- Where you can study
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Distance and onlineManawatū campus (Palmerston North)
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International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
- Open to international students on campus in New Zealand, or studying online outside New Zealand
- Note:
- Note: Not all listed subject course options are on offer every year.
Specialise in Biological Sciences for your Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology at Massey
Massey University’s Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology (Biological Sciences) gives you the opportunity to join the pathway to in-depth research at a master's level.
World-class facilities
Our world-class facilities include:
- the Manawatu Microscopy and Imaging Centre
- the Massey Genome Service (part of New Zealand Genomics Limited)
- controlled environment microbiology, cell culture and plant growth facilities
- unique and extensive university orchards
- state-of-the-art biochemistry, cell biology. genetics/genomics, microbiology and plant biology equipment.
Facilities.include the Manawatū Microscopy and Imaging Centre and the Massey Genome Service (part of New Zealand Genomics Limited) and a New Zealand Genome Limited laboratory. We also have a full suite of protein purification, separation and analysis equipment including DIGE imaging, and access to mass spectrometers and NMR.
A Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology in Biological Sciences is a good fit if you:
- would like a postgraduate biology qualification that offers choice in subjects
- are interested in postgraduate sciences study, but do not have a research background
- would like to undertake a predominantly taught postgraduate qualification.
Planning information
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
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.
Subject courses
700 level from 120, 122, 162, 194, 196, 199, 203, 232, 247 prefixes
Entry requirements
Entry 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 (Biological 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 and scholarships
2026 tuition fees
- Domestic students: $11,615
- International students: $46,590
Tuition fees are estimates only. The exact fees charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment. The estimates are for full-time study (120 credits). Fees are in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax (GST).
The estimates do not include the Student Services Fee. This fee is $1,164 for on-campus students and $948 for distance students for full-time study (120 credits). For more information about this fee and other fees you may need to pay, see non-tuition fees.
There may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
Course fees
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 Inland Revenue website.
Scholarship and award opportunities
Search our scholarships and awardsFees 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
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
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 5-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 3 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
Biological Sciences – Master of Science
Develop advanced expertise in biology with Massey's Master of Science (Biological Sciences).
Microbiology – Bachelor of Science
Join Massey’s unique Bachelor of Science (Microbiology) to explore and understand microbes in the environment, from the soil to the air, and in the human body.
Molecular Cell Biology – Bachelor of Science
Cells and the molecules that make them are the building blocks of all life. Join the molecular revolution in biology and develop sought after scientific skills in molecular cell biology.
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