The Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences (JCC) was pleased to host Professor Jon Huxley, Head of the School of Veterinary Science at Massey University, for a two-day visit on 17 and 18 November 2025. The visit fostered a meaningful exchange on the future of veterinary education and culminated in a well-attended seminar on Massey's innovative, lecture-free curriculum.
Professor Huxley's visit included a tour of the College’s facilities and fruitful discussions with JCC faculty and staff, fostering a valuable exchange on veterinary education. A key highlight was his seminar, “Rationale for, Challenges with and Implementation of a Competency-Based, Lecture-Free Veterinary Curriculum,” where he shared insights into the ambitious transformation of the veterinary programme at Massey University.
He explained that Massey's new curriculum, launched in 2023, represents a significant shift from traditional knowledge-based models to a focus on demonstrable competencies. A cornerstone of this reform is the replacement of standard lectures with high-quality online modules for foundational learning. This allows in-person time to be dedicated entirely to interactive tutorials, hands-on practical sessions and clinical application.
Professor Huxley’s visit fostered a productive exchange on the future of veterinary education. Such dialogues with international peers are a valued part of JCC's ongoing efforts to advance veterinary education through innovation, ensuring our graduates are highly competent and practice-ready.
