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    Zoology – Bachelor of Science
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    Massey University

    Zoology – Bachelor of Science

    Massey University
    University RankQS Ranking
    240

    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

    Zoology – Bachelor of Science

    About

    Specialise in Zoology for your Bachelor of Science at Massey

    Zoology is the animal science of the natural world. It examines animals on a variety of scales, from biological knowledge at the molecular level to animals as components of systems. It also includes the study of animal behaviour.

    The latest thinking

    As one of the only universities in New Zealand to offer a specialised major in zoology, our programme is unique.

    You’ll learn about land-based animals and environments. You will also develop a strong foundation including the latest thinking in genetic and physiological processes, animal development, anatomy and behaviour. You’ll explore freshwater and marine systems, and our wide range of speciality fields including conservation of biodiversity.

    In high demand

    From mapping animal migrations to driving conservational change in foreign countries, Massey’s zoology graduates are in high demand all over the world. They have worked in places like Samoa, South Africa, the Netherlands and the United States. You’ll graduate ready to join them, and to take the best of your knowledge to the rest of the world.

    World-leading lecturers

    At Massey, our lecturers are passionate about what they do. They have examined bird migration pathways from New Zealand to Alaska and the USA. They have investigated species interactions in the alpine environment and unlocked knowledge about morphology through examining fossils and lineages in rocks. They bring this knowledge and love for what they do into their teaching to help you uncover what truly inspires you.

    What will you study?

    A Zoology major offers you a wide range of specialisations in interest areas, as well as in mainstream zoology. The core Zoology qualification looks at animals on a variety of scales.

    You will gain skills in a broad range of related sciences including ecology, conservation diversity and evolution.

    This major is not just about land-based animals and environments; you will also explore freshwater and marine systems.

    An exciting and practical subject

    The most exciting advances in biological knowledge are probably at the molecular level, which we cover in the second year. The level of animals as components of systems is covered in the third year.

    A key speciality in your study will be the fascinating and practical field of conservation of biodiversity. This looks at both vertebrates (birds, predators) and invertebrates, and at their impact on New Zealand indigenous plants and animals. Another interesting area is the study of animal behaviour. This speciality also has an applied side.

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    Admission to Massey

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

    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 subjects (or the equivalent in Cambridge International Examinations, International Baccalaureate, or similar) will give you the expected background knowledge to take this major.

    • 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.

    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:

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

    If you won’t have reached University Entrance before the summer semester begins, you may be able to apply through Discretionary Entrance.

    If you need to do a course before you start your programme, there may be options for you in 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

    From mapping trans-hemispheric animal migrations to driving conservational change in foreign countries, Massey’s Zoology graduates are in high demand all over the world working in places like Samoa, South Africa, the Netherlands and United States. You’ll graduate ready to join them and take the best of your knowledge to the rest of the world.

    Massey Bachelor of Science (Zoology) graduates are employed widely. You could contribute your skills to central and regional government organisations, conservation groups, teaching, private consultancy firms, or through the media (for instance making television documentaries). Places of work include:

    • Department of Conservation
    • regional councils
    • Crown Research Institutes
    • Ministry of Primary Industries
    • biosecurity in New Zealand
    • Ministry for the Environment
    • Environmental Risk Management Authority
    • Fish & Game New Zealand
    • SCION (formerly Forest Research Institute)
    • private environmental consultancy firms
    • private conservation initiatives
    • school teachers
    • News media including magazines, newspapers, websites, radio, television and documentary making.

    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.

    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee

    NZD 38,680 

    Application Fee

    NZD  
    Massey University

    Zoology – Bachelor of Science

    Massey University

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    New Zealand,

    Palmerston North

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