PGDip in Veterinary Health Administration option State Veterinary Medicine

This programme is offered by the Faculty of Veterinary Science,  Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases..

The curriculum consists of two compulsory core modules as well as two elective modules of 30 credits each to the value of 120 credits. 

Core Modules

CND 701 Controlled and notifiable diseases 701

VLP 702  Veterinary legislation and policy 702

Elective Modules

Students must choose 2 modules from the list of elective modules.  (Refer to online Yearbook http://www.up.ac.za/en/yearbooks/2019/VET-faculty/PC-programmes).

Registration for clinical modules are restricted to qualified veterinarians.

For more information, please consult the Faculty webpage.

  • Disclaimer: This publication contains information about regulations and programmes of the University of Pretoria. Amendments to or updating of the information may be effected from time to time without prior notification. The accuracy, correctness or validity of the information contained here is therefore not guaranteed by the University at any given time and is always subject to verification. The user is kindly requested to verify the correctness of the information with the University at all times. Failure to do so will not give rise to any claim or action of any nature against the University by any party whatsoever.

Career Opportunities

  • With the introduction of compulsory “Continual Professional Development”, many registered veterinarians require further education towards their continued registration as professionals with the South African Veterinary Council. The PG Diploma will offer these professionals another means to obtaining their CPD requirements.
  • Numerous veterinarians are in single person practices. While they do not intend to be specialists due to the time commitments of specialist training, the PG Diploma will allow them to gain advanced veterinary knowledge, at level above that of an undergraduate while they are still resident at their practices.

Programme Code

08220074


Closing Dates

  • SA – 30/11/2025
  • Non-SA – 31/08/2025

Admission Requirements

General Admission Regulations:

Refer to the UP Institutional Admissions Policy as well as the General Academic Regulations and Student Rules (Go to www.up.ac.za./yearbooks/home and click on General Rules and Regulations, then on General Academic Regulations and Student Rules)

  1.  All applications must be accompanied by the following documents: 
    1. Certified full academic transcripts from undergraduate to current level; 
    2. Certified copy of ID or passport; 
    3. A research concept note (not applicable to honours or coursework master's degrees): A description of the proposed research field indicating a research topic and the broad scope of the proposed study, not exceeding 500 words.
  2.  All applicants with international qualifications must submit the following documents, subject to provision number 9: 
    1. A SAQA evaluation of the completed qualification or a comprehensive Foreign Qualification Report
    2. *TOEFL or IELTS or Pearson Test of English or Oxford Test of English test results (if applicable) 
    3. Certified copy of passport.
  3. All postgraduate applications are subject to departmental admissions processes. 
  4. 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). 
  5. Admission to all qualifications is subject to supervisory capacity and/or research projects in the field of specialisation in a department, therefore the relevant department has the right to limit the number of students per year. 
  6. Complying with the minimum admissions requirements, does not automatically guarantee admission to the degree. 
  7. Proposed research studies for masters and doctoral applicants should align with the research focus of the relevant department. 
  8. If a qualifying candidate has expressed an interest in a field of study that the relevant department cannot  accommodate, the applicant may be considered for an alternative project. 
  9. All postgraduate applicants must be proficient in English as English is the official language of tuition, communication and correspondence at the University of Pretoria. Candidates who cannot provide evidence that previous studies were completed in English, must submit TOEFL or IELTS or Pearson Test of English or Oxford Test of English test results with their application. 
  10. All applicants must be computer literate.
  11. All students need to have access to an internet enabled device, as well as consistent email and internet access.
  12. Allowance will be made for the diversity profile of students in accordance with the University strategy. 

Minimum admissions requirements:

  1. Relevant bachelor's  degree
    or 
    Bachelor of technology degree
    or
    Relevant diploma (NQF-level 7)

Note: 

  1. An admissions examination may be required
  2. Entry into clinical modules will be restricted to persons with the relevant veterinary qualification

Minimum duration of study

1 years, full-time


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.


Enquiries about the programme

Name: Mrs L Johnson
Tel:  012 529 8375
E-Mail: [email protected]
How to apply

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