Why Study / Key Benefits

The Master of Horticultural Science at Lincoln University is a research-focused master's degree designed to develop advanced scientific knowledge and research capability relevant to the horticultural industry. The programme combines advanced coursework with a substantial research thesis and allows students to build expertise in areas such as plant science, plant protection, viticulture and oenology, and soil science.

Key benefits for international students include:

• Advanced scientific training relevant to horticulture and plant-based industries.
• A substantial research component providing experience in designing, conducting and reporting research.
• Opportunity to develop a study programme around a chosen horticultural speciality in consultation with a research supervisor.
• Access to Lincoln University's specialist land-based research environment.
• Exposure to disciplines spanning plant science, plant protection, viticulture and oenology and soil science.
• Preparation for professional, research and technical roles within horticulture and related primary industries.
• Potential progression to doctoral-level research.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The standard programme requires 240 credits, normally consisting of 120 credits of taught courses and a 120-credit research thesis. The first year provides preliminary research preparation, while the second year focuses on conducting the research, experiments and thesis writing.

Students meet with their research supervisor to agree the courses required for their selected speciality.

The university indicates that the first year will typically consist of six courses selected from disciplines such as:

• Plant Science.
• Viticulture and Oenology.
• Plant Protection.
• Soil Science.

Depending on the approved study plan, research topics may involve areas such as:

• Horticultural crop science.
• Plant growth and development.
• Plant protection and pathology.
• Crop production.
• Soil and plant interactions.
• Viticulture.
• Oenology.
• Horticultural sustainability.
• Plant health.
• Horticultural production systems.
• Research methodology and experimental design.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The programme specifically identifies the following areas:

• Plant Science.
• Plant Protection.
• Viticulture and Oenology.
• Soil Science. 

Programme Highlights

• Level 9 master's qualification.
• Research Master's and Taught and Research Master's pathways.
• Standard duration of 2 years full-time.
• Standard programme size of 240 credits.
• 120 credits of taught study plus a 120-credit thesis.
• Minimum 120-credit thesis-only pathway for appropriately qualified applicants.
• Lincoln University Campus.
• February and July semester starts.
• Latest published starts: 22 February 2027 and 19 July 2027.
• Research focus on horticultural science.
• Speciality areas including Plant Science, Plant Protection, Viticulture and Oenology, and Soil Science.
• Supervisor-supported selection of courses and research topic.
• Access to Lincoln's specialist land-based university environment. 

Career Outcomes

The programme prepares graduates for advanced scientific, technical, research and management opportunities in horticulture and associated primary industries.

Potential career areas include:

• Horticultural research.
• Plant science.
• Plant protection and plant health.
• Horticultural production.
• Crop science.
• Viticulture.
• Oenology.
• Soil and plant science.
• Horticultural consultancy.
• Agricultural and horticultural companies.
• Government and regulatory organisations.
• Research institutes.
• Technical advisory roles.
• Horticultural industry development.
• Further doctoral research and academic careers.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The latest programme information currently confirms:

• Semester 1 2027 start: 22 February 2027.
• Semester 2 2027 start: 19 July 2027.
• Duration: 2 years full-time.
• Credits: 240.
• Location: Lincoln University Campus.
• 2026 international fee estimate: NZ$37,000 per 120 credits.

Important special requirements include:

• Relevant previous academic qualification.
• Required academic performance.
• Academic Board approval.
• Approval of the student's course of study.
• Approval of the thesis subject.
• Appropriate research supervision.
• For thesis-only entry, an appropriate postgraduate honours qualification at the specified level.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students need an appropriate New Zealand student visa to study at Lincoln University.

Lincoln's visa information requires students to provide documentation such as:

• Offer of Place from Lincoln University.
• Evidence of tuition-fee payment.
• Passport and photograph.
• Evidence of funds for living expenses.
• Evidence of funds for onward/travel arrangements.
• Visa application information and fees.
• Medical or chest X-ray evidence where required.
• Police certificates where required.