Programme overview
Studying for an MSc is an opportunity for committed scientists to focus on a relevant area of interest or practice and pursue an advanced qualification. While a taught masters will provide you with specialist training in your chosen field, a research masters will develop advanced research skills, working alongside Faculty of Science researchers – many of whom are major contributors in their field.
Programme structure
120-point MSc
Most students enter an MSc following completion of a PGDipSci. You 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). Not all specialisations offer both taught and research options.
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 you enter a MSc directly from an undergraduate degree you 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). Not all specialisations offer both taught and research options.
The first 120 points will comprise coursework. The second 120 points will follow the structure of the 120-point MSc (outlined above).
The Faculty of Science postgraduate specialisations page will provide you with more information about each specialisation’s course structure.
Please note that Clinical Exercise Physiology students need to apply for a Semester One start for both the PGDipSci and MSc (120 and 240 point) programmes as each course is offered in one semester only, and the mandatory Semester One courses EXERSCI 771 and EXERSCI 773 are prerequisites for the Semester Two courses EXERSCI 772 and EXERSCI 774.
Postgraduate pathway
Download the Science postgraduate pathway (117KB, PDF)
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
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
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.
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Study optionTaught 120 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
Bachelor of Science (Hons) or Postgraduate Diploma in Science
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Study optionTaught 240 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
Bachelor of Science
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Study optionResearch 120 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
Bachelor of Science (Hons) or Postgraduate Diploma in Science
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Study optionResearch 240 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
Bachelor of Science
Further programme requirements
Select your study option:
You must have completed a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree or Postgraduate Diploma in Science in a similar field to your intended specialisation with a GPA of 5.0 in 90 points. If you completed a Postgraduate Diploma at least 75 of those points must be in 700-level courses or a dissertation.
Some specialisations may require you to have completed specific courses in your undergraduate degree and/or have a different GPA grade to the Minimum programme requirements listed on this page, you can find these in the MSc Schedule.
You must have completed a Bachelor of Science in a similar field to your intended specialisation with a GPA of 5.0 in 75 points at Stage III or above. At least 45 of those points must be in your intended specialisation.
You must have completed a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree or Postgraduate Diploma in Science in a similar field to your intended specialisation with a GPA of 5.0 in 90 points. If you completed a Postgraduate Diploma at least 75 of those points must be in 700-level courses or a dissertation.
For a research masters you must have an agreement with a supervisor who will work with you on your project prior to applying for the programme.
You must have completed a Bachelor of Science in a similar field to your intended specialisation with a GPA of 5.0 in 75 points at Stage III or above. At least 45 of those points must be in your intended specialisation.
For a research masters you must have an agreement with a supervisor who will work with you on your project prior to applying for the programme.
Other pathways to study
If you do not meet the required GPA, the Postgraduate Diploma in Science is an appropriate pathway to the 120-point Master of Science.
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.
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Study optionTaught 120 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
One year of postgraduate study
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Study optionTaught 240 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
An undergraduate degree in science
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Study optionResearch 120 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
One year of postgraduate study
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Study optionResearch 240 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
An undergraduate degree in science
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QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.5
No bands less than 6.0
Further programme requirements
Select your study option:
You must have completed one year of postgraduate study, following an undergraduate degree, at a recognised university (or similar institution), in a similar field to your intended specialisation. You will need a GPE of 5.0.
You must have completed an undergraduate degree in science in a similar field to your intended specialisation at a recognised university (or similar institution) with a GPE of 5.0.
You must have completed one year of postgraduate study, following an undergraduate degree, at a recognised university (or similar institution), in a similar field to your intended specialisation. You will need a GPE of 5.0.
For a research masters you must have an agreement with a supervisor who will work with you on your project prior to applying for the programme.
You must have completed an undergraduate degree in science in a similar field to your intended specialisation at a recognised university (or similar institution) with a GPE of 5.0.
For a research masters you must have an agreement with a supervisor who will work with you on your project prior to applying for the programme.
Other pathways to study
If you do not meet the required GPE, the Postgraduate Diploma in Science is an appropriate pathway to the 120-point Master of Science.
How much does a Master of Science cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$9,398.40 – $10,892.40*
- International students
- NZ$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
Semester One closing application dates for the following specialisations are as follows
- Forensic Science: 1 November 2024
- Clincial Exercise Physiology : 1 November 2024
- Psychology: 1 December 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
- Late Year Semester 2024
- 11 November 2024
- Summer School 2025
- 1 December 2024
- Semester One 2025
- 8 December 2024
- Late Year Semester 2025
- 11 November 2025
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
Summer School | Starts – 4 January |
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Ends – 14 February | |
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 |
Summer School | Starts – 6 January |
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Ends – 19 February | |
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?
As a graduate of the MSc programme you will be skilled in a focused area of expertise, and better equipped to find employment in your chosen field. The MSc is a vital qualification if you want to pursue employment in a research-led area, or progress further academically.
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.
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