Where you can study
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Specialise in Animal Science for your Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology at Massey
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 PGDipScTech gives you the opportunity to show your analytical thinking and high-level research capability. If you complete the qualification 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 master’s qualification.
Join a world-leading agricultural university
Massey University’s proud record in land-based study dates back to 1927 when we offered New Zealand’s first degrees in agriculture.
Relevant learning
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:
- Two dairy farms
- Sheep and beef blocks, in the Manawatu and Wairarapa
- Dedicated feline and canine units
- Intensive livestock facilities
- A deer farm
- New Zealand’s only veterinary science teaching facilities including
- 24-hour pet hospital
- Wildbase hospital which treats native New Zealand animals
- Equine hospital
We also host The International Sheep Research Centre which leads the world with its investigations into sheep husbandry and related areas.
A Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology in Animal Science is a good fit if you:
- have an undergraduate animal science or related degree
- are interested in postgraduate animal science study, but do not have a research background
- would like to undertake a predominantly taught postgraduate qualification.
Planning information
If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.
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.
At least 30 credits from
Course code: 117710 Reproduction, Lactation and Fertility 15 credits
An advanced course in the physiology and application of reproduction, lactation and fertility in domestic animal species
View full course detailsCourse code: 117711 Nutrition, Growth and Meat Science 15 credits
An advanced course in the physiology and application of nutrition, growth and meat science in domestic animal species
View full course detailsCourse code: 117765 Genetics and Breeding 15 credits
An advanced course in animal breeding and genetics designed to introduce aspects of breeding value estimation, index selection and maternal effects across herd/flock genetic evaluations, genotype by an environment interaction, major genes, applied molecular genetics, inbreeding, crossbreeding, physiological genetics and genomic selection.
View full course detailsCourse code: 117768 Metabolism and Endocrinology 15 credits
An advanced course in the metabolism of carbohydrate, fat and protein in ruminants and/or non-ruminants. Endocrine control and nutrient flows in various physiological states.
View full course detailsSubject courses
Course code: 117709 Biometrics for the Animal and Nutritional Sciences 15 credits
Study in applied statistics with emphasis on animal and nutritional sciences. Introduction to and extensive use of statistical packages, regression and multiple regressions analysis, analysis of variance of standard experimental designs, covariance analysis and general linear models
View full course detailsCourse code: 117783 Advanced Studies in Animal Science 15 credits
Advanced studies of major physiological systems and functions in animals and their relevance to animal science. These studies can be undertaken in any of the following topics: nutrition, growth, breeding, genetics, animal welfare and equine science.
View full course detailsCourse code: 117784 Advanced Studies in Animal Science 30 credits
Advanced studies of major physiological systems and functions in animals and their relevance to animal science. These studies can be undertaken in any of the following topics: nutrition, growth, breeding, genetics, animal welfare and equine science.
View full course detailsCourse code: 119728 Research Methods in Animal, Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences 15 credits
Research methods for students planning to undertake research in animal, veterinary, agricultural, horticultural or applied sciences, with a focus on experimental research designs. Topics include: philosophy of science; research ethics; literature search and review techniques; project development and management; scientific writing; oral presentation skills; vocabulary of statistics; introduction to quantitative data analysis; and completion of a research proposal.
View full course detailsCourse code: 122713 Advanced Topics in Biochemistry 15 credits
The course will involve use of the current literature to critically examine the experimental systems used to advance knowledge in Biochemistry.
View full course detailsCourse 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 detailsCourse code: 283702 Advanced Agronomy 30 credits
Advanced studies in agronomy based on a selection of two modules from within the following: seed technology, seed science, arable crop, pasture management, pasture science, weed science and forestry.
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 Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology (Animal Science) you will have been awarded or qualified for:
- a Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, with a major in the intended postgraduate subject, or equivalent, with a minimum B- average in the majoring 300-level courses, or
- a postgraduate certificate that includes 30 credits of courses from the schedule to the Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology, or equivalent.
You will need to provide copies of all official 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, including how much could be covered and your eligibility on the Fees Free website.
Scholarship and award opportunities
- Ann Sinclair Charitable Trust
- Peter Densem Postgraduate Scholarship
- Sydney Campbell Foundation 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
Sought after by employers
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.
Earn more
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.
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
Animal Genetics and Breeding – Bachelor of Animal Science
Learn how animal breeding and genetics can have a positive impact on animal industries and the New Zealand economy.
Animal Nutrition and Growth – Bachelor of Animal Science
Combine your love of animals and science with the only animal science degree available in New Zealand. This degree focuses on how nutrition contributes to the performance and health of animals.
Animal Science – Master of Science
Stand out from other animal science graduates with Massey's Master of Science (Animal Science).
Animal Welfare – Bachelor of Animal Science
Keen to make a difference in the lives of animals? Combine your love of animals and science to make a difference to their health and welfare.
Bachelor of Veterinary Science – BVSc
By studying veterinary science at Massey University, you’ll join a world-leading veterinary qualification that will qualify you to work as a veterinarian in many different areas.
Bachelor of Veterinary Science Pre-Selection – BVScPre-Sel
By studying veterinary science at Massey University, you’ll join a world-leading veterinary qualification that will qualify you to work as a veterinarian in many different areas.
Equine Science – Bachelor of Animal Science
Gain the knowledge base and the analytical and management skills for a career helping improve the productivity and sustainability of the equine industry.
Master of Veterinary Medicine – MVM
Shaping the future of veterinary science: evidence to impact. This world-leading online education qualification attracts students from around the globe.
Postgraduate Diploma in Veterinary Science – PGDipVSc
The Postgraduate Diploma in Veterinary Science is a stepping-stone to a master’s degree.
Without Specialisation – Master of Veterinary Studies
Develop expertise in a specific area of veterinary science to progress your professional development.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz