Animal Science

Masseys Master of Science (Animal Science) will allow you to make a major contribution to animal science.

Whether you want to take the first step in a research career or would like a specialised role in livestock or animal industries, a MSc (Animal Science) will give you the skills you need.

A wide range of specialities

Animal science is a broad subject and you could engage in study and research in one of many subjects from livestock production, genetics, nutrition, reproductive physiology, lactation, animal behaviour and welfare.

Massey University has an active research programme in many areas of applied and theoretical aspects of animal science, much of it funded by industry. Youll have the opportunity to research a relevant issue and generate solutions for the real world.

A masters builds your capability in sourcing, generating and interpreting quality information to make informed decisions. Youll develop specialised knowledge in your chosen field.

Join a world-leading agricultural university

Massey Universitys proud record in land-based study dates back to 1927 when we offered New Zealands first degrees in agriculture.

Relevant learning

At Massey, youll be part of this world-leading animal and agricultural science hub. Masseys ManawatÅ« campus is surrounded by working farms and state-of-the-art animal science research facilities. You are able to access our extensive research and working facilities as part of your study. These include:

• two dairy farms
• sheep and beef blocks, in the Manawatu and Wairarapa
• dedicated feline and canine units
• intensive livestock facilities
• a deer farm
• New Zealands only veterinary science teaching facilities including
  • 24-hour pet hospital
  • wildbase hospital which treats native New Zealand animals
  • equine hospital.

We also host The International Sheep Research Centre which leads the world with its investigations into sheep husbandry and related areas.

If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.

The Master of Science is a parts-based qualification. That means you must complete the first part, before moving to the second.

The first part gives you good knowledge and skills that will help you with the research part of your qualification. You must pass Part One before you can progress to Part Two.

Coursework pathway

For progression to Part Two of the Master of Science, you will need a B grade average across the Part One courses including a B grade for the research methods course.

Research pathway

For progression to Part Two of the Master of Science, you will need a B grade average across the first 60 credits of Part One courses including a B grade for the research methods course.

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.

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

• Massey University entry requirements

Specific requirements

To enter the Master of Science (Animal Science) you will have been awarded or qualified for:

• 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.

If you have a Bachelor of Science (Honours), Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology, or Postgraduate Certificate in Science and Technology as outlined above, you may apply for credit towards Part One of the qualification in accordance with the limits specified in the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations.

You must submit an approved research supervision plan with your application. This means you need to secure the agreement of a suitable supervisor for your agreed research topic. 

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.

• Massey University English language requirements

English language skills

If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

Potential careers after completing a Master of Science with a major in animal science include:

• research associates at Crown Research Institutes such as AgResearch
• sales and technical reps for feed companies and feed manufacturers
• consultants and advisors to farmers or industry bodies such as Beef+Lamb or DairyNZ
• laboratory and on-farm technicians
• biosecurity/customs roles
• wildlife conservation
• Ministry of Primary Industries in a policy or advisory role
• sales and technical representatives for equipment manufacturers (e.g. milking machines)
• providing specialist animal services
• animal welfare consultant
• technical institute tutor.

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:

• young master’s graduates earn more than one and a half times more than the national median (five years after study)
• earnings and employment rates increase with the level of qualification completed
• five years after completion, the median earnings of young master’s graduates are 15% higher than for those with a bachelor’s degree.