Program Overview

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Master of Science

The Master of Science is valued for its flexibility and excellence, and can be tailored to suit your needs. You can select your papers from a range of subjects and the mix of research and taught papers are customised to suit your interests and goals.

Points and Duration

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

• 180 points, 1 - 1.5 years

Locations

The study locations where the qualification is offered.

• Hamilton, Tauranga
  • Papers offered differ by location.

Area of Study

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

• School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences
• School of Science

Start Dates

Which trimester this qualification can be started in.

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

Why study the Master of Science?

The Master of Science (MSc) normally takes 12-18 months of full-time study to complete. The degree requires 180 points, which is made up of taught papers and a research project of at least 45 points.

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

Plan your study

• Master of Science
  • Taught Papers: Subject papers (at least 60 points)
  • Elective Papers
  • Research: Science Dissertation (45 or 60 points)

Postgraduate Science Elective Papers

You may wish to include at least one of these papers in your study. Please discuss with the Postgraduate Convenor in your area

• SCIEN501 Science Research Methods
• SCIEN502 Science and Mātauranga Māori
• SCIEN503 Science Communication in Society and the Workplace
• SCIEN512 Data Analysis and Experimental Design
• SCIEN589 Directed Study

Research Papers

• SCIEN520 Dissertation
• SCIEN523 Dissertation
• BIOEB592 Dissertation
• BIOMD592 Dissertation
• BIOMO592 Dissertation
• CHEMY592 Dissertation
• COMPX592 Dissertation
• EARTH592 Dissertation
• ENVSC592 Dissertation
• MATHS592 Dissertation

Subjects

Choose a subject

• Biomedical Sciences
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Earth Sciences
• Ecology and Biodiversity
• Environmental Sciences
• Mathematics
• Molecular and Cellular Biology

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.

Fees and Scholarships

• Domestic students: $9,299 - $10,441 per year
  • Domestic tuition fees
  • Scholarships: Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.

Graduate Outcomes

Graduates of the Master of Science 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.

Study in Tauranga

Depending on the focus of your research, you could complete that 60-point portion of your Master of Science (MSc) in Tauranga. Facilities there include the Coastal Marine Field Station.

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.

What our Students are Saying

• Many of the field trips took me to exciting places which I would never previously have had the opportunity to visit, ranging from volcanoes to the inside of hydroelectric dams and power stations.
• The University has good connections to organisations and businesses in Hamilton, and a great work placement program for maths and statistics which made the transition into my career really easy.
• My work at Waikato helped me to be able to 'talk the scientific talk' while the applied nature of the research also helped me to relate to business interests and commercial realities associated with applied science.
• I’m proud that my work has had a positive impact on the health and nutrition of millions of people around the world.
• If you’re unsure about anything, just ask. Lecturers and support staff at Waikato are excellent.