Overview

Massey University's Biological Sciences has world-leading expertise in teaching and research in biological sciences. As a postgraduate student in Biological Sciences, you'll take advantage of a research environment with staff and other postgraduate students who are passionate about biology.

Key facts

Are you interested in subjects like cell biology, microbiology, molecular biology, plant biology, genomics, genetics and/or biochemistry? Do you want to open the door to a broader range of careers at an accelerated entry point?

A MSc majoring in biological sciences is an advanced research degree providing graduates with expertise that is highly sought after by employers.

At Massey you have the flexibility to choose from different locations for your study – either Manawatū or the Auckland campuses – as well as other research institutes such as the Bioeconomy, AgResearch, Scion and Plant & Food Research.

Career

As a Master of Science graduate in biological sciences, you will have a wide range of career opportunities and can expect these to lead to leadership and managerial roles.

These could be in areas including pure and applied research, quality control, product development, and positions of responsibility in medical, forensic, or analytical laboratories.

You could also work in government departments in policy development and analysis. Jobs in these areas can lead to high-level careers in management and administration in science and health-related fields:

Crown Research Institutes (AgResearch, HortResearch, Plant & Food Research)
Industry-based research institutes (dairy, meat, wool, wheat, forestry, leather)
Wineries, breweries, food and animal feedstuff industries
Pharmaceutical development and manufacturing
Secondary and tertiary educational institutions
Biotechnology companies
Scientific publishers
Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ)
Local Government organisations (regional councils)
Environmental Protection Agency
Ministry for Primary Industries
Ministry of Business and Enterprise.

A master’s degree in biological sciences provides graduates with internationally marketable skills. It will provide opportunities for employment and careers across the globe.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Research Methods and Communication in the Biosciences

Biology

Health

Theory

Research

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 18 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-06-29 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-05-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-06-19 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-02-09 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-31 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-02-05 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Palmerston North, New Zealand

Disciplines

Biology View 21 other Masters in Biology in New Zealand

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in the intended postgraduate subject, or equivalent, with a minimum B average in the majoring 300-level courses, or
the Bachelor of Science with Honours, in the intended MSc subject, having achieved a B grade average over the contributing courses and a B grade in an approved research methods course, or
the Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology in the intended MSc subject, having achieved a B grade average over the contributing courses and a B grade in an approved research methods course, or
the Postgraduate Certificate in Science and Technology in the intended MSc subject, having achieved a B grade average over the contributing courses and a B grade in an approved research methods course

You must submit an approved research supervision plan with your application
verified copies of all academic transcripts

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Massey University and/or in New Zealand, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

46590 NZD / year

≈ 46590 NZD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

11615 NZD / year

≈ 11615 NZD / year

Living costs

Palmerston North

New Zealand

1100 - 2100 NZD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Biological Sciences.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Key facts

Career

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Palmerston North

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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