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

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.

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.

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

Subjects available in this programme

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

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 5.0

    Bachelor of Science (Hons) or Postgraduate Diploma in Science

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

    Bachelor of Science

  • Study option
    Research 120 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

    Bachelor of Science (Hons) or Postgraduate Diploma in 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 must have completed a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree or Postgraduate Diploma in Science, or Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Science, in a similar field to your intended specialisation with a GPA of 5.0. 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.

In exceptional circumstances, these requirements may be waived by the Associate Dean Academic, or nominee if it is determined that you have a Bachelors degree and relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience equivalent to one year of postgraduate study. 

You must have completed a Bachelor of Science in a similar field to your intended specialisation with a GPA of 5.0 in 60 points at Stage II or above. At least 45 of those points must be in your intended specialisation.

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

You must have completed a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree or Postgraduate Diploma in Science, or Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Science, in a similar field to your intended specialisation with a GPA of 5.0. 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.

In exceptional circumstances, these requirements may be waived by the Associate Dean Academic, or nominee if it is determined that you have a Bachelors degree and relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience equivalent to one year of postgraduate study. 

You must have completed a Bachelor of Science in a similar field to your intended specialisation with a GPA of 5.0 in 60 points at Stage II 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.

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

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.

  • Study option
    Taught 120 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    One year of postgraduate study

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

    An undergraduate degree in science  

  • 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 in science  

  • 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 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.

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 Science cost per year?

2025 fees

Domestic students
NZ$9,398.40 – $10,892.40*
International students
NZ$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

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.

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?

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.

Further study options

See all study options

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