Take advantage of our zoology expertise
Join a university that has more breadth and depth of knowledge in zoology-related topics than any other university in New Zealand.
When you study towards the Master of Science (Zoology), you will be able to take advantage of Massey’s expertise in animal-related disciplines. We have a wide and relevant group of expertise within the university:
You will learn from, and research with, highly-skilled, internationally recognised and active researchers in these fields, with a huge depth of knowledge and experience. Whatever focus you’d like to have in your postgraduate study and research, there is likely to be an expert at Massey who can help you dig deeper into your area of interest.
The programme also works across related majors within the Master of Science (MSc). For instance, if you major in zoology, you can also still take courses from across the MSc (Conservation Biology) and MSc (Ecology). This will give you an in-depth knowledge of those most closely related programmes.
When you graduate with a Master of Science (Zoology) you will have learned how to work at a high level of academic achievement, work to deadlines under pressure and communicate effectively.
The broad base of expertise of this qualification is very attractive to potential employers, especially in those areas related to our industry connections, like regional councils and the Department of Conservation. Other graduates have gone on to work as zoology technicians, wildlife managers, environmental consultants, or in animal-related positions with zoos, universities, government departments and private organisations.
A 2017 Ministry of Education publication, The post-study earnings and destinations of young domestic graduates, found that in New Zealand:
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 Master of Science (180 or 240 credits) programme you will:
To enter the 120 credit Master of Science programme you will have been awarded or qualified with a minimum B average for either of the following:
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.
From the Schedule to the Degree including:
A specialisation (subject) is compulsory. Most subjects require 180 credits.
These subjects require 240 credits:
Other subjects may require 240 credits if you choose a 120 credit thesis
Advanced entry: Those who have already completed specified qualifications in advance of the minimum entry requirements may be able to complete this degree by undertaking a 120 credit thesis.
See ‘Courses for this programme’ below for schedules of courses.
| At least 45 credits from | ||
|---|---|---|
| 199714 | Animal Behaviour | 30 |
| 199717 | Entomology | 30 |
| 199719 | Topics in Biodiversity | 15 |
| 194709 | Conservation Endocrinology and Reproductive Biology | 30 |
| 199798 | Research Report | 30 |
| 247782 | Special Topic | 15 |
| 247783 | Special Topic | 15 |
| 120 credits | ||
|---|---|---|
| 199897 | Thesis 120 Credit Part 1 | 60 |
| 199898 | Thesis 120 Credit Part 2 | 60 |
| 199899 | Thesis | 120 |
| At least 60 credits from | ||
|---|---|---|
| 199870 | Research Report | 60 |
| 199871 | Thesis 90 Credit Part 1 | 45 |
| 199872 | Thesis 90 Credit Part 2 | 45 |
| 199875 | Thesis | 90 |
If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.
The Master of Science (Zoology) is a parts-based qualification. That means you must complete the first part, before moving to the second.
The first part gives you good knowledge and skills that will help you with the research part of your qualification. You must pass Part One before you can progress to Part Two.
For progression to Part Two of the Master of Science, a B grade average is needed for the Part One courses.
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.
Professor Murray Potter has extensive experience in pivotal industries related to ecology and zoology issues in New Zealand and abroad. His key research interest identification of the repeatability of responses by individuals that points to adaptive personalities within species. He is especially interested in studies that integrate the ecology, physiology, and natural history of whole organisms within their natural settings.
Professor Murray Potter
Head of Wildlife and Ecology Group
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 | |||||
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 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.