Where you can study
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
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 plant growth facilities
- unique and extensive university orchards
- state-of-the-art plant physiology and biology equipment.
Massey has a dedicated tissue culture facility, real-time PCR instruments, specialised fluorescence microscopes and plate readers. It also has a microscopy centre offering confocal and scanning, transmission and epifluorescence microscopy services.
Genome sequencing services are also readily accessible with both the Massey Sequencing Service and a New Zealand Genome Limited laboratory. They are on the university’s Manawatū campus. This service centre is equipped with ABI3730 and Illumina MiSeq instruments and associated expertise. We also have a full suite of protein purification, separation and analysis equipment including DIGE imaging, and access to mass spectrometers.
A Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology in Biological Sciences is a good fit if you:
- would like a broad-based science postgraduate qualification that doesn’t constrain you to 1 particular subject
- are interested in postgraduate sciences 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.
Subject courses
700 level from 120, 122, 162, 194, 196, 199, 203, 232, 247 prefixes
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, 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
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
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 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
Massey’s Master of Science with a major in biological sciences gives you expertise in a broad range of biological and fundamental sciences.
Conservation Biology – Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology
Learn to address real conservation management problems. The Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology (Conservation Biology) is a stepping stone to a research-based degree.
Conservation Biology – Master of Science
With Massey’s Master of Science (Conservation Biology), you will learn how to address conservation management problems that are relevant to the world today.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz