Master of Science (Research)
The Master of Science (Research) is an internationally-recognised qualification, suitable for students who want a complete research experience, coupled with taught papers. The Area of Study will depend upon your major.
240 points, 1 - 1.5 years
Hamilton, Tauranga
Papers offered differ by location. Find a Paper for full location info.
Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)
Why study the Master of Science (Research)?
A core feature of the degree is the development of independent research skills, including the collection and analysis of data and critical review of the relevant literature.
The MSc(Research) normally takes one and half academic years of full-time study to complete, but you have the option to complete on a part-time basis. In the first semester, you will complete 60 points of taught papers with the remaining period spent doing a 120 point research thesis.
Study an MSc(Research) at Waikato University and you will enjoy more lab and field work, more one-on-one time with top academics and access to world-class research equipment. Our great industry contacts will also mean exciting collaborations with local, national and international companies and organisations.
Facilities
The University of Waikato’s School of Science is home to a suite of well-equipped, world-class laboratories. You will have the opportunity to use complex research equipment and facilities such as NMR spectroscopy, DNA sequencing and the University of Waikato Herbarium.
Study in Tauranga
Depending on the focus of your research, you could complete that 120-point portion of your MSc(Research) in Tauranga. Facilities there include the Coastal Marine Field Station.
The taught portion of the MSc(Research), which is worth 60 points, is based in Hamilton only.
Practical experience
You will spend more time putting theory into practice in the laboratories and out in the field. Smaller class sizes in taught papers mean more one-on-one time with renowned academics.
The University of Waikato also boasts excellent industry collaborations with organisations such as NIWA, AgResearch, Plant and Food Research and Landcare Research. These strong relationships generate numerous research projects for MSc(Research) students, who are able to work on real issues with a real client.
Career Opportunities
- Local and Regional Council
- Crown Research Institutes
- Energy Companies
- Environmental Agencies
- Government Departments
- Biomedical/Pharmaceutical Industries
- Private Research Companies
- Food and Dairy Industries
- Agriculture and Fisheries
240 points, 1 - 1.5 years
Hamilton, Tauranga
Papers offered differ by location. Find a Paper for full location info.
Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)
Degree information
Admission requires a relevant Bachelors level qualification or equivalent. Once you have applied to study with us you are welcome to speak with one of our senior academics who will help advise you on your studies based on your goals and previous experience. This will ensure you have all the support and advice you need to succeed in your studies.
Please refer to the regulations in the University of Waikato Calendar for official details of admission and degree requirements, available subjects, honours eligibility and more.
If you do not hold the appropriate qualifications required for direct entry, you may be eligible to apply for a pathway via a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma. Contact the School of Science or the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences for advice on the possibilities.
Estimated fees
$42,905 per year
International tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for international students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
International tuition costsScholarships
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Relevant as of 10 December 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.
Graduates of the Master of Science (Research) will have had the opportunity to develop the ability to:
communicate successfully about their field of science, using methods that may include: written reports, oral presentations, research projects, multimedia submissions;
demonstrate a high standard of academic integrity and ethical awareness;
work both independently and as effective team members;
be intellectually flexible and adaptable;
demonstrate advanced analytical thinking skills and the skills needed for self-directed learning, including the ability to acquire, understand and assess information from a range of sources;
present complex theoretical and practical ideas in a clear, concise and structured manner;
show evidence of advanced knowledge about a specialist field of enquiry or professional practice;
demonstrate mastery of theoretically sophisticated subject matter;
evaluate critically the findings and discussions in the literature;
research, analyse and argue from evidence, and engage in rigorous intellectual analysis, criticism and problem-solving;
design a well-structured, relevant and integrated plan of research;
carry out such research using appropriate methods of investigation and analysis;
analyse, argue and reach conclusions which are informed by independent enquiry and other available information;
demonstrate a high order of skill in the planning, execution and completion of a piece of original research.
What our students are saying
I talked and rubbed shoulders with some of the leading experts in the marine environment and heard their perspectives on future challenges for New Zealand.Caleb CrosbieMaster of Science (Research)
