Program Overview

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Master of Science – MSc

The Master of Science at Massey University provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to gain a deeper understanding of an area of scientific study. This postgraduate qualification is designed to advance students' careers and offer a competitive edge in the job market.

Type of Qualification

• Master's degree
• Level of study: Postgraduate study (NZQF level 9)

Time to Complete

• 1 year 6 months full-time (180 credits)
• Part-time available
• International students: Open to international students on campus in New Zealand or studying online outside New Zealand

Key Dates

• Admission application due dates
• Course enrolment dates for accepted students
• Semester dates

Study a Master of Science – MSc

Studying for a master's is a challenging and satisfying postgraduate experience. The Master of Science at Massey University will give students the knowledge and skills needed to gain a more in-depth understanding of an area of scientific study and advance their career.

Complete in a Shorter Time-Frame

• Massey University’s Master of Science is a 180-credit master qualification (a 240-credit MSc is also available).
• The 180-credit master's offers a rigorous programme of learning, yet can be achieved in 1.5 years.

Research-Led Learning

• Massey teaching is research-led, and academics are ranked among the best in the world.
• Teaching staff are widely published and are in demand as keynote speakers on topical global issues.

Accessible Lecturers

• Smaller classes and more personalised learning, giving students greater access to lecturers and the help they need to succeed and thrive during their master’s study.

Relevant Learning

• Lecturers and supervisors at Massey have strong connections with the industry.
• Teaching fits with the changing environment, which means students will emerge with a relevant qualification valued by potential employers.

A MSc is a Good Fit if You:

• Are passionate about science
• Are interested in a postgraduate qualification that combines both structured learning and research
• Want to progress your career to the next level of seniority and stand out in the job market

Entry Requirements

Admission to Massey

• All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

Specific Requirements

• To enter the Master of Science, students will have been awarded or qualified for:
  • The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in the intended postgraduate subject, or equivalent, with a minimum B average in the majoring 300-level courses, or
  • The Bachelor of Science with Honours, in the intended MSc subject, having achieved a B grade average over the contributing courses and a B grade in an approved research methods course, or
  • The Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology in the intended MSc subject, having achieved a B grade average over the contributing courses and a B grade in an approved research methods course, or
  • The Postgraduate Certificate in Science and Technology in the intended MSc subject, having achieved a B grade average over the contributing courses and a B grade in an approved research methods course.

Research Supervision Plan

• Students must submit an approved research supervision plan with their application.
• This means securing the agreement of a suitable supervisor for the agreed research topic.

English Language Requirements

• To study this qualification, students must meet Massey University's English language standards.

Structure of the Master of Science

• The Master of Science is a parts-based qualification.
• Students must complete the first part before moving to the second.
• The first part gives students good knowledge and skills that will help them with the research part of their qualification.

Coursework Pathway

• For progression to Part Two of the Master of Science, students will need a B grade average across the Part One courses, including a B grade for the research methods course.

Research Pathway

• For progression to Part Two of the Master of Science, students will need a B grade average across the first 60 credits of Part One courses, including a B grade for the research methods course.

Courses and Specialisations

Key Terms

• Courses: Each qualification has its own specific set of courses.
• Course code: Each course is numbered using 6 digits.
• Credits: Each course is worth a number of credits.
• Specialisations: Some qualifications let students choose what subject they'd like to specialise in.

Credit Summary

• 180 credits (most subjects):
  • Part One compulsory and subject courses – 60-120 credits
  • Part Two research – 60-120 credits
• A specialisation (subject) is compulsory.
• These subjects require 240 credits:
  • Nutrition and Dietetics (includes 150 credits of compulsory Part One courses)
  • Psychology
  • Psychology - Health Psychology

Subjects

• Agricultural Science
• Animal Science
• Biological Sciences
• Chemistry
• Earth Science
• Ecology and Conservation
• Horticultural Science
• Mathematics
• Nutrition and Dietetics
• Plant Breeding
• Psychology - Health Psychology
• Psychology
• Statistics
• Zoology

Fees and Scholarships

2026 Tuition Fees

• Domestic students: $10,652 – $13,945
• International students: $39,840 – $51,180

Course Fees

• Students can view fees for the courses that make up their qualification on the course details pages.

Student Loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free Scheme

• Students may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying their fees.
• The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students.

Scholarship and Award Opportunities

• Allan and Grace Kay Overseas Scholarship
• Antarctica NZ Postgraduate Research Scholarships
• Bowler Ravensdown Scholarship in Soil Science
• Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ) Scholarship
• C Alma Baker Trust Postgraduate Scholarship
• Charles Elgar Scholarship
• C V Fife Memorial Scholarship
• David Brundell Master’s Scholarship
• Dr Eileen Fair Masters Scholarship in Earth Science
• Dr Eric Ojala Postgraduate Scholarship in Agricultural Policy Research
• Heseltine Ecology Bursary
• John Alexander Milne Scholarship
• John McArthur Geography Research Scholarship
• J P Skipworth Scholarship - Plant Biology
• Leonard Condell Farming Research Scholarship
• Lovell and Berys Clark Scholarships
• Massey University Master's Research Scholarship
• Massey University Postgraduate Overseas Research Grant
• Massey University Postgraduate Scholarship
• Masters Scholarships in Quantitative Fisheries Science
• Ngā Manu Trust Research Scholarship
• Noeleen Olson Horticulture Masters Scholarship
• Ross Beever Memorial Mycological Award
• The Miss E L Hellaby Indigenous Grasslands Research Trust
• The Sir Hugh Kawharu Masters Scholarship for Innovation in Science
• Waitawhiti Memorial Postgraduate Scholarship

Careers and Job Opportunities

• A 2017 Ministry of Education publication found that in New Zealand:
  • Young master’s graduates earn more than 1.5 times more than the national median (5 years after study)
  • Earnings and employment rates increase with the level of qualification completed
  • Five years after completion, the median earnings of young master’s graduates are 15% higher than for those with a bachelor’s degree.