Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Bachelor of Science (Plant Science) provides scientific knowledge of plant structure and function, plant growth, plant–environment interactions, and the application of plant science in natural and managed ecosystems.
• Massey states that it has more than 50 years of experience in plant-based sciences and the largest number of plant scientists of any New Zealand university.
• The programme connects fundamental plant biology with applied areas such as agriculture, horticulture, plant breeding, conservation and crop research.
• The degree is suitable for students interested in careers ranging from pure research to applied plant science and in global issues such as climate change and sustainability.
• The first year gives broad scientific preparation and allows students to change to another BSc major at the end of first year, provided their course choices meet the requirements.
• Massey describes Plant Science as covering the full spectrum of plant science, from molecular biology and evolution through to agriculture and horticulture.
• Students can continue into postgraduate study after completing the BSc, providing opportunities for more specialised study and independent research.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The BSc is designed around a combination of core science courses, Plant Science major courses and electives. The first year provides broad scientific preparation, followed by more specialised Plant Science study in Years 2 and 3.

Typical first-year Plant Science preparation includes:

• 120101 Plant Biology
• 162101 Cell Biology
• 247113 Science and Sustainability for Science
• 161111 Applied Statistics or 161122 Statistics
• One of 124103 Biophysical Principles, 160101 Calculus, 160102 Algebra, 160104 Introductory Mathematics for Science or 160105 Methods of Mathematics
• One of 123103 Chemistry for Modern Sciences or 123104 Chemistry for Biological Systems
• Two 100-level elective courses.

Plant Science major courses at 200 level include:

• 120217 Plants in the Environment
• 203210 Genetics and Evolution
• 196205 Ecology and Conservation
• 120219 Plants and People.

The 300-level major includes:

• 120303 Plant Diversity
• 196319 Terrestrial Ecology
• 120306 Plant Improvement
• 284342 Horticultural Productivity and Quality.

Disciplines / Specialisations

• The programme is a Bachelor of Science with Plant Science as the major.
• Plant Science is one of the recognised BSc majors at Massey.
• Students must complete 120 credits in their major, comprising 60 credits at 200 level and 60 credits at 300 level.
• A double major may be possible under the BSc regulations if the requirements of both majors are met and no course is credited to both majors.
• A minor is optional. Massey identifies Ecology and Molecular Cell Biology as particularly compatible minors for Plant Science.
• Other BSc majors include Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Science, Ecology and Conservation, Environmental Science, Mathematics, Microbiology, Molecular Cell Biology, Psychology, Statistics and Zoology, among others.

Programme Highlights

• Plant Science is taught at Massey's Manawat? campus in Palmerston North.
• Massey states that its plant science capability has more than 50 years of experience.
• The university describes itself as having the largest number of plant scientists among New Zealand universities.
• The curriculum combines fundamental biological science with applied agriculture, horticulture, ecology and plant improvement.
• The programme includes laboratory and field-based learning. For example, the Ecology and Conservation course includes field trips and laboratory work, with one compulsory weekend field trip.
• Massey identifies itself as New Zealand's No. 1 university in Agriculture according to QS and as No. 1 in New Zealand for Agricultural Science according to ShanghaiRanking; these are university/subject-area rankings rather than a ranking of the individual Plant Science degree.
• Massey is also listed by QS among the world's top 400 universities for Biological Sciences.

Career Outcomes

Massey states that there is steady demand for plant scientists in New Zealand and internationally. Potential employment areas include:

• Agriculture
• Horticulture
• Grassland science
• Forestry
• Plant breeding
• Plant protection
• Crop research
• Plant conservation
• Re-vegetation
• Science management
• Science policy.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Current qualification level remains NZQF Level 7.
• Current standard duration remains 3 years full-time and 360 credits.
• Current Plant Science delivery location is Manawat campus.
• Current programme information continues to list February and July starts for international students.
• The 2027 International Prospectus is now available from Massey, but the current Plant Science programme page has not published a separate 2027 tuition figure in the information retrieved.
• The current 2026 international tuition estimate is therefore the latest exact published programme fee available from the live programme page.
• Students without the expected Biology background can use 162103 Introductory Biology as a preparation pathway.
• Some Plant Science courses have prerequisites, so students need to plan courses carefully to ensure they can progress into 200- and 300-level study.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student physically studying this programme in New Zealand, the relevant visa is generally the New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa.

Immigration New Zealand currently states that applicants must:

• Have an offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Have sufficient funds to pay tuition fees or have an acceptable scholarship.
• Have sufficient funds for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor.
• Have acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Meet health and character requirements.
• Have a genuine reason for studying in New Zealand.
• Demonstrate that they can leave New Zealand at the end of their stay.

Current visa information:

• Visa cost: from NZD $850.
• Maximum duration: up to 4 years.
• Immigration New Zealand currently states that 80% of applications are processed within 8 weeks.
• Students are advised to apply at least 3 months before intended travel.

Financial requirements:

• For tertiary study of 1 year or more, students paying their own living expenses generally need to demonstrate NZD $20,000 per year.
• For study of less than 1 year, the requirement is NZD $1,667 per month.
• Tuition must generally be paid for one course or one year of study, whichever is shorter, unless an applicable alternative arrangement applies.

Work rights:

• A student visa may allow work of up to 25 hours per week during study and full-time work during scheduled holidays, depending on the conditions attached to the individual visa. Students should rely on their actual eVisa conditions rather than assuming work rights are automatic.

Insurance:

• International students must have acceptable medical and travel insurance for the period required by their student visa and education provider.