Master of Science
- Degree Structure - Start In
- Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
UC's Master of Science (MSc) usually consists of coursework and a thesis. It enables you to investigate areas of interest and do independent, original research. Learn more about studying an MSc through our Te Kaupeka Pūtaiao | Faculty of Science.
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The Master of Science usually consists of two parts: coursework and a thesis, allowing you to investigate areas of interest and conduct independent and original research. Over 30 subjects are available, and some can only be studied at postgraduate level, which can allow for specialisation in academic and career pathways.
For more information about why you should consider studying a postgraduate science programme at UC, see the Postgraduate Prospectus.
The MSc may be awarded with Distinction, Merit, or Honours.
You must have completed one of the following:
If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
Students who have qualified for a Bachelor of Science with Honours or Postgraduate Diploma in Science can complete the MSc by Part II only (thesis-only) in their subject.
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Science or use the admission requirements checker.
The government has announced new vaccination requirements for the health and education sectors. At UC, our programmes are strongly connected to our communities of practice. For many of our programmes, you will not be able to complete research or practice-oriented courses if you are not vaccinated. This is due to research/practice taking place in health centres and schools/kura where all employees and volunteers are required to be vaccinated.
For enrolment in the Child and Family Psychology major, you will be required to be vaccinated in line with the NZ Government regulations, and supply evidence of your vaccination status.
See more information on how to enrol into the Master of Science.
See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.
Part I of the MSc consists of coursework, while Part II consists of a thesis or dissertation. Coursework must be satisfactorily completed in Part I before proceeding to Part II. The requirements vary depending on your choice of subject, as some subjects require only Part II.
For most Science departments, Part I has a February and a July start date. For Part II, most MSc subjects can be started at the beginning of any month.
Select subjects have a February-only start date – Biochemistry, Chemistry, Industrial and Organisational Psychology (applications due 1 November), and Speech and Language Sciences. You should contact the Postgraduate Coordinator if they would like to start at another time.
The Child and Family Psychology major has an application due beginning of October, and it is highly recommended to start in February. July start dates will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Science.
Part I (coursework)
2024 tuition fee estimate: $9,157 (120 points)
2025 tuition fee estimate: $9,706 (120 points)
Part II (thesis/dissertation)
2024 tuition fee estimate: $8,632 (120 points)
2025 tuition fee estimate: $9,150 (120 points)
2024 tuition fee estimate: $84,400 (240 points) ($42,200 per 120 points)
2025 tuition fee estimate: $87,600 (240 points) ($43,800 per 120 points)
See the Schedule for the Master of Science for course options and requirements for each subject.
Contact Te Kaupeka Pūtaiao | Faculty of Science for information about these subject areas:
You may go onto Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) studies in your subject after completion of this degree.
Postgraduate study can bring many career benefits eg, specialist skills and enhanced knowledge, entry into specific occupations, higher starting salary/progression rates, research capability/achievement, and evidence of high academic attainment/self-discipline.