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Pathway to a master’s
A postgraduate diploma is the stepping stone to a research-based degree such as a master’s.
Massey University’s Postgraduate Diploma in Science (Animal Science) is suitable for those who would prefer a predominantly taught postgraduate qualification. Or it gives you the opportunity to join the pathway to in-depth research at a master’s level. The programme consists of 90 credits of taught programmes and 30 credits of research.
The programme gives you the opportunity to show your analytical thinking and high-level research capability. If you complete the programme at a satisfactory level you may be able to proceed to the Masters of Science (Animal Science). If so, credits you have gained through this qualification may be credited to the masters programme.
Massey University’s proud record in land-based study dates back to 1927 when we offered New Zealand’s first degrees in agriculture.
At Massey you will not just be studying animal science, you will be part of this world-leading animal and agricultural science hub. Massey’s Manawatu campus is surrounded by working farms and state-of-the-art animal science research facilities. You are able to access our extensive research and working facilities as part of your study. These include:
We also host The International Sheep Research Centre which leads the world with its investigations into sheep husbandry and related areas.
International trends are for employers to reward postgraduate study well, especially in larger enterprises. The skills you learn are increasingly recognised as setting you apart from other potential employees.
A 2017 Ministry of Education publication The post-study earnings and destinations of young domestic graduates, found that in New Zealand earnings and employment rates increase with the level of qualification completed.
New Zealand is a great place to study. Massey University’s reputation is supported by our international rankings, accreditations and associations. We are rated five star plus by the QS World University Rankings.
Massey University has small class sizes, and our lecturers and staff are friendly and approachable.
As an international student, there are entry requirements that will apply to you. We recommend that you apply at least three months before your anticipated start date so your application can be processed in time. There are additional steps you will need to take. These include obtaining a visa and travel bookings if your study is to be in New Zealand.
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
To enter the Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology (Animal Science) you will have been awarded or qualified for:
You will need to provide verified copies of all academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.
To study this programme you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, we have courses and programmes that may help.
Including:
At least 90 credits of courses from the Schedule to the Diploma
A specialisation (endorsement) is optional, requiring at least 75 credits in the endorsement.
Attend contact workshops, block courses, field trips, studios, workshops, tutorials, and laboratories as required.
See ‘Courses for this programme’ below for schedules of courses.
| 117761 | Ruminant Livestock Feeding | 15 |
| 117762 | Intensive Livestock Feeding | 15 |
| 117764 | Growth and Meat Science | 15 |
| 117765 | Genetics and Breeding | 15 |
| 117767 | Reproduction and Fertility | 15 |
| 117768 | Metabolism and Endocrinology | 15 |
| 117769 | Lactation and Milk Production | 15 |
| 117771 | Dairy Production | 15 |
| 117772 | Sheep Production | 15 |
| 117773 | Beef Cattle Production | 15 |
| 117774 | Pig Production | 15 |
| 117775 | Deer Production | 15 |
| 117776 | Poultry Production | 15 |
| 117783 | Advanced Studies in Animal Science | 15 |
| 117784 | Advanced Studies in Animal Science | 30 |
| 119728 | Research Methods in Animal, Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences | 15 |
| 122703 | Gene Expression | 30 |
| 122704 | Molecular Cell Biology | 30 |
| 122713 | Advanced Topics in Biochemistry | 15 |
| 151709 | Biometrics for the Animal and Nutritional Sciences | 15 |
| 194703 | Neurophysiology and Neuroendocrinology | 30 |
| 194704 | Reproductive Physiology | 30 |
| 194705 | Digestive Physiology | 30 |
| 194707 | Perinatal Physiology | 30 |
| 194709 | Conservation Endocrinology and Reproductive Biology | 30 |
| 194731 | Animal Welfare Science | 30 |
| 194732 | Advanced Cell Physiology | 30 |
| 199714 | Animal Behaviour | 30 |
| 199717 | Entomology | 30 |
| 199719 | Topics in Biodiversity | 15 |
| 283701 | Advanced Pasture Production and Practice | 15 |
| 283702 | Advanced Agronomy | 30 |
| 283704 | Urban and Farm Forestry | 15 |
Completing an endorsement is compulsory. A Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology (Animal Science) endorsement requires 120 credits.
If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.
There are maximum time limits to complete postgraduate qualifications. If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the programme if you wish to continue your studies.
Where your qualification is completed within the stated time limit and to a high standard, you may be able to graduate with a class of Honours, Distinction or Merit.
Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.
There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
If you already know which courses you are going to take, you can use our fees calculator to get an estimate of your fees.
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.
Current and returning Massey students will find their National Student Number on their student homepage.
Dr Jennifer Burke is interested in all aspects of the dairy production system, with a specific focus on nutrition and feeding within the New Zealand pasture based dairy production system. More recently her focus has been on reducing the environmental footprint of dairy, for instance reducing methane and reducing the nitrogen excreted by dairy cows.
Dr Jennifer Burke
Senior Lecturer
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.
Review this important information before you apply for this programme. This gives you full details of the rules and regulations about what you need to study and what you must achieve in order to graduate with this qualification. That includes structure, courses and requirements. These regulations should be read in conjunction with all other Statutes and Regulations of the University including the below.
General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates.
If you are ready to apply, have a look at our application checklist. It will help you get prepared with what you need. Please also check the entry requirements carefully before you apply.
You will apply for the programme using the Apply now button on this page. You’ll also choose your specialisation (major, subject or endorsement) if applicable.
Some programmes have additional requirements such as the submission of a portfolio or CV. Click on Apply now and you will be able to submit those documents as part of the application process.
You will receive an Admission Offer of Place when you have been accepted into the programme. You need to accept this before you can enrol in your courses. International students also need to pay their fees at this point.
You’ll then get access to your own student homepage (also known as the student portal). This is where you can enrol in courses. Any updates on your application or enrolments will also be on your student homepage. Make sure you check this regularly.
When you choose courses, ensure you check for any requirements that apply including:
Each of our courses has its own webpage where you can find this information. You can use our course search to find course pages.
More information on courses is in the ‘Courses for this programme’ section on this page.
You can find information on application due dates and semester dates on the key dates page.
We look forward to welcoming you to Massey!
If you have any questions, contact us through the Enquire button on this page.
Each Massey programme is made up of courses (in some tertiary institutions they are called ‘papers’).
You will have some compulsory courses and some you can choose from.
Each course is worth a certain amount of credits (often 15 credits, but this does vary). You must gain a set number of credits to be able to graduate from this programme.
There may also be some rules about which courses you need to pass to progress to the next year, or stage, of your study (known as progression). There are also courses you must pass to graduate with a specialisation.
The first three digits of our course numbers show you which subject the course is about.
The second three digits show you the level and course ID number. For instance:
| 1 | 6 | 2 | . | 3 | 0 | 1 | |
| Subject area | Level | Course ID number | |||||
Electives are courses that are not compulsory. Certain guidelines are usually provided on courses you may take. Elective courses contribute to the programme, but not to your major or specialisation.
Use this tool to help determine how much time you will need each week to complete your studies.
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the programme or specialisation you enrolled in may be no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these programmes go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Enquire button on this page if you have any questions.
There are a number of scholarships available for new and current students. They could relate to your situation, achievement or interest.