Where you can study
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Specialise in Zoology for your Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology at Massey
Massey University’s Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology (Zoology) 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 expertise
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 and 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.
Further study
If you complete the qualification at a satisfactory level you may be able to proceed to the Master of Science (Zoology). 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 Zoology is a good fit if you:
- have an undergraduate science degree
- are interested in postgraduate zoology 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.
Compulsory 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 detailsSubject courses
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 detailsCourse code: 194732 Advanced Cell Physiology 30 credits
An advanced course on selected topics in cell physiology. The focus is on the processes involved in maintaining cell viability, the mechanisms involved in cell motility and trafficking, intracellular and intercellular signalling, the control of cell death and opportunities for therapeutic manipulations of these processes.
View full course detailsCourse code: 196713 Ecology 30 credits
This course explores contemporary issues in ecology, emphasising a functional outlook on the role of species in communities. It will focus on biodiversity and the interactions of organisms as stimuli for biodiversity. Topics include diversity and ecosystem function, patterns of species diversity, keystone species, herbivory, community structure, assembly roles and food web studies.
View full course detailsCourse code: 232701 Conservation Biology 30 credits
Conservation biology involves applying theory from several branches of biology to the problem of conserving biological diversity. This course covers a range of general issues in conservation biology, including ethical and cultural issues, population and demographics and genetics, population viability analysis, and community-level conservation. It also covers several specific topics in depth, with an emphasis on New Zealand case studies.
View full course detailsCourse code: 232703 Wildlife Management 30 credits
A problem-based course involving fieldwork, data analysis, and report writing. A range of research methods relevant to conservation managers will be explored using selected real-world problems. The problems will cover a diversity of techniques with a strong emphasis on gaining experience in conservation application and quantitative analytical methods.
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 (Zoology) 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 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
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
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 – Master of Science
Take advantage of our zoology expertise and join New Zealand's most knowledgeable university for zoology-related topics.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz