Duration
Full-time: 1 year
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2025 Semester One – 3 March
2025 Semester Two – 21 July
Available locations
Grafton
Points
120
Programme type
Postgraduate

Programme overview

Postgraduate research options reflect our strengths in cancer biology and therapeutics; cardiovascular biology; cellular and molecular biomedicine; genetics and development; microbiology and immunology; neurobiology; nutrition; and reproduction, growth and metabolism.

Courses and research projects are offered at both the Grafton (Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences) and City (Faculty of Science) campuses.

Programme structure

  • 120 points
  • Two core courses: Design and analysis in biomedical research and Project design (30 points)
  • Choose from a selection of advanced level courses listed in the Master of Biomedical Science Schedule (90 points)
  • Must be completed within one year if enrolled full-time and four years if part time.

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

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

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
    Taught 120 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 3.0

    You must have completed the requirements for a Bachelors degree deemed relevant by Senate or its representative with a Grade Point Average of 3.0 or higher in 75 points above Stage II.

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further programme requirements

In exceptional circumstances the entry requirements may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic, or nominee, if it is determined that you have at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience. 

English language requirements

If you are an international applicant whose first language is not English you will need to provide evidence of your English proficiency.

You will require an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 with no bands less than 6.0. See alternative English language requirements.

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.

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

Further programme requirements

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 Postgraduate Diploma in Biomedical Science cost per year?

2025 fees

Domestic students
NZ$10,892.40*
International students
NZ$52,585*

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.

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 2024
4 July 2024

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?

Graduates will find there are a variety of opportunities in universities, research institutes and pharmaceutical/biotechnology industries. Private sector employment in the latter fields is particularly strong in the United States and Europe. Significant growth in this area is anticipated in New Zealand. 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.

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.

Key Information for Students

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