Why Study / Key Benefits

The Master of Science (Research) at Lincoln University is designed for students who want advanced scientific knowledge and research training in specialist areas of science. The programme allows students to deepen their understanding, develop new perspectives and undertake substantial research. Lincoln currently lists Conservation and Ecology, Biochemistry and Environmental Science as the named specialisations, while also allowing an individually designed focus or an MSc without a named specialisation.

Key benefits for international students include:

• Advanced postgraduate research training in science.
• The opportunity to undertake a substantial research thesis.
• Access to specialist scientific disciplines and research supervision.
• Flexibility to follow a named specialisation or develop an approved individual focus.
• Preparation for research, scientific, environmental and technical careers.
• A potential pathway towards further doctoral research.
• Study at Lincoln University's specialist land-based campus in Canterbury.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The standard 240-credit route consists of:

• 120 credits of approved Master's-level taught courses.
• 120-credit research thesis.

The first year provides preliminary research preparation, followed by the substantial thesis component.

For the named specialisations, students normally select at least 80 credits from the courses specified for that specialisation. The remaining 40 taught credits can be selected from the wider Master's course schedule, subject to approval.

Examples of courses listed in Lincoln's regulations include:

Biochemistry:

• General Biochemistry.
• Animal Biochemistry.
• Protein Biochemistry.
• Plant Cell Physiology.
• Plant Biochemistry.
• Bioinformatics.
• Food and Nutritional Biochemistry.

Conservation and Ecology:

• Research Methods in Ecology.
• Conservation Biology.
• Wildlife Management.
• Advanced Ecology.
• Animal Behaviour.

Environmental Science:

• Research Methods in Ecology.
• Wildlife Management.
• Advanced Ecology.
• Advanced Climate Change and Land Use.
• Advanced Microbiology.
• Soil Resources.
• Soil Chemistry.
• Soil Physics.
• Soil Fertility & Management.
• Special Topics.

Disciplines / Specialisations

Lincoln currently identifies three named MSc specialisations:

1. Biochemistry
2. Conservation and Ecology
3. Environmental Science

Students can alternatively:

• Develop a personal research focus through an approved selection of courses.
• Complete the MSc without one of the named specialisations.
• Apply for approval of another specialisation where appropriate.

Programme Highlights

• Research Master's qualification.
• Level 9 postgraduate study.
• 240 credits for the standard thesis-and-examination route.
• 120 credits for the thesis-only route.
• Standard duration of 2 years full-time for the 240-credit route.
• 120-credit research thesis.
• Three named areas: Biochemistry, Conservation and Ecology, and Environmental Science.
• Possibility of an individually designed scientific focus.
• Research supervision at Lincoln University.
• Additional thesis-only start dates may be possible subject to supervisor availability.

Career Outcomes

The programme is primarily designed to develop advanced scientific knowledge and research capability rather than train students for one single occupation.

Potential career directions can include:

• Scientific research.
• Environmental science.
• Conservation and ecology.
• Biochemistry.
• Laboratory and analytical science.
• Environmental monitoring.
• Research organisations.
• Government and environmental agencies.
• Scientific consultancy.
• University and research-sector careers.
• Further doctoral study.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current Lincoln programme page lists the following upcoming starts:

• 22 February 2027.
• 19 July 2027.

Important programme-specific requirements include:

• Relevant academic background.
• B average or better in the specified 300-level and final-year courses for the 240-credit route.
• Relevant postgraduate Honours qualification with Second Class Honours, Division One equivalent or higher for the thesis-only route.
• English-language requirements where applicable.
• Academic Board approval of the proposed programme of study.
• Appropriate research supervision.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students must hold a valid visa permitting study in New Zealand at Lincoln University.

Lincoln states that new international students generally need:

• Offer of Place from Lincoln University.
• Evidence that tuition fees have been paid, normally a fee receipt.
• Passport.
• Digital photograph.
• Proof of NZ$20,000 per year for living expenses.
• Evidence of funds for travel to the student's home country at the end of study, or an air ticket.
• Visa application fee.

Immigration New Zealand may additionally request:

• Medical certificates or chest X-rays.
• Police Certificate.
• Additional information for applicants under 18.