Duration
Full-time: Varies
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2025 Semester One – 3 March
2025 Semester Two – 21 July
Available locations
Grafton
Points
120 or 240
Programme type
Postgraduate
Research options available

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.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

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

2025 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 option
    Research 120 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

    Bachelor of Science (Hons) or Postgraduate Diploma in Biomedical Science

  • Study option
    Research 240 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

    Bachelor of Science

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

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 option
    Research 120 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    One year of postgraduate study

  • Study option
    Research 240 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    An undergraduate degree

  • Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5

    No bands less than 6.0

    See alternative English language requirements

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

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.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

How much does a Master of Biomedical Science cost per year?

2025 fees

Domestic students
NZ$10,018.80*
International students
NZ$52,585 – $52,842*

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 $9.24 per point, estimated at $1,108.80 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.

See course fees for each faculty

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.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

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.

Other important dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

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

Further study options

See all study options

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?

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