Getting started
Once you've been accepted and enrolled to a master's qualification at Massey, we recommend getting organised before the semester starts so you're prepped and ready to go. We suggest:
- checking your timetable, assessment schedule and completion dates
- reading and following the instructions for each course
- making sure you have a supervisor allocated to you before you start your research
- creating a research proposal, if you need to
- contacting us if you have any questions.
Supervisors and their role
It's likely you will need a supervisor during the research phase of your master's study. Your supervisor will help you achieve the best result you can, through:
- offering guidance – particularly around funding, and your research
- maintaining regular contact through tutorial and supervision meetings, and giving you progress reports if you ask for them
- monitoring and evaluating your academic progress throughout your studies, including regularly reviewing work and giving constructive feedback
- acting as your mentor, as needed.
You may be allocated a supervisor or you may need to find your own.
Start conversations with academic staff in your school or institute in the year before you undertake your research. You will get a better understanding of the types of research project that might interest you. If you have not had those conversations yet, it's a good idea to do so before your first semester starts.
Massey schools, institutes and centres
Research proposal
You may need to create a proposal for your research work. You need to have done background reading on your topic. Proposals should include:
- a title
- an introduction
- the research problem and questions
- your methodology - design framework, objectives, research site, data collection and analysis method and timeline
- references and bibliography.
Talk to your supervisor for more information and support.
Time limits to finish
Postgraduate qualifications must be completed within set time limits. These range from one to six years, depending on the size (credit value) of the qualification.
Time limits to complete postgrad qualifications
If you're having trouble with these time frames please talk to your supervisor, the college or school, or contact us.
Key dates and extensions
Make sure you're aware of all the key dates for the submission of work. If you are unable to meet a deadline you may wish to apply for an extension.
There are different extensions available, and each has its own application process. The one you apply for will depend on your project and level of study.
Taught course and 30-credit research extension
- Extension period: as negotiated.
- Discuss with your course co-ordinator.
Dissertation, research report or project extension
- Extension periods: one month, one semester or one year.
- Apply in the Research tab in the student portal.
- If you are granted a "Carry forward of postgraduate enrolment" your fees for the next semester will be waived. If you receive an extension you will need to pay the next semester's fees.
If you're applying for an extension of longer than one month you must supply a supporting statement and may have to provide supporting documents such as a medical or death certificate.
Thesis extension – end of Part Two submission
- Extension periods: one month, one semester or one year.
- Apply in the Research tab in the student portal.
- If you are granted a "Carry forward of postgraduate enrolment" your fees for the next semester will be waived. If you receive an extension you will need to pay fees each semester until you can submit.
If you're applying for an extension of longer than one month you must supply a supporting statement and may have to provide supporting documents such as a medical or death certificate.
Programme extension - completion of your full qualification
You need a programme extension if you want to extend the length of time for the completion of your full qualification. If you are not studying for a semester, a programme extension adds a semester to your qualification completion date. This is usually used to preserve eligibility for Honours or Distinction/Merit.
- Extension periods: one semester or one year.
- Apply in the Research tab in the student portal.
Long-term extensions are not always available.
Extensions may have an impact on your funding or immigration if you are an international student, so make sure you check this before applying.
Thesis submission and publishing
Once you have finished writing your thesis at the end of Part Two of your master's, there is a process to getting it published.
1, Peer review
Ask a friend, colleague or fellow student to review your draft.
2, Draft submission to your supervisor
Send a draft to your supervisor. They will review and advise when it's ready for submission and do the administration for submission.
3, Submit for examination
Submission is completed in the Research tab in the student portal.
Log in to the student portal
To submit, you need to send us in PDF format:
- your thesis
- completed form RF7: copyright form and declaration confirming content of digital version of thesis
- completed form RF6: certificate of regulatory compliance.
You will receive acknowledgement of your thesis submission once it has been receipted by the Assessment Services.
4, Publish your thesis
When Assessment Services regards your thesis examination as completed it will be uploaded to the Library and available through Massey Research Online. Master’s Theses are to be submitted to the Library in digital format only.
You may also wish to publish your findings in academic and professional journals. You would normally do this jointly with your supervisor and cite Massey University.
Submission forms
Honours, distinction and merit
Your final grade will be calculated based on the Grade Point Average (GPA) you achieve, and whether you complete your study within the required timeframes.
| Class of honours endorsement | GPA |
|---|---|
| First Class Honours (Distinction) | 7.00 or higher |
| Second Class Honours Division I (Merit) | 5.50 to 6.99 |
| Second Class Honours Division II | 4.00 to 5.49 |
| Third Class Honours (Honours degrees only) | less than 4.00 |
Calculating GPA
- Each of your letter grades is given a grade point value, on a 0 to 9 scale, with fail grades being 0 and A+ grades being 9.
- Your grade point value is multiplied by the credit value of the course, to give you a weighted grade point value.
- Your weighted grade point values are added together to become the 'numerator'. The credit values of all courses contributing to your qualification are added together to become the 'denominator'.
- The numerator is divided by the denominator to calculate your GPA.
Courses that are graded Pass/Fail and Aegrotat passes, and grades from courses credited from Massey University qualifications or other tertiary institutions, are excluded from the GPA calculation.
Contact us
If you have any questions about master's and postgraduate study, please contact us. If you're a current student, please include your student ID number.
Related content
Postgraduate regulations
Read the regulations for postgraduate degrees, diplomas and certificates.
Code of Ethical Conduct
Code of Ethical Conduct for Research, Teaching and Evaluations Involving Human Participants.
Services for students
We offer a lot of support to help you have a positive time at Massey and to make the most of student life.