Skip to Main Content

Contents

Quick Facts

Programme Tabs

Overview

Programme Overview

This programme will develop the expertise of high-achieving science graduates and graduates of some clinical programmes (e.g. MBChB). Students will apply in-depth biological and biomedical knowledge to the improvement of human health through the development of novel approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Students will design and conduct biomedical research and/or translational research designed to improve clinical practice. A written thesis setting out your findings will also be required.

As well as the opportunity to undertake research in the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, you may also undertake this programme at the University’s Liggins Institute.

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

Biomedical science has made transformative contributions over the past decade, stimulating growth in a wide range of industries including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, veterinary science and medical research. There are a variety of opportunities in universities, research institutes and private sector pharmaceutical/biotechnology industries (particularly in the United States and Europe) for those with postgraduate training in this field. We advise that the University of Auckland is not involved in the employment of graduates and can make no guarantee of post-qualification registration or employment in New Zealand or any other country.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Research scientist


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.

We advise that the University of Auckland is not involved in the employment of graduates and can make no guarantee of post-qualification registration or employment in New Zealand or any other country.

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.                                                                                                         

Research (120 point)  - 5.0 Grade Point Average    

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biomedical Science or a Postgraduate Diploma in Biomedical Science

Research (240 point)   - 5.0 Grade Point Average   

 Bachelor of Science with a major in Biomedical Science

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

Research (240 point)

  • completed a Bachelor of Science with a major in Biomedical Science from this University, and have a GPA of 5.0 in 60 points above stage II. 
  • completed a Bachelor of Science with a major in Biomedical Science from this University, and passed 60 points in a relevant postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma (or 60 points of relevant 700 level courses) with a GPA of 5.0, provided the certificate or diploma has not been awarded.

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 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.

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 specialisation in Biomedical Science, 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 specialisation in Biomedical Science

or

c (i) completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Science from this University with a specialisation in Biomedical Science, or have equivalent prior study

and

(ii) passed 60 points in a relevant postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma (or 60 points of relevant 700 level courses) with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, provided that the postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma has not been awarded.

2 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 120 points must have completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours) or the Postgraduate Diploma in Biomedical Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study.

3 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.

4 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.

Note: 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 Medical and Health Sciences.

Duration and Total Points Value

5 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 1 or 4a must:

a pass courses with a total point value of 240 points

and

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

and

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

6 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 2 or 4b must:

a pass the 120 point thesis

and

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

and

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

Structure and Content

7 A student enrolled for this degree must complete the requirements as listed in the Master of Biomedical Science Schedule.

8 A student who has to complete 240 points must achieve a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher across their best 120 points of courses before being allowed to enrol in MEDSCI 796.

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.

10 The programme for each student must be approved by the Programme Director prior to enrolment.

Research Component

11 a The thesis must be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the Programme Director.

b The thesis topic must be approved by the relevant Programme Director prior to enrolment.

c The thesis is to be completed and submitted in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Credit, Cross-credit and Reassignment

12 A student may apply to reassign courses passed for the Master of Biomedical Science to the Postgraduate Diploma in Biomedical Science.

Distinction

13 This degree may be awarded with Honours in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Variations

14 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

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

Schedule

Schedule Notes

The programme for each student must be approved by the Programme Director prior to enrolment.

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

#ThemeDescription
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Programme Capabilities

#Programme Capability
1.1
1.2
1.3
2.1
2.2
2.3
3.1
3.2
4.1
4.2
5.1
5.2
5.3
6.1
6.2
6.3
7.1
7.2
8.1
8.2

Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map

Programme Learning OutcomesPeople and PlaceSustainabilityKnowledge and PracticeCritical ThinkingSolution-SeekingCommunicationCollaborationEthics and Professionalism