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 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.
Students 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.
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.
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. 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, Applied Psychology (applications due 30 November), and Speech and Language Sciences. Students 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 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)
- Finance
- Geography
- Geology
- Mathematics
- Medical Physics
- Medical Physics (Clinical)
- Microbiology
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Plant Biology (not open to new enrolments)
- Psychology
- Speech and Language Sciences
- Statistics
- Zoology (not open to new enrolments)
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) |
| 2019 2020 | Varies | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $7,387 - $8,599 per 120 points $7,387 - $8,771 |
| 2019 2020 | Varies | Philosophy (Band 1) | $7,387 per 120 points $7,535 per 120 points |
| 2019 2020 | Varies | Economics; Finance (Band 2) | $7,698 per 120 points $7,852 per 120 points |
| 2019 2020 | Varies | Applied Psychology; Computational and Applied Mathematics; Computer Science; Geography; Psychology (Band 3) | $8,014 per 120 points $8,174 per 120 points |
| 2019 2020 | Varies | Antarctic Studies; Astronomy; Biochemistry; Biology; Biotechnology; Chemistry; Engineering Geology; Geology; Physics (Band 4) | $8,267 per 120 points $8,432 per 120 points |
| 2019 2020 | Varies | Child and Family Psychology; Speech and Language Sciences (Band 7) | $8,599 per 120 points $8,771 per 120 points |
| 2019 2020 | Varies | Ecology (Band 8) | $8,374 per 120 points $8,541 |
| 2019 2020 | Varies | Mathematics; Statistics (Band 9) | $7,754 per 120 points $7,909 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2019 | Varies | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $36,600 per 120 points |
| 2020 | Varies | Special (Set) Programme Feev | $38,400 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