Where you can study
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Specialise in Horticultural Science for your Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology at Massey
Massey University’s Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology (Horticultural Science) gives you the opportunity to join the pathway to in-depth research at a master's level.
The qualification gives you the opportunity to show your analytical thinking and high-level research capability.
Take advantage of our globally renowned expertise
Let our experts help you develop your own expertise. You will learn from, and research with, highly-skilled, internationally-recognised and active researchers in horticulture. They have a huge depth of knowledge and experience. Our current specific areas of horticulture research expertise include:
- fruit and vegetable innovation
- high-value plant products and services
- applied plant and horticultural science
- seed science and technology.
You will also be able to take advantage of Massey’s expertise across the sciences. We have a wide and relevant group of expertise within the university. This includes engineering and fundamental sciences like microbiology and biochemistry, to agriculture, environmental management and food technology and innovation.
This means that no matter what your research interest, you will have access to a broad range of experts to assist you in developing your own research project.
Further study
If you complete the qualification at a satisfactory level you may be able to proceed to the Master of Science (Horticultural Science). If so, credits you have gained through this qualification may be credited to the master's qualification.
A Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology in Horticultural Science is a good fit if you:
- would like to help develop innovative approaches to quality, nutrition, flavour, market access and sustainability in horticultural products
- are interested in postgraduate Horticulture 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
Course 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: 119729 Research Methods 15 credits
Research methods for students whose research focuses on the human-science interface and human applications of science. The course includes foundations of science, ethics, the scientific method, and systems approaches to problem-solving and research; selection of appropriate research methods, including survey methods, case studies, enterprise/project analysis, and modelling; analysis and presentation of research results and communication skills.
View full course detailsCourse 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 detailsCourse code: 283708 Quantitative Plant Breeding 30 credits
A career development course on the application of quantitative genetics and plant breeding. Topics include objective setting, plant genetic resources, base population development, quantitative genetic variation, selection efficiency, selection of multiple traits, GXE interactions, line development, backcross breeding, recurrent selection and variety development. Two block courses allow students to visit plant breeders, and encourage discussion and networking.
View full course detailsCourse code: 284703 Vegetable Production Science 15 credits
The science and production of quality vegetable products from establishment to harvest. Topics will align to student interests in vegetable crop science including: factors affecting productivity and quality, specialist production systems including root, tuber and leafy crops, crop nutrition, irrigation and harvest.
View full course detailsCourse code: 284704 Fruit Production Science 15 credits
Production of quality products of subtropical, warm and cool temperate fruits. Topics meet student interest and could include factors affecting productivity and quality; manipulation of tree, flower and fruit development; biological production systems; pre-harvest factors influencing product quality; quality management.
View full course detailsCourse code: 284741 Post-harvest Physiology 30 credits
Reviews the role of physiological principles in post-harvest systems. Topics covered depend upon class interests, and may include control of water loss, functions of cell walls and membranes; calcium; ethylene; chilling injury; genetic manipulation; modified atmospheres and non-chemical disease control.
View full course detailsCourse code: 285742 Topics in Advanced Plant Protection 30 credits
Selected topics in Advanced Plant Protection, including host defence and disease resistance mechanisms, weed control and herbicide activity, as well as principles and methods of integrated arthropod pest (insect and mite) management.
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 (Horticultural 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
- Colin Aiken Plant Breeding Bursary
- Farmers' Union Scholarship
- George Mason Sustainable Land Use Scholarship
- Gosling Ornamental Horticulture Bursary
- Helen E. Akers Postgraduate Scholarship
- Hurley Fraser Postgraduate Scholarship
- Johannes August Anderson Postgraduate Scholarship
- John Perrin Scholarship
- Millar Massey Buchanan Scholarship
- Murray and Terry Scholarship
- Peter Densem Postgraduate Scholarship
- Sydney Campbell Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship
- Taranaki Tree Crops Scholarship
- William Reed 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.
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
Bachelor of Horticultural Science – BHortSci
Do you have a passion for plants and people? This is the only horticultural degree in New Zealand fully co-designed and created in collaboration with the industry.
Horticultural Management – Bachelor of Agribusiness
Grow your skills. Learn how to build and deliver profitable and sustainable horticultural businesses, alongside the science of food crops. Get a job before you graduate in New Zealand’s booming industry.
Horticultural Science – Master of Science
Dig deeper into horticulture. Use Massey’s experts and world-leading facilities to develop your own ground-breaking research.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz