Program Overview

Master of Science (Research)

The Master of Science (Research) is an internationally-recognised qualification, suitable for students who want a complete research experience, coupled with taught papers. The Area of Study will depend upon your major.

Points and Duration

The total number of points to gain this qualification and how long this is expected to take full-time.

• 240 points, or 180 points, 1.5 - 2 years

Locations

The study locations where the qualification is offered.

• Hamilton, Tauranga
  • Papers offered differ by location. Find a Paper for full location info.

Area of Study

This shows which Faculty or School you can study this qualification under.

• School of Science
• School of Psychological and Social Sciences
• School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences

Start Dates

Which trimester this qualification can be started in.

• Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)

Why study the Master of Science (Research)?

A core feature of the degree is the development of independent research skills, including the collection and analysis of data and critical review of the relevant literature.

The Master of Science (Research) has either:

• 180 points:
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Computer Science or Data Analytics
• 240 points
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Chemistry
  • Earth Sciences
  • Ecology and Biodiversity
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Molecular and Cellular Biology
  • Mathematics
  • Psychology

First, you take a set of taught papers and then you spend the remaining period doing a 120-point research thesis. It normally takes one and half to two academic years of full-time study to complete, but you have the option to complete on a part-time basis.

Study a Master of Science (Research) at Waikato University and you will enjoy more lab and field work, more one-on-one time with top academics and access to world-class research equipment. Our great industry contacts will also mean exciting collaborations with local, national and international companies and organisations.

Facilities

The University of Waikato’s School of Science is home to a suite of well-equipped, world-class laboratories. You will have the opportunity to use complex research equipment and facilities such as NMR spectroscopy, DNA sequencing and the University of Waikato Herbarium.

Study in Tauranga

Depending on the focus of your research, you could complete the research thesis portion of your MSc(Research) in Tauranga. Facilities there include the Coastal Marine Field Station.

The taught portion of the MSc(Research) is based in Hamilton only.

Practical experience

You will spend more time putting theory into practice in the laboratories and out in the field. Smaller class sizes in taught papers mean more one-on-one time with renowned academics.

The University of Waikato also boasts excellent industry collaborations with organisations such as NIWA, AgResearch, Plant and Food Research and Landcare Research. These strong relationships generate numerous research projects for MSc(Research) students, who are able to work on real issues with a real client.

Career Opportunities

• Local and Regional Councils
• Crown Research Institutes
• Energy Companies
• Environmental Agencies
• Government Departments
• Biomedical/Pharmaceutical Industries
• Private Research Companies
• Food and Dairy Industries
• Agriculture and Fisheries

Degree information

Subjects

Choose a subject

• Artificial Intelligence
• Biomedical Sciences
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Data Analytics
• Earth Sciences
• Ecology and Biodiversity
• Environmental Sciences
• Mathematics
• Molecular and Cellular Biology
• Psychology

Entry Requirements

Admission requires a relevant Bachelors level qualification or equivalent. Once you have applied to study with us you are welcome to speak with one of our senior academics who will help advise you on your studies based on your goals and previous experience. This will ensure you have all the support and advice you need to succeed in your studies.

Please refer to the regulations in the University of Waikato Calendar for official details of admission and degree requirements, available subjects, honours eligibility and more.

If you do not hold the appropriate qualifications required for direct entry, you may be eligible to apply for a pathway via a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma. Contact the School of Science or the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences for advice on the possibilities.

Fees and scholarships

• Domestic students
  • Estimated fees: $9,299 - $10,441 per year
  • Domestic tuition fees: Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
• International students
• Scholarships: Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates of the Master of Science (Research) will have had the opportunity to develop the ability to:

• communicate successfully about their field of science, using methods that may include: written reports, oral presentations, research projects, multimedia submissions;
• demonstrate a high standard of academic integrity and ethical awareness;
• work both independently and as effective team members;
• be intellectually flexible and adaptable;
• demonstrate advanced analytical thinking skills and the skills needed for self-directed learning, including the ability to acquire, understand and assess information from a range of sources;
• present complex theoretical and practical ideas in a clear, concise and structured manner;
• show evidence of advanced knowledge about a specialist field of enquiry or professional practice;
• demonstrate mastery of theoretically sophisticated subject matter;
• evaluate critically the findings and discussions in the literature;
• research, analyse and argue from evidence, and engage in rigorous intellectual analysis, criticism and problem-solving;
• design a well-structured, relevant and integrated plan of research;
• carry out such research using appropriate methods of investigation and analysis;
• analyse, argue and reach conclusions which are informed by independent enquiry and other available information;
• demonstrate a high order of skill in the planning, execution and completion of a piece of original research.

What our students are saying

1. “I made the right choice to come to Waikato and am so excited to make new discoveries in my field. I can’t recommend this experience enough!”
2. My studies have given me the knowledge and skills required to excel in biology research, as well as strengthening my ability to self-direct my learning in all aspects of life
3. Completing a master’s has definitely taken my ability as an aspiring scientist to the next level.
4. I really enjoyed working alongside my supervisors. They made the task much more enjoyable and gave me guidance where it was needed.
5. I talked and rubbed shoulders with some of the leading experts in the marine environment and heard their perspectives on future challenges for New Zealand.