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Contents

Quick Facts

Programme Tabs

Overview

Programme Overview

The MSc is an opportunity for committed scientists to focus on relevant areas of interest or practice and pursue an advanced qualification. A taught masters will provide you with specialist training in your chosen field. A research masters will develop your advanced research skills as you work alongside Faculty of Science researchers – many of whom are major contributors in their field.

Programme Structure

120-point MSc

Most students enter an MSc after completing a PGDipSci. You will need to complete 120 points (maximum of 160 points) in a specialisation within one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study (research masters) or four years of part-time study (taught masters). Not all specialisations offer both taught and research options.

Taught masters

  • A taught masters comprises 120 points of coursework at 700-level (postgraduate level). This may include a dissertation.

Research masters

  • A 120-point research thesis

Or

  • A 90-point research thesis or research portfolio and 30 points of coursework at 700 level (postgraduate level)

240-point MSc

If you enter an MSc directly from an undergraduate degree you will need to complete 240 points (maximum of 280 points) in a specialisation in two years of full-time study or four years of part-time study (research masters) or six years of part-time study (taught masters). Not all specialisations offer both taught and research options.

The first 120 points will comprise coursework. The second 120 points will follow the structure of the 120-point MSc (outlined above).

Postgraduate pathway

Download the Science postgraduate pathway (117KB, PDF)

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

As a graduate of the MSc programme you will be skilled in a focused area, and better equipped to find employment in your chosen field. The MSc is a vital qualification if you wish to pursue employment in a research-led area or to progress academically.

Further Study Options

Student career planning services

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Key Information for Students

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

Programme Entry Requirements

Other qualifications

If your highest qualification was gained from another tertiary institution, view our entry requirements.


University of Auckland minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place. 

Taught (120 point) - 5.0 Grade Point Average 

Bachelor of Science (Hons) or Postgraduate Diploma in Science

Taught (240 point) - 5.0 Grade Point Average

Bachelor of Science

Research (120 point) - 5.0 Grade Point Average

Bachelor of Science (Hons) or Postgraduate Diploma in Science

Research (240 point) - 5.0 Grade Point Average

Bachelor of Science

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Postgraduate Requirements

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

Find a Supervisor

Depending on the type of programme you are pursuing, you may have the opportunity to complete a unique research project. To find out more about the research carried out at the University of Auckland and to identify potential supervisors, check out our researcher profiles.

Other Pathways to Study

Taught 120 points 

You must have either:

  • A Postgraduate Diploma in Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher and a specialisation in a prerequisite subject listed for the specialisation in which you intend to enrol, or have equivalent prior study
  • A Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Science with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

Taught 240 points

A Bachelor of Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II and a major or specialisation in a prerequisite subject listed for the specialisation in which you intend to enrol.

Research 120 points

You must have either:

  • A Postgraduate Diploma in Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher and a specialisation in a prerequisite subject listed for the specialisation in which you intend to enrol, or have equivalent prior study
  • A Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Science with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

Research 240 points

A Bachelor of Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II and a major or specialisation in a prerequisite subject listed for the specialisation in which you intend to enrol

For a research masters you must have an agreement with a supervisor who will work with you on your project prior to applying for the programme.

If you do not meet the required GPA, the PGDipSci - Postgraduate Diploma in Science is an appropriate pathway to the 120-point Master of Science.

If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes. 

Fees and scholarships

Fees

Fees Disclaimer

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Scholarships

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Loans and Allowances

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of Living

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

Advice on Programme Limits

This is a limited entry programme: there is a limit on the number of enrolments due to staff or space capacity. For more information, please see the Programme and Course Limitations section of the University Academic and General Statutes and Regulations.

Key Dates

Application Advice

Please note: we will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Key Dates

SemesterApplication Closing DateSemester Start DateSemester End Date
2026 Summer School01 December 202505 January 202618 February 2026
2026 Semester One08 December 202502 March 202629 June 2026
2026 Semester Two08 June 202620 July 202616 November 2026
2026 Late Year Term11 November 202601 December 202627 February 2027

Other Important Dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

Additional Information on Key Dates

Semester One closing application dates for the following specialisations are as follows

  • Forensic Science: 1 November
  • Clincial Exercise Physiology : 1 November
  • Psychology: 1 December

Regulations

Preamble

The regulations for this degree are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

Admission

1 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 240 points must have:

a completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, and a major or specialisation in a prerequisite subject listed for the specialisation in which they intend to enrol, or have equivalent prior study

or

b completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II and a major or specialisation in a prerequisite subject listed for the specialisation in which they intend to enrol.

2 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 120 points must have:

a completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Science (Honours) or Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher and a major or specialisation in a prerequisite subject listed for the specialisation in which they intend to enrol, or have equivalent prior study

or

b completed the requirements for the Postgraduate Diploma in Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher and a specialisation in a prerequisite subject listed for the specialisation in which they intend to enrol, or have equivalent prior study

or

c completed the requirements for the Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Science with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study.

3 Applicants must have completed any prerequisite courses relevant to the specialisation in which they intend to enrol prior to admission to this degree.

4 Equivalence and relevance in Regulation 1 and 2 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

5 a In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 1 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.

b In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 2 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has a Bachelors degree and relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind that is equivalent to one year of postgraduate study.

Notes:

(i) This is a limited entry programme as per the Limitation of Entry Statute 1991 and selection criteria apply. Selection criteria are available from the Faculty of Science.

(ii) Equivalent qualifications may include the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) or Bachelor of Urban Planning.

Duration and Total Points Value

6 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 1 or 5a must:

a pass courses with a total value of 240 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 280 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

7 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 2 or 5b must:

a pass courses with a total value of 120 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 160 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

Structure and Content

8 A student enrolled for this degree must complete the requirements for one of the subjects as listed in the Master of Science Schedule.

9 A student must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

Research Component

10 a A dissertation, research portfolio or thesis when included in the programme is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the Academic Head.

b (i) The dissertation or thesis topic for the 120 point MSc must be approved by the relevant Programme Director prior to enrolment in the degree.

(ii) The dissertation or thesis topic for the 240 point MSc must be approved by the relevant Programme Director prior to enrolment in the thesis or dissertation.

c A student who has to complete 240 points for this degree and whose programme includes a thesis, research portfolio or dissertation needs, before enrolment for the thesis, research portfolio or dissertation, to obtain a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 90 points selected from the first 120 points passed in the taught component of the degree. If this is not achieved, the courses passed will be reassigned to the Postgraduate Diploma in Science for all specialisations except Forensic Science, for which courses passed will be reassigned to the Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Science.

d A student who has passed at least 105 points but fewer than 120 points of a 240 point degree and obtained a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 90 points may, with the approval of the relevant Head of Department, Director of School or equivalent, enrol in the thesis, research portfolio or dissertation, but must have completed 120 points for the taught component of the degree within 12 months of initial enrolment in the thesis, research portfolio or dissertation. If this is not achieved the courses passed will be reassigned to the Postgraduate Diploma in Science for all specialisations except Forensic Science, for which courses passed will be reassigned to the Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Science.

e The dissertation or research portfolio or thesis is to be completed and submitted in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Credit, Cross-credit and Reassignment

11 A student who does not meet the requirements of this degree may apply to reassign courses passed for the Master of Science to the Postgraduate Diploma in Science for all subjects except Forensic Science, for which courses passed will be reassigned to the Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Science.

Distinction

12 This degree may be awarded with either Honours, Distinction, or Merit in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Variations

13 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

Regulation Commencement or Amendment

14 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2025.

Schedule

Programme Schedules

Complete 120 to 240 points comprising:

  • Either:
  • 1 item from 120 points Requirements, or
  • 1 item from 240 points Requirements, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

120 points Requirements

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

240 points Requirements

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

Graduate Profile

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Programme Capabilities

#Programme Capability

Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map