Where you can study
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Specialise in Zoology for your Master of Science at Massey
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:
- zoology
- veterinary science
- ecology
- wildlife health
- conservation biology
- agriculture
- physiology
- animal science
- environmental management
- social sciences.
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.
Work across the sciences
The qualification 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 qualifications.
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.
A Master of Science in Zoology is a good fit if you:
- would like a career related to zoology and animals
- would like to do an industry-relevant research project
- want to study with lecturers and co-students who are passionate about zoology.
Planning information
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.
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.
Courses you can enrol in
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.
Part One
Compulsory course
Course code: 162760 Research Methods and Communication in the Biosciences 30 credits
A directed course in research methodology and communication in biosciences. Assignments may include a research proposal, a literature review, scientific writing for a journal and a formal seminar presentation.
View full course detailsSubject courses
Course code: 199714 Animal Behaviour 30 credits
How do animals choose a mate, rear their young, avoid predators, find a meal and communicate with each other? These problems and applications of behavioural ecology to pest control and conservation are investigated in detail through reading current literature and class discussions. Topics change from year to year and according to the interests of the participants.
View full course detailsCourse code: 199717 Entomology 30 credits
An advanced course of study involving literature reviews, tutorials and personal research on selected aspects of insect evolution, physiology, behaviour and ecology. Topics could include the evolution of insect flight and sociality, pollination of native plants, courtship and mating behaviour, reproductive hormones and pheromones and insect dispersal, pest management and post-harvest disinfestation.
View full course detailsPart Two
Either
Course code: 199897 Thesis 120 Credit Part 1 60 credits
A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.
View full course detailsCourse code: 199898 Thesis 120 Credit Part 2 60 credits
A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.
View full course detailsCourse code: 199899 Thesis 120 credits
A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.
View full course detailsOr
Course code: 199873 Thesis 90 Credit Part 1 (30 credits) 30 credits
A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.
View full course detailsCourse code: 199874 Thesis 90 Credit Part 2 (60 credits) 60 credits
A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.
View full course detailsCourse code: 199875 Thesis 90 credits
A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.
View full course detailsEntry 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 (Zoology) 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.
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.
You will need to provide verified copies of all academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
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 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 can find their National Student Number in the student portal.
- Student loans (StudyLink)
- Fees Free
- Student portal
Scholarship and award opportunities
- Heseltine Ecology Bursary
- Lovell and Berys Clark Scholarships
- Massey University Master's Research Scholarship
- Sinclair Cummings Veterinary and Animal Sciences 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
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.
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.
International students
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.
Related study options
Zoology – Bachelor of Science
Let your love of animals take you into a field that is in high demand throughout New Zealand. With Massey's Bachelor of Science (Zoology) you have the chance to learn everything there is to know about animals.
Zoology – Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology
The Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology (Zoology) is a stepping stone to a research-based degree. Take advantage of Massey’s experts who can help you dig deeper into your area of interest.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz