Master of Science
MSc
Duration
1–2 years full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Download Brochure
Duration
1–2 years full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Download Brochure
Overview
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:
- 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.
See more information on how to enrol into the Master of Science.
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.
One or more courses or research may require vaccination
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.
How to apply
See more information on how to enrol into the Master of Science.
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 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.
Find more information on how to enrol into the Master of Science.
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 30 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.
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:
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.
- 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 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) |
| 2021 | 120 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $7,618 - $8,867 |
| 2021 | 120 | Philosophy (Band 1) | $7,618 |
| 2021 | 120 | Economics; Finance (Band 2) | $7,938 |
| 2021 | 120 | Applied Psychology; Computational and Applied Mathematics; Computer Science; Geography; Psychology (Band 3) | $8,264 |
| 2021 | 120 | Antarctic Studies; Astronomy; Biochemistry; Biology; Biotechnology; Chemistry; Engineering Geology; Geology; Physics (Band 4) | $8,525 |
| 2021 | 120 | Child and Family Psychology; Speech and Language Sciences (Band 7) | $8,867 |
| 2021 | 120 | Ecology (Band 8) | $8,635 |
| 2021 | 120 | Mathematics; Statistics (Band 9) | $7,996 |
| 2022 | 120 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $7,748 - $9,062 |
| 2022 | 120 | Philosophy (Band 1) | $7,748 |
| 2022 | 120 | Economics; Finance (Band 2) | $8,073 |
| 2022 | 120 | Applied Psychology; Computational and Applied Mathematics; Computer Science; Geography; Psychology (Band 3) | $8,404 |
| 2022 | 120 | Antarctic Studies; Astronomy; Biochemistry; Biology; Biotechnology; Chemistry; Engineering Geology; Geology; Physics (Band 4) | $8,670 |
| 2022 | 120 | Child and Family Psychology; Speech and Language Sciences (Band 7) | $9,018 |
| 2022 | 120 | Ecology (Band 8) | $8,782 |
| 2022 | 120 | Mathematics; Statistics (Band 9) | $8,132 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) | Fees (NZD) Excl GST |
| 2021 | 240 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $79,000 | $68,696 |
| 2021 | 120 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $39,500 | $34,348 |
| 2022 | 240 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $80,000 | $69,565 |
| 2022 | 120 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $40,000 | $34,783 |
Contact us
For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Science.
Te Kaupeka Pūtaiao | Faculty of Science
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
Phone +64 3 369 4141
Email science@canterbury.ac.nz