Understand how your DNA and environment make you who you are.
Become part of the spectacular advances being made in science, medicine and agriculture through modern molecular, cellular, and genomic analyses.
The Bachelor of Science (Molecular and Cellular Biology) will teach you how an understanding of DNA, proteins and cells helps us understand life on this planet. Why do diseases or disorders develop and how can we diagnose and treat them? Where did we come from? How are microbes influencing our health? How are we using molecular biology to create vaccines and test for diseases such as COVID-19? How are organisms evolving to our changing planet?
This can in turn help create a better world – with better medicines, more efficient agriculture and better protection from disease for humans and our environment.
It is a discipline that unifies many others, from biochemistry to computer science to medicine and food production.
During your study you will:
Dramatic changes in DNA sequencing and new technologies are changing our understanding of the world around us and what we know about who we are as humans. During practical labs you will have the opportunity to test your own DNA for a specific mutation such as the lactase persistence mutation.
We are in an era where new pathogens are emerging. You will be taught by Massey lecturers who are actively researching a broad range of areas including cancer, COVID-19, the genetics of harmful bacteria, the evolution of viruses and bacterial organisms, and new methods to solve problems such as antibiotic resistance and environmental pollution by agricultural chemicals.
If you are interested in a rapidly changing field that is at the leading edge of science, this is the programme for you. Not only will you learn about biology, but you will interact closely with lecturers actively working at the cutting edge, and have opportunities to join them in their research. Real research opportunities and personal interactions with lecturers is something only Massey offers.
In 2022 Massey will complete work on an $80 million Innovation Complex dedicated to science teaching and research.
A 2017 Ministry of Education publication, The post-study earnings and destinations of young domestic graduates, showed that those who complete a qualification in a science, agriculture, technology, computer science, engineering or mathematics field of study have high relative earnings after they complete their study compared to the national median. Earnings can be substantially more than other graduates.
Graduates in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Massey University are prepared for wide range of positions both in New Zealand and overseas, such as:
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.
There are no specific entry requirements for this programme, outside of university admission regulations. However, there is some expected background knowledge.
Knowledge gained in the following NCEA subjects (or the equivalent in Cambridge International Examinations, International Baccalaureate, or similar) will give you the expected background knowledge to take this major.
To study this programme you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
To be successful in your studies we recommend that you also have the following NCEA subjects (or equivalent). These will help your study in this major but are not essential.
If it’s some time since you have studied mathematics at school you can find out if you have the required background by taking this maths quiz.
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
The following pathways will get you prepared to study this major. If you have not studied NCEA Level 3 Biology (or equivalent) take the following course first:
If you have not studied NCEA Level 3 Chemistry (or equivalent) take the following course first:
These courses are available in the summer semester and will count towards credits in your degree.
If you are unsure whether you have the right background/subjects to study this programme, our tool will help you to figure out what you might need to do before starting your qualification.
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, we have courses and programmes that may help.
If you need to do a course before you start your programme, there may be options for you in Summer School.
From the Schedule to the Degree including:
Core courses
Major courses
Elective courses from the Schedule
Elective courses
Ensure that overall, you also have:
Attend block courses, contact workshops, field trips, studios, workshops, tutorials and laboratories as required.
See ‘Courses for this programme’ below for schedules of courses.
If you started the BSc programme before 2020 you may be completing the programme under the previous regulations, which are listed in Schedule C in the Regulations for this programme.
If you study full-time, in your first year, you’ll take eight 15-credit courses, making a total of 120 credits.
If you wish to study over two semesters, you should aim for 60 credits per semester. You may be able to take some courses at summer school. Make sure you include courses that are prerequisites for the next level of courses you wish to study.
The first-year structure is designed to provide you with a broad knowledge and skill set which will equip you to go on to more advanced courses in the second and third years.
Molecular and Cellular Biology has similar first year core courses to several other majors available in the Bachelor of Science, allowing students to change their major before their second year. Changing your major may incur an increase in completion time.
Take these in any order:
Take these in the order shown:
Plus choose two 100-level elective courses. These can be from a subject area other than Science.
Students must pass at least 90 credits from the BSc Schedule A, including any compulsory courses, in their first 120 credits of study towards the Bachelor of Science.
Take all four:
Take all four:
You can change to any BSc major at the end of your first year. Moving from the first year of Molecular and Cellular Biology to one of the majors below is particularly simple, as the required first-year courses are similar. By choosing your courses and electives carefully to cover both majors you could easily swap over at the end of first year. Changing your major may incur an increase in completion time.
Completing a minor is optional. Minors increase the breadth of your degree. They give you extra knowledge, attributes and capabilities.
A minor must be in a different subject from your major.
You may choose a minor from any university undergraduate degree that has recognised minors. If the minor is from another undergraduate degree, the regulations of that programme will apply.
Some BSc minors that are particularly compatible with Molecular and Cellular Biology include those shown below. Timetabling will prioritise these combinations to minimise clashes.
If you are not studying a Bachelor of Science (Molecular and Cellular Biology) and wish to complete a Molecular and Cellular Biology minor see the regulations for requirements.
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.
“
Massey provided me with a very strong foundation in genetics and introductory research skills that allowed me to hit the ground running.
” Anežka Hoskin
Massey University is ranked by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) as one of the top 300 universities in the world for biological sciences.
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.
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.
If you started the BSc programme before 2020 you may be completing the programme under the previous regulations, which are listed in Schedule C in the Regulations for this programme.
In some cases the programme or specialisation you enrolled in may 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.