Master of Science

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.

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 90 points in taught papers and a 90-point thesis (research project). This balance of theses to taught papers may be changed subject to permission from the graduate coordinator in your chosen discipline.

Study an 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.

Subjects

Students enrolling in an MSc via the Faculty of Science & Engineering can study Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Electronics, Engineering, Materials and Processing, Physics, Psychology, and Science and Technology Education.

Students majoring in Computer Science, Mathematics or Statistics will enrol through the Faculty of Computing & Mathematical Sciences.

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).

The computing facilities at the University of Waikato are among the best in New Zealand, ranging from phones and tablets for mobile application development to cluster computers for massively parallel processing. Students majoring in Computer Science, Mathematics or Statistics will have 24-hour access to computer labs equipped with all the latest computer software.

Build a successful career

Depending on the major completed and your particular interests, graduates of this degree may find employment in a range of science-related industries.

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

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.

Admission and enrolment

Admission requires a relevant Bachelors level qualification or equivalent. Once you have applied to study with us you will have the opportunity to speak with one of our senior academics who will help you plan 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 relevant regulations at 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 Faculty for advice on the possibilities.