Animal and veterinary science placements

Animal and Veterinary sciences

All our programs at the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences include work integrated learning (WIL), giving students valuable hands-on experience that prepares them for their future careers. Become a confident, job-ready graduate who can apply academic knowledge in practical settings across the diverse animal and veterinary industry.

 
The animal and veterinary sector offers a wide range of exciting career opportunities such as animal scientist, veterinarian, veterinary technologist and animal behaviourist. Our programs are designed to equip passionate students with the skills, experience, and industry connections needed to succeed in this broad and dynamic field.

Explore your options

To find out more about discipline-specific professional practice available to you, select from the list below. Adelaide University students should visit program pages for information about industry opportunities specific to your degree.

Animal science

Our Animal Science program emphasises hands-on learning through work integrated learning (WIL), equipping students with the practical skills needed in wildlife, livestock, companion, racing and laboratory animals. Students will undertake 200 hours of work experience, gaining real-world insights into animal management, physiology, nutrition, breeding, and more.

Work placements can commence after completing initial animal handling modules and vaccination requirements, providing you with direct industry exposure that enhances your employability and practical expertise.

Animal behaviour

Specialising in animal behaviour, this program prepares you for careers in animal welfare, management, research, and education. The course includes a 120-hour research placement, giving you valuable experience in the animal industry. 

Students will develop discipline-specific skills, research competencies, and professional networks through coursework and a practical placement. This hands-on experience will build your confidence and prepare you for a variety of animal-focused careers by applying behavioural science in real-world settings.

Veterinary medicine

Veterinary Bioscience 
Our Veterinary Bioscience program provides you with industry-relevant experience through work integrated learning (WIL), preparing you for a future in veterinary medicine. 

To qualify for the degree, students must complete 12 weeks of Extra Mural Studies (EMS), including all associated assessments. You’ll have the opportunity to engage in hands-on animal husbandry, and industry placements, strengthening your practical skills and industry connections.

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
This comprehensive three-year program trains students to become registered veterinarians through a combination of advanced coursework, clinical rotations, and extensive practical placements. Students will complete 26 weeks of Extra Mural Studies (EMS), including clinical and industry placements, to consolidate their skills and industry readiness.

 EMS must be completed within one year of finishing coursework, providing essential hands-on experience in veterinary practice, animal management, and industry environments. This program prepares graduates to enter veterinary practice confidently, equipped with real-world skills and professional networks.

Veterinary technology

Our Veterinary Technology program offers extensive practical training through work integrated learning (WIL). Gain hands-on animal and clinical experience through work placements providing you with opportunities to learn and experience the diversity of veterinary nursing and technology practice. Students will complete 160 hours of professional work experience across two blocks and 480 hours of clinical placements where you’ll see first-hand how the knowledge and skills of a veterinary technologist are used in clinical practice.

 The program’s hands-on approach enhances your employability in clinical and industry settings and ensures you’ll graduate with industry skills, ready for a dynamic career in high-level animal care roles.

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