Master of Science
MSc
Duration
1–2 years full-time
Entry times
February or July (Semester 1 or 2)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Download Brochure
Duration
1–2 years full-time
Entry times
February or July (Semester 1 or 2)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Download Brochure
Overview
The Master of Science usually consists of two parts: coursework and a thesis, allowing for students to investigate areas of interest to them 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 students should consider studying a postgraduate science programme at UC, see the Postgraduate Prospectus.
The MSc may be awarded with Distinction, Merit, or Honours.
Normally the minimum requirement is a three-year bachelor’s degree from an Aotearoa New Zealand university, or a qualification or combination of qualifications considered to be equivalent. If you gained your qualifications overseas, these will need to be assessed to make sure they are of an equivalent standard.
You are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
Specific entry requirements
Candidates 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.
* 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.
The Child and Family Psychology subject has other requirements – see the School of Health Sciences | Te Kura Mātai Hauora for more information.
For the full entry requirements see the Regulations for the Master of Science or use the admission requirements checker.
How to apply
See the College of Science | Te Rāngai Pūtaiao website for an application form and more information on the enrolment process.
Find out more about how to apply for graduate and postgraduate qualifications.
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 the student can proceed 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 the Academic Dean of Science's permission, part-time in up to 4 years.
For most Science departments, Part I has a February and a July start date. Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, and Chemistry have a February-only start date. Students should contact the Postgraduate Coordinator if they would like to start at another time.
For Part II, most MSc subjects can be started at the beginning of any month.
See the Schedule for the Master of Science for course options and requirements for each subject.
Contact the College of Science | Te Rāngai Pūtaiao for information about these subject areas:
- Antarctic Studies
- Applied Psychology
- Astronomy
- Biochemistry
- Biological Sciences
- Biotechnology
- Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Chemistry
- Child and Family Psychology
- Computational and Applied Mathematical Sciences
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Disaster Risk and Resilience
- Ecology
- Economics
- Engineering Geology
- Environmental Science
- Evolutionary Biology (not open to new enrolments in 2019)
- Finance
- Geography
- Geology
- Mathematics
- Medical Physics
- Medical Physics (Clinical)
- Microbiology
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Plant Biology (not open to new enrolments in 2019)
- Psychology
- Speech and Language Sciences
- Statistics
- Zoology (not open to new enrolments in 2019)
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 and graduate profiles.
- Our Careers, Internships & Employment team can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers or find a job.
- For research into career destinations by qualification, visit the Universities New Zealand website.
- Find out more about what you can do with a degree from UC.
- Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.
See Tuition Fee Structure for more information
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2019 | Varies | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $7,387 - $8,599 per 120 points |
| 2019 | Varies | Philosophy (Band 1) | $7,387 per 120 points |
| 2019 | Varies | Economics; Finance (Band 2) | $7,698 per 120 points |
| 2019 | Varies | Applied Psychology; Computational and Applied Mathematics; Computer Science; Geography; Psychology (Band 3) | $8,014 per 120 points |
| 2019 | Varies | Antarctic Studies; Astronomy; Biochemistry; Biology; Biotechnology; Chemistry; Engineering Geology; Geology; Physics (Band 4) | $8,267 per 120 points |
| 2019 | Varies | Child and Family Psychology; Speech and Language Sciences (Band 7) | $8,599 per 120 points |
| 2019 | Varies | Ecology (Band 8) | $8,374 per 120 points |
| 2019 | Varies | Mathematics; Statistics (Band 9) | $7,754 per 120 points |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2019 | Varies | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $36,600 per 120 points |
Contact us
For full requirements see the Regulations for the Master of Science.
For study planning help contact the College of Science:
College of Science | Te Rāngai Pūtaiao
University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
Phone +64 3 369 4141
Email collegeofscience@canterbury.ac.nz