Type of qualification
Level of study
Once you’ve graduated with a bachelor’s degree – or have equal experience – you can study at the postgraduate level. Doctoral qualifications require additional entry requirements.
Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.
Time to complete
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Study a Master of Science – MSc
Studying for your master's is a challenging and satisfying postgraduate experience.
Massey University’s Master of Science will give you the knowledge and skills you need to gain a more in-depth understanding of an area of scientific study and advance your career.
When you graduate with a Master of Science you will have learned how to work at a high level of academic achievement, work to deadlines under pressure and communicate effectively.
Complete in a shorter time-frame
Massey University’s Master of Science is a 180-credit master qualification (a 240-credit MSc is also available). The 180-credit masters offers a rigorous programme of learning, yet can be achieved in one and a half years.
Research-led learning
Massey teaching is research-led and our academics are ranked among the best in the world. Our teaching staff are widely published and are in demand as keynote speakers on topical global issues. International visitors regularly seek out visits to our science facilities to learn more about what we do.
Accessible lecturers
We work to help you succeed. Massey University offers smaller classes and more personalised learning, giving you greater access to lecturers and the help you need to succeed and thrive during your master’s study.
Relevant learning
Your lecturers and supervisors at Massey have strong connections with the industry. We work to ensure that our teaching fits with the changing environment, which means you will emerge with a relevant qualification valued by potential employers.
A MSc is a good fit if you:
- are passionate about science
- are interested in a postgraduate qualification that combines both structured learning and research
- want to progress your career to the next level of seniority and stand out in the job market.
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
To enter the Master of Science you will have been awarded or qualified for:
- the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in the intended postgraduate subject, or equivalent, with a minimum B average in the majoring 300-level courses, or
- the Bachelor of Science with Honours, in the intended MSc subject, having achieved a B grade average over the contributing courses and a B grade in an approved research methods course, or
- the Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology in the intended MSc subject, having achieved a B grade average over the contributing courses and a B grade in an approved research methods course, or
- the Postgraduate Certificate in Science and Technology in the intended MSc subject, having achieved a B grade average over the contributing courses and a B grade in an approved research methods course.
If you have a Bachelor of Science (Honours), Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology, or Postgraduate Certificate in Science and Technology from Massey University as outlined above, you may apply for credit towards Part One of the qualification.
Please see individual webpages for specific entry requirements for specialisations in Nutrition and Dietetics, Psychology and Psychology-Health Psychology, Mathematics and Statistics.
You will need to provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.
Research supervision plan
You must submit an approved research supervision plan with your application. This means you need to secure the agreement of a suitable supervisor for your agreed research topic. Our Expertise Directory may help you find an appropriate supervisor.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit
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.
- Look for information under ‘Student Progression’ in the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates.
- Contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Prior learning, credit and exemptions
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
- review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
- contact us through the Get advice button on this page.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Maximum time limits for completion
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 qualification if you wish to continue your studies.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.
Returning students
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 qualification 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 qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Structure of the Master of Science
If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.
The Master of Science 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.
Coursework pathway
For progression to Part Two of the Master of Science, you will need a B grade average across the Part One courses including a B grade for the research methods course.
Research pathway
For progression to Part Two of the Master of Science, you will need a B grade average across the first 60 credits of Part One courses including a B grade for the research methods course.
For progression to Part Two of the Master of Science (Psychology), you will need a B+ grade average across the first 60 credits of Part One courses including a B grade for the research methods course.
Master of Science - 180 or 240 credits
Most specialisations require a total of 180 credits.
These subjects require a total of 240 credits:
- Nutrition and Dietetics (includes 150 credits of compulsory Part One courses)
- Psychology
- Psychology - Health Psychology
Courses and specialisations
Key terms
- Courses
- Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
- Course code
- Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
- Credits
- Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
- Specialisations
- Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.
Credit summary
180 credits (most subjects)
- Part One compulsory and subject courses – 60‑120 credits
- Part Two research – 60‑120 credits
- A specialisation (subject) is compulsory.
These subjects require 240 credits:
- Nutrition and Dietetics (includes 150 credits of compulsory Part One courses)
- Psychology
- Psychology - Health Psychology
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.
This is a parts-based qualification. This means there are regulations around your completion of Part One before progressing to Part Two, etc.
Course planning key
- Prerequisites
- Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
- Corequisites
- Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
- Restrictions
- Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
Subjects
Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.
Agricultural Science
Join the Master of Science (Agricultural Science) to help increase the productivity and sustainability of agricultural systems in New Zealand and around the world.
Animal Science
Stand out from other animal science graduates with Massey's Master of Science (Animal Science).
Biological Sciences
Massey’s Master of Science with a major in biological sciences gives you expertise in a broad range of biological and fundamental sciences.
Chemistry
Join a group of like-minded scientists, passionate about scientific discovery and the positive impact chemistry can have on the world.
Conservation Biology
With Massey’s Master of Science (Conservation Biology), you will learn how to address conservation management problems that are relevant to the world today.
Earth Science
Gain skills in dealing with often-complex Earth systems, evaluate current research, and apply your knowledge to real-world issues while working in some really amazing places around the world.
Ecology
Explore the connections between living things and their environment with the Master of Science (Ecology).
Horticultural Science
Dig deeper into horticulture. Use Massey’s experts and world-leading facilities to develop your own ground-breaking research.
Mathematics
Learn the language of the universe. Gain a deeper understanding of the mathematics you encountered in your undergraduate degree, as well as learn about new and exciting areas of mathematics.
Nutrition and Dietetics
Study Massey’s Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics to learn about the intricacies of and relationships between food, nutrients, health, and disease, and how they can be manipulated to improve health and wellbeing.
Plant Breeding
Join an industry that is in demand in New Zealand and overseas. Gain real-world experience and advanced knowledge in plant breeding with Massey’s Master of Science (Plant Breeding).
Psychology - Health Psychology
Understand the application of psychology to health issues with the MSc (Psychology - Health Psychology). Explore health promotion and policies, the meaning of health and illness, and how to analyse treatment structures.
Psychology
With Massey’s Master of Science (Psychology) you'll build on your undergraduate study and complete advanced research of a psychology field that interests you. This provides a competitive edge of knowledge in psychology among your peers.
Statistics
Learn from experts the key theories of statistics and the quantitative skills to conduct robust statistical analyses that are effective in the real world.
Zoology
Take advantage of our zoology expertise and join New Zealand's most knowledgeable university for zoology-related topics.
Fees and scholarships
Fees, student loans and free fees scheme
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.
- Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
- View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable
Already know which courses you're going to choose?
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
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, including how much could be covered and your eligibility on the Fees Free website.
Scholarship and award opportunities
- Allan and Grace Kay Overseas Scholarship
- Antarctica NZ Postgraduate Research Scholarships
- Bowler Ravensdown Scholarship in Soil Science
- Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ) Scholarship
- C Alma Baker Trust Postgraduate Scholarship
- Charles Elgar Scholarship
- C V Fife Memorial Scholarship
- David Brundell Master’s Scholarship
- Dr Eric Ojala Postgraduate Scholarship in Agricultural Policy Research
- Heseltine Ecology Bursary
- John Alexander Milne Scholarship
- John McArthur Geography Research Scholarship
- J P Skipworth Scholarship - Plant Biology
- Lovell and Berys Clark Scholarships
- Massey University Master's Research Scholarship
- Massey University Postgraduate Overseas Research Grant
- Ngā Manu Trust Research Scholarship
- Noeleen Olson Horticulture Masters Scholarship
- Ross Beever Memorial Mycological Award
- The Miss E L Hellaby Indigenous Grasslands Research Trust
- The Sir Hugh Kawharu Masters Scholarship for Innovation in Science
- Waitawhiti Memorial Postgraduate Scholarship
Fees disclaimer
This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.
Careers and job opportunities
Earn more
A 2017 Ministry of Education publication, The post-study earnings and destinations of young domestic graduates, found that in New Zealand:
- young master’s graduates earn more than one and a half times more than the national median (five years after study)
- earnings and employment rates increase with the level of qualification completed
- five years after completion, the median earnings of young master’s graduates are 15% higher than for those with a bachelor’s degree.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz