Programme overview
This programme will prepare high-achieving science graduates and graduates of some clinical programmes (e.g. MBChB) to develop expertise in applying in-depth biological and biomedical knowledge to the improvement of human health through the development of novel approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Students will design and conduct biomedical research and/or translational research designed to improve clinical practice. A written thesis setting out your findings will also be required.
As well as the opportunity to undertake research in the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, you may also undertake this programme at the University’s Liggins Institute.
Programme structure
The MBiomedSc is a 120-point or 240-point research masters degree.
A research masters is a research-based programme of study where students conduct research under the guidance of a supervisor and submit a written thesis, outlining their findings.
Research (120 pt)
- Enter from a postgraduate qualification
- Completed in two semesters if enrolled full-time or four semesters if enrolled part-time
- Requires completion of a thesis (120 points)
Research (240 pt)
- Enter from an undergraduate degree
- Completed in four consecutive semesters if enrolled full-time or up to eight semesters if enrolled part-time
- Requires two core courses in design, analysis and project design in biomedical research (30 points) and
- A choice of elective courses (90 points) from a range of subjects relevant to biomedical science (see the Master of Biomedical Science schedule) and
- Completion of a thesis (120 points)
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
Sample programme structure
Research 120
Year 1 120 points
-
- Code:
- MEDSCI 796A/B
- Name:
- Thesis
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 120 pts
Sample programme structure
Research 240
Year 1 120 points
-
- Code:
- MEDSCI 743
- Name:
- Design and Analysis in Biomedical Research
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- MEDSCI 744
- Name:
- Project Design in Biomedical Science
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage VII Course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage VII Course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage VII Course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage VII Course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage VII Course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage VII Course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
Year 2 120 points
-
- Code:
- MEDSCI 796A/B
- Name:
- Thesis
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 120 pts
2024 entry requirements
My highest qualification is from:
Programme requirements
Minimum programme requirements
Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.
-
Study optionResearch 120 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
Bachelor of Science (Hons) or Postgraduate Diploma in Biomedical Science
-
Study optionResearch 240 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
Bachelor of Science
Further programme requirements
Select your study option:
You need to have completed a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biomedical Science or a Postgraduate Diploma in Biomedical Science with a GPA of 5.0 or higher.
You need to have completed a Bachelor of Science with a major in Biomedical Science, and have a GPA of 5.0 or higher in 90 points at Stage III.
Programme requirements
Minimum programme requirements
Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.
-
Study optionResearch 120 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
One year of postgraduate study
-
Study optionResearch 240 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
An undergraduate degree
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.5
No bands less than 6.0
Further programme requirements
Select your study option:
You need to have completed one year of postgraduate study in biomedical science (or an equivalent subject), following an undergraduate degree, at a recognised university (or similar institution) with a GPE of 5.0.
You need to have completed an undergraduate degree in biomedical science (or an equivalent subject) at a recognised university (or similar institution). You will need a GPE of 5.0 in 75% of your most advanced-level courses.
How much does a Master of Biomedical Science cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$10,018.80*
- International students
- NZ$50,564 – $50,810*
Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.88 per point, estimated at $1,065.60 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.
*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
Find out about financial support information
Scholarships and awards
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.
Student loans and allowances
Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.
Cost of living
Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.
Key dates
Note: For international applicants, the application closing date for Semester Two 2024 is 24 May 2024.
Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.
Application closing dates
- Semester One 2025
- 8 December 2024
- Semester Two 2025
- 4 July 2025
- Late Year Semester 2025
- 11 November 2025
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
Semester One | Starts – 26 February |
---|---|
Ends – 24 June | |
Semester Two | Starts – 15 July |
Ends – 11 November | |
Late Year Term | Starts – 1 December |
Ends – 1 March |
Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
---|---|
Ends – 30 June | |
Semester Two | Starts – 21 July |
Ends – 17 November | |
Late Year Term | Starts – 1 December |
Ends – 1 March |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
Where could this programme take you?
Biomedical science has made transformative contributions over the past decade, stimulating growth in a wide range of industries including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, veterinary science and medical research. There are a variety of opportunities in universities, research institutes and private sector pharmaceutical/biotechnology industries (particularly in the United States and Europe) for those with postgraduate training in this field. We advise that the University of Auckland is not involved in the employment of graduates and can make no guarantee of post-qualification registration or employment in New Zealand or any other country.
Jobs related to this programme
- Research scientist
Student career planning service
Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.
We advise that the University of Auckland is not involved in the employment of graduates and can make no guarantee of post-qualification registration or employment in New Zealand or any other country.
Do you need help?
Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?
Need to speak to someone?
You can phone us directly.
- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513