Program Overview

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Master of Science MSc

The Master of Science (MSc) programme enables students to pursue advanced study in their area of interest with the opportunity to work on independent research.

Duration

• Full-time: Varies
• Part-time: Varies

Next Start Date

• 2026 Semester One 2 March
• 2026 Semester Two 20 July

Available Locations

• City, Grafton, Leigh Marine, Newmarket

Points

• 120 or 240

Programme Type

• Postgraduate
• Research options available

Programme Overview

The MSc is an opportunity for committed scientists to focus on relevant areas of interest or practice and pursue an advanced qualification. A taught masters will provide students with specialist training in their chosen field. A research masters will develop students' advanced research skills as they work alongside Faculty of Science researchers.

Programme Structure

120-point MSc

Most students enter an MSc after completing a PGDipSci. Students will need to complete 120 points (maximum of 160 points) in a specialisation within one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study (research masters) or four years of part-time study (taught masters).

Taught Masters

• A taught masters comprises 120 points of coursework at 700-level (postgraduate level). This may include a dissertation.

Research Masters

• A 120-point research thesis
• Or a 90-point research thesis or research portfolio and 30 points of coursework at 700 level (postgraduate level)

240-point MSc

If students enter an MSc directly from an undergraduate degree, they will need to complete 240 points (maximum of 280 points) in a specialisation in two years of full-time study or four years of part-time study (research masters) or six years of part-time study (taught masters).

Subjects Available in this Programme

• Applied Mathematics
• Biological Sciences
• Biosecurity and Conservation
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Earth Sciences
• Environmental Management
• Environmental Physics
• Environmental Science
• Exercise Sciences
• Food Science
• Forensic Science
• Geography
• Green Chemical Science
• Logic and Computation
• Marine Science
• Mathematics
• Pharmacology
• Physics
• Physiology
• Psychology
• Speech Science
• Statistics
• Wine Science

Entry Requirements

My Highest Qualification is From:

University of Auckland

• Study option: Taught 120 points, Grade required: GPA 5.0
• Study option: Taught 240 points, Grade required: GPA 5.0
• Study option: Research 120 points, Grade required: GPA 5.0
• Study option: Research 240 points, Grade required: GPA 5.0

Another Tertiary Institution

• Study option: Taught 120 points, Grade required: GPE 5.0
• Study option: Taught 240 points, Grade required: GPE 5.0
• Study option: Research 120 points, Grade required: GPE 5.0
• Study option: Research 240 points, Grade required: GPE 5.0

Further Programme Requirements

Students must have completed a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree or Postgraduate Diploma in Science, or Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Science, in a similar field to their intended specialisation with a GPA of 5.0.

Other Pathways to Study

If students do not meet the required GPA, the Postgraduate Diploma in Science is an appropriate pathway to the 120-point Master of Science.

Fees

2026 Fees

• Domestic students: NZ$9,961.20 $11,545.20
• International students: NZ$55,484

Key Dates

• Semester One closing application dates for the following specialisations are as follows:
  • Forensic Science: 1 November
  • Clinical Exercise Physiology: 1 November
  • Psychology: 1 December

Application Closing Dates

• Late Year Semester 2025: 11 November 2025
• Summer School 2026: 1 December 2025
• Semester One 2026: 8 December 2025
• Semester Two 2026: 8 June 2026

Start Dates

• Summer School 2025: Starts - 6 January, Ends - 19 February
• Semester One 2025: Starts - 3 March, Ends - 30 June
• Semester Two 2025: Starts - 21 July, Ends - 17 November
• Late Year Term 2025: Starts - 1 December, Ends - 1 March
• Summer School 2026: Starts - 5 January, Ends - 18 February
• Semester One 2026: Starts - 2 March, Ends - 29 June
• Semester Two 2026: Starts - 20 July, Ends - 16 November
• Late Year Term 2026: Starts - 1 December, Ends - 27 February

Where Could This Programme Take You?

As a graduate of the MSc programme, students will be skilled in a focused area and better equipped to find employment in their chosen field. The MSc is a vital qualification if students wish to pursue employment in a research-led area or to progress academically.

Further Study Options

• Doctor of Philosophy

Student Career Planning Service

Once students become part of the University, they can get help with planning and developing their career from Career Development and Employability Services.