Overview

Master of Science

Introduction

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.

Master of Science

Entry requirements

You must have completed one of the following:

Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science with Honours
Bachelor of Speech and Language Pathology with Honours
Postgraduate Diploma in Science
Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering Geology
or any bachelor's degree and a qualifying programme.

One or more courses in this degree may also require vaccinations. Check each course page for more details.

If English is not your first language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements. If you need help meeting these requirements, or would like to practise your English skills before studying, UC offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) language programmes.

For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Science or use the admission requirements checker.

Notes:

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 Biotechnology major, you can have instead completed the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours.
The Child and Family Psychology major has other requirements – see the website for more information on the application process required to enrol into this major programme.
For the Water Science and Management major, you can register your interest to enrol by contacting waterways@canterbury.ac.nz
For the Industrial and Organisational Psychology major, you will need to meet specific English language requirements - an IELTS (Academic) average of at least 7.0, with no score lower than 6.5.

How to apply

See more information on how to enrol into the Master of Science.

See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.

Master of Science

How do I plan my degree?

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.

Part I and Part II must be completed in 2 years full-time; up to 4 years part-time.
Part I must be completed full-time in 1 year.
Part II is completed full-time in 1–2 years or, with permission, part-time in up to 4 years.

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 you 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.

Master of Science

Subjects and courses

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:

Domestic students

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)

International students

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)
2026 tuition fee estimate: $90,600 (240 points) ($45,300 per 120 points)

Master of Science

Further study

You may go onto Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) studies in your subject after completion of this degree.

Master of Science

Career opportunities

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.

Useful information:

Read what other UC postgraduate students have gone on to achieve in their studies and careers in our student stories.
Te Rōpū Rapuara | UC Careers can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers, or find a job.
For research into career destinations by qualification, visit Te Pōkai Tara | Universities New Zealand website.
Find out more about what can you do with a degree from UC.
Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.