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Massey University

Palmerston North, North Island, New Zealand, New Zealand

Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology (Biological Sciences)

A postgraduate diploma is the stepping stone to a research-based degree such as a master’s.

Massey University’s Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology (Biological Sciences) gives you the opportunity to join the pathway to in-depth research at a master's level. The programme consists of 90 credits of taught programmes and 30 credits of research.

World-class facilities
Our world-class facilities include:

  • the Manawatu Microscopy and Imaging Centre
  • the Massey Genome Service (part of New Zealand Genomics Limited)
  • controlled environment plant growth facilities
  • unique and extensive university orchards
  • state-of-the-art plant physiology and biology equipment. 

Massey has a dedicated tissue culture facility, real-time PCR instruments, specialised fluorescence microscopes and plate readers. It also has a microscopy centre offering confocal and scanning, transmission and epifluorescence microscopy services.

Genome sequencing services are also readily accessible with both the Massey Sequencing Service and a New Zealand Genome Limited laboratory. They are on the university’s Manawat? campus. This service centre is equipped with ABI3730 and Illumina MiSeq instruments and associated expertise. We also have a full suite of protein purification, separation and analysis equipment including DIGE imaging, and access to mass spectrometers.

Campus Information

Auckland campus

Massey University’s innovative Auckland / Oteha campus is located on the North Shore of New Zealand’s largest city – Auckland. The campus grounds are peaceful with many native trees and plants, yet it’s only a five minute walk to the expansive Westfield shopping centre with its movie theatres, shops, restaurants and numerous fast food outlets. If you want to travel further, there are buses running regular routes around the North Shore region and into Auckland city.

Manawatu campus (Palmerston North)

The Manawatu campus is Massey's original campus. With lovely heritage buildings and park-like grounds located near Palmerston North city, it is one of the best places in the country to experience the real student lifestyle. With a huge portion of the population under 25 it is the perfect place for learning and living. The large campus is beautiful year-round with 11,500 different varieties of plants and trees in the form of manicured gardens, green fields, woodlands and bush.

Intakes

  • Feb
  • July

Application Processing Time in Days: 30

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

Sought-after by employers
International trends are for employers to reward postgraduate study well, especially in larger enterprises. The skills you learn are increasingly recognised as setting you apart from other potential employees.

Earn more
A 2017 Ministry of Education publication, The post-study earnings and destinations of young domestic graduates, found that, in New Zealand, earnings and employment rates increase with the level of qualification completed.

PSW Opportunity

Level 7 (Bachelor’s degree)

  • Duration: Equal to length of study (typically up to 3 years)
  • Requirement: minimum 30 weeks full time study in NZ

Level 7 (Graduate Diploma)
Eligible for PSWV
Conditions:

  • Must also hold a Bachelor’s degree (NZ or overseas)
  • Duration: Up to length of study (typically 1 year)

Level 8 (Postgraduate Diploma)

  • Duration: Equal to length of study, OR
  • Up to 3 years in some cases (if part of higher qualification pathway)

Level 9 and 10 (Master’s degree and Doctoral degree)

  • Duration: 3 years
  • Condition: Must study at least 30 weeks in New Zealand

- Most eligible international students can work up to 25 hours per week during study and full-time during scheduled breaks, only if their student visa includes work rights.

- Foundation, pathway and short courses have different rules.

- Not allowed for part time students.

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

Postgraduate academic entrance requirements

Masters, postgraduate diplomas and postgraduate certificates An appropriate undergraduate degree from a recognised tertiary institution is required

  • IELTS- 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
  • TOEFL iBT- 90 overall (min 20 in Writing)
  • PTE Academic- 58 Overall (min 50 in communicative skills)