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Contents

Quick Facts

Programme Tabs

Overview

Programme Overview

Postgraduate research options reflect our strengths in cancer biology and therapeutics; cardiovascular biology; cellular and molecular biomedicine; genetics and development; microbiology and immunology; neurobiology; nutrition; and reproduction, growth and metabolism.

Courses and research projects are offered at both the Grafton (Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences) and City (Faculty of Science) campuses.

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

Graduates will find there are various opportunities in universities, research institutes and pharmaceutical/biotechnology industries. Private sector employment in the latter fields is particularly strong in the United States and Europe. Significant growth in this area is anticipated in New Zealand. 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.

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.                                                                                                           

Taught (120 point) - 3.0 Grade Point Average 

You must have completed the requirements for a Bachelors degree deemed relevant by the Programme Director with a Grade Point Average of 3.0.

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)    

Further Programme Entry Requirements

English language requirements

If you are an international applicant whose first language is not English you will need to provide evidence of your English proficiency.

You will require an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 with no bands less than 6.0. See alternative English language requirements.

Postgraduate Requirements

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

Other Pathways to Study

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

Other Important Dates

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

Regulations

Preamble

The regulations for this postgraduate diploma 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 postgraduate diploma, an applicant must:

a have completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 3.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

b have completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 3.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II.

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

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

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

4 A student enrolled for this postgraduate diploma must:

a pass courses with a total value of 120 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Postgraduate Diplomas.

5 The total enrolment for this postgraduate diploma must not exceed 160 points.

Structure and Content

6 A student enrolled for this postgraduate diploma is required to complete 120 points from courses listed in the Master of Biomedical Science Schedule, excluding MEDSCI 796.

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

8 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.

Distinction

9 This postgraduate diploma may be awarded with Distinction or Merit as specified in the General Regulations – Postgraduate Diplomas.

Variations

10 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

11 These regulations have been amended with effect from 1 January 2026.

Schedule

Schedule Notes

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

Programme Schedules

Complete 120 points comprising:

  • 120 points from Master of Biomedical Science Schedule Courses, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

Master of Biomedical Science Schedule Courses

Complete exactly 120 points from the following:

No credit will be given for MEDSCI 796A, or MEDSCI 796B.

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