Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology (Microbiology)
Massey University’s Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology (Microbiology) 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.
The programme gives you the opportunity to show your analytical thinking and high-level research capability.
An essential science
Microbiology is an essential science that helps us understand the microbes in the environment, including those that dwell in the soil, air and water, in our food and inside people, animals and plants. Understanding microbiology improves safety and success of food and beverage production and fermentation.
Microbiology helps prevent infectious diseases through development of novel antibiotics and vaccines. It also looks at the use of ‘good’ microbes in prebiotics or probiotics, or microbial community transplantation between patients. Comparing diversity and composition of gut microbial community between people may help understand and treat diseases that are typically not considered related to microbes, such as:
- inflammation
- allergy
- neurological disorders
- diabetes
- cancer.
Environmental applications of microbiology is reflected in alternative ways to produce fuel, or by increased ability to mitigate the greenhouse gas emission by microbes in the cattle rumen.
Campus Information
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
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
If you are interested in pursuing research, microbiology is a key discipline of biological sciences. Microbiology research skills are particularly suited for work in the research or teaching institutions. That may be in the fields of biomedicine, bioprotection, biotechnology, epidemiology, veterinary or plant pathology.
There are also roles in the legal or business sectors, for instance assisting with the commercialisation of science, drafting of patents and technology transfer agreements.
Dairy, food, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries are key employers. There are also numerous other opportunities in cosmetics, breweries, food and oil industries, horticulture, and agriculture. Government and private sectors provide opportunities for bioprotection, regulatory, sample testing or diagnostic laboratory positions.
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)
- Course Type: Full Time
- Course Level: Post Graduate Diploma or Certificate
- Duration: 01 Year
-
Total Tuition Fee:
37210 NZD
Average Cost of Living: 20000 NZD /year
Application Fee: N/A
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