Master of Science
The Master of Science is valued for its flexibility and excellence, and can be tailored to suit your needs. You can select your papers from a range of subjects and the mix of research and taught papers are customised to suit your interests and goals.
180 points, 1 - 1.5 years
Hamilton, Tauranga
Papers offered differ by location. Find a Paper for full location info.
Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)
Why study the Master of Science?
The Master of Science (MSc) normally takes 12-18 months of full-time study to complete. The degree requires 180 points, which is made up of taught papers and a research project of at least 45 points.
Study a MSc at Waikato University and you will enjoy more lab and field work, more one-on-one time with top academics and access to world-class research equipment. Our great industry contacts will also mean exciting collaborations with local, national and international companies and organisations.
This is an ideal degree for students wanting to improve their career opportunities, and seeking a qualification that is potentially not so research-heavy.
This qualification is taught at a level significantly in advance of undergraduate study, providing you with the challenges and knowledge needed to prepare for a successful career.
Facilities
The University of Waikato’s School of Science is home to a suite of well-equipped, world-class laboratories. You will have the opportunity to use complex research equipment and facilities such as NMR spectroscopy, DNA sequencing and the University of Waikato Herbarium (WAIK).
Career Opportunities
- Local and Regional Council
- Crown Research Institutes
- Energy Companies
- Environmental Agencies
- Government Departments
- Biomedical/Pharmaceutical Industries
- Private Research Companies
- Food and Dairy Industries
- Agriculture and Fisheries
180 points, 1 - 1.5 years
Hamilton, Tauranga
Papers offered differ by location. Find a Paper for full location info.
Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)
Degree information
Select a tile for more information. 
Admission requires a relevant Bachelors level qualification or equivalent. Once you have applied to study with us you are welcome to speak with one of our senior academics who will help advise you on your studies based on your goals and previous experience. This will ensure you have all the support and advice you need to succeed in your studies.
Please refer to the regulations in the University of Waikato Calendar for official details of admission and degree requirements, available subjects, honours eligibility and more.
If you do not hold the appropriate qualifications required for direct entry, you may be eligible to apply for a pathway via a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma. Contact the School of Science or the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences for advice on the possibilities.
Estimated fees
$8,773 - $9,850 per year
Domestic tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
Domestic tuition costsScholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
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Relevant as of 30 October 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. View information about fees free study.
Graduates of the Master of Science will have had the opportunity to develop the ability to:
communicate successfully about their field of science, using methods that may include: written reports, oral presentations, research projects, multimedia submissions;
demonstrate a high standard of academic integrity and ethical awareness;
work both independently and as effective team members;
be intellectually flexible and adaptable;
demonstrate advanced analytical thinking skills and the skills needed for self-directed learning, including the ability to acquire, understand and assess information from a range of sources;
present complex theoretical and practical ideas in a clear, concise and structured manner;
show evidence of advanced knowledge about a specialist field of enquiry or professional practice;
demonstrate mastery of theoretically sophisticated subject matter;
evaluate critically the findings and discussions in the literature;
research, analyse and argue from evidence, and engage in rigorous intellectual analysis, criticism and problem-solving;
design a well-structured, relevant and integrated plan of research;
carry out such research using appropriate methods of investigation and analysis;
analyse, argue and reach conclusions which are informed by independent enquiry and other available information;
demonstrate a high order of skill in the planning, execution and completion of a piece of original research.
Study in Tauranga
Depending on the focus of your research, you could complete that 60-point portion of your MSc in Tauranga. Facilities there include the Coastal Marine Field Station.
The taught portion of the MSc, which is worth 120 points, is based in Hamilton only.
Practical experience
You will spend more time putting theory into practice in the laboratories and out in the field. Smaller class sizes in taught papers mean more one-on-one time with renowned academics.
The University of Waikato also boasts excellent industry collaborations with organisations such as NIWA, AgResearch, Plant and Food Research and Landcare Research. These strong relationships generate numerous research projects for MSc students, who are able to work on real issues with a real client.
What our students are saying
For my masters I concentrated primarily on plant ecology, as I felt that this is an area where I could make more of a difference in terms of environmental conservation and restoration.Catherine KirbyBachelor of Science, Master of Science
