Biological Sciences

When you study Masseys Master of Science with a major in biological sciences you dont have to focus on one particular type of science. You will gain expertise across a range of your interests.

Are you interested in subjects like microbiology, genetics and biochemistry, but dont have all the prerequisites you need to specialise? Do you want to open the door to a broader range of careers? A major in biological sciences gives you a broad-based degree that keeps your options open.

Within the degree you can focus on one particular area of science, or keep your study broad - the choice is yours.

Flexibility and industry links

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

World-class facilities

Whether you study on the Auckland or Palmerston North campuses, you will have access to world-class facilities. These include the ManawatÅ« Microscopy and Imaging Centre and the Massey Genome Service (part of New Zealand Genomics Limited). We also have our controlled environment plant growth facilities, the unique and extensive university orchards and state-of-the-art plant physiology and biology equipment. As well, we have large animal units and there are extensive Massey farms that operate as commercial beef, dairy and sheep farms.

Subject areas available for the Master of Science (Biological Sciences):

• 120 Plant Biology
• 122 Biochemistry
• 161 Statistics
• 162 Microbiology
• 194 Physiology
• 196 Ecology
• 199 Zoology
• 203 Genetics
• 232 Ecology

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 (Biological Sciences 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.

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
• district health boards
• Environmental Protection Agency
• 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.

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.