Plant Science – Bachelor of Science

Massey University

New Zealand, Palmerston North

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Massey University

New Zealand , Palmerston North

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Manawatū campus (Palmerston North)

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesMay-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 3 year(s)

Tuition Fee

NZD 38,680 / year

Next Intake May-2026

Plant Science – Bachelor of Science

About

Specialise in Plant Science for your Bachelor of Science at Massey

Nearly all life on Earth is ultimately dependent on the primary productivity of plants. The study of plants is a fascinating investigation of the history of life, the natural world and the future of life on Earth.

The Bachelor of Science (Plant Science) will help you understand the crucial biological processes that underpin the very basis of life on Earth. Studying plant science will give you a solid understanding of the fundamental elements of the structure and function of plants, how plants grow and interact with their environment, and how to apply this knowledge in both natural and managed ecosystems.

Our proud record dates back to 1927 when we offered New Zealand’s first degrees in agriculture and horticulture. As a student, you will benefit from our internationally-recognised capability and leadership in this area. Massey has over 50 years’ experience in plant-based sciences and has the largest number of plant scientists of any New Zealand university. We have decades of experience and consistently revise our courses overtime to remain strategic for today’s employment opportunities.

Further study

Following the completion of the BSc degree in Plant Science, many students continue into postgraduate study. Postgraduate study options open up more diverse employment opportunities and are usually a route to faster career progression and higher career earnings. Importantly, postgraduate studies in plant science offer the opportunity to carry out independent, cutting-edge research.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Admission to Massey

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

Massey University entry requirements

Specific requirements

There are no specific entry requirements for this qualification, outside of university admission regulations. However there is some expected background knowledge.

Expected high school preparation

Knowledge gained in the following NCEA subject (or the equivalent in Cambridge International Examinations, International Baccalaureate, or similar) will give you the expected background knowledge to take this major. However, if you have not studied this subject we have a pathway for you to progress to your major (see below).

At least 14 credits in NCEA Level 3 Biology

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.

Can't meet the entry requirements?

The following pathways will get you prepared to study this major. If you have not studied NCEA Level 3 Biology (or equivalent) take the following course first:

162103 Introductory Biology

This course is available in the summer semester and will count towards credits in your degree.

If you need to do a course before you start your qualification, there may be options for you in Summer School.

Summer School

English Program Requirements

English Evidence Academic IELTS^: 6.0 overall and minimum 5.5 in each band

English Evidence TOEFL iBT: Overall score 80, minimum 19 in Writing

English Evidence Pearson Test of English (PTE): 50 overall and minimum 42 in each communicative skills

Career

There is a steady demand for plant scientists in New Zealand and abroad. As a plant science graduate, you will have a wide range of career opportunities, including both pure research and applied work. Students often find employment at research institutes - four Crown Research Institutes employ plant scientists (Plant and Food Research, AgResearch, Forest Research (Scion), and Manaaki-Whenua Landcare Research) as do the Department of Conservation and regional authorities.

Related areas of employment include:

agriculture
horticulture
grassland science
forestry
plant breeding
plant protection
crop research
plant conservation
re-vegetation
science management and policy.

Earn more

A 2017 Ministry of Education publication, The post-study earnings and destinations of young domestic graduates showed that those who complete a qualification in a science, agriculture, technology, computer science, engineering or mathematics field of study have high relative earnings after they complete their study compared to the national median. Earnings can be substantially more than other graduates.