 and Semester 2

Core modules

VWE 801

Dissertation: Veterinary tropical diseases 801

Credits:

180.00

Prerequisites	VRM 813
Period of presentation	Year

Annual increase information:

Module pricing is subject to change at the beginning of every year without prior notice.
UPOnline tuition fees will increase annually by approximately 5%.
The annual increase will apply from the March intake, which is the second intake of the year.
If the programme fee is paid in full upfront the student is still liable for the difference between the upfront payment and increased amount until the completion of the programme.
If you have any historic debt owed to the University of Pretoria, any payment you make will go towards settling that debt first.
All-inclusive total programme cost.

SA/SADC

International

Code	Module	Credits	Cost
Fundamental modules
VRM 813	Research methodology 813	0.00	TBA
Core modules
VWE 801	Dissertation: Veterinary tropical diseases 801	180.00	TBA
Totals		180.00	TBA

Enquiries about the programme

Name: Prof PT Matjila
Tel: 012 529 8230
E-Mail: [email protected]

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