Why Study / Key Benefits

The Master of Science (Plant Breeding) is a specialist, research-focused qualification designed around modern plant breeding, quantitative genetics and molecular technologies. Massey states that this Plant Breeding major is unique in New Zealand.

Key benefits include:

• Advanced study in quantitative genetics and applied plant-breeding methods.
• Training in multisite experimental design, data analysis and interpretation.
• Application of new molecular-marker technologies to plant breeding.
• Exposure to related areas such as agronomy, plant protection and plant physiology.
• A multidisciplinary and team-based approach to plant breeding.
• Teaching by active researchers with expertise in quantitative genetics, molecular biology, applied plant breeding, taxonomy and plant physiology.
• Applied field programmes and opportunities to learn from practising scientists and field breeders.
• Access to extensive glasshouses and farms, molecular genetic laboratories, the Dame Ella Campbell Herbarium, Plant Growth Unit, Seed Testing Services, Massey Genome Service and the Manawat? Microscopy and Imaging Centre.
• Opportunities to interact with organisations involved in plant breeding research, including AgResearch Grasslands Research Centre, Plant & Food and SCION, which Massey says often co-supervise MSc and PhD students. 

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The Plant Breeding MSc is a parts-based qualification.

Part One

Students complete at least 15 credits from approved research-methods courses.

Available research-methods options include:

• 119728 Research Methods in Animal, Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences – 15 credits
  Topics include experimental research design, philosophy of science, research ethics, literature searching and reviewing, project development and management, scientific writing, oral presentations, statistics vocabulary, introductory quantitative data analysis and research-proposal development.
• 162760 Research Methods and Communication in the Biosciences – 30 credits
  Covers research methodology and communication in biosciences, including research proposals, literature reviews, scientific writing for journals and formal seminar presentations.

Plant Breeding courses

Students complete 60 credits from the specified Plant Breeding courses:

• 283707 Molecular Plant Breeding – 30 credits
  Covers molecular breeding and breeding for tolerance to abiotic stress, including mapping, molecular markers and QTL, transgenics, metabolomics, polyploidy, cytogenetics, tissue culture, intellectual property and ethics. A block course provides exposure to how these techniques are applied in industry plant-breeding programmes.
• 283708 Quantitative Plant Breeding – 30 credits
  Covers objective setting, plant genetic resources, base-population development, quantitative genetic variation, selection efficiency, selection for multiple traits, genotype × environment interactions, line development, backcross breeding, recurrent selection and variety development. Two block courses provide opportunities to visit plant breeders and support professional networking.

Disciplines / Specialisations

Plant Breeding is a formal subject/specialisation within Massey's Master of Science.

The subject requires 180 credits and combines:

• Plant breeding
• Quantitative genetics
• Molecular plant breeding
• Plant genetic resources
• Molecular markers and QTL
• Multisite experimental design
• Data analysis
• Agronomy
• Plant physiology
• Plant protection
• Seed science and technology
• Plant research.

Programme Highlights

• Specialist Master of Science subject in Plant Breeding.
• NZQF Level 9.
• 180-credit programme.
• 1.5-year standard duration according to Massey's 2026 International Prospectus.
• February intake.
• Manawat? campus in Palmerston North.
• On-campus study for international students.
• Strong combination of coursework and research.
• 90-credit thesis/research component.
• Advanced quantitative and molecular plant-breeding training.
• Applied field and industry exposure.
• Access to specialist plant-science facilities.
• Connections with plant-breeding research organisations and industry.
• Opportunities for research supervision and progression to doctoral study.

Career Outcomes

Massey identifies several possible outcomes for graduates:

• Commercial applied plant breeder
• Research scientist
• Agricultural advisor
• Further study towards a PhD.

The programme can also support careers associated with:

• Seed companies
• Crop improvement
• Agricultural research
• Plant genetics
• Plant biotechnology
• Horticultural breeding
• Agricultural science
• Government and research organisations
• Plant-science consultancy.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The most important current considerations for applicants are:

• Plant Breeding is currently an active 180-credit MSc subject.
• The 2026 International Prospectus lists the Plant Breeding MSc as a February-start, 1.5-year programme.
• The programme is delivered at the Manawata campus in Palmerston North.
• International students are currently listed as eligible to study on campus in New Zealand.
• A suitable research supervisor must agree to the proposed research topic before the application can proceed.
• An approved research supervision plan must be submitted.
• Official transcripts from all non-Massey tertiary institutions are required.
• Progression from Part One to Part Two requires the specified B-grade average. For the coursework pathway, a B average across Part One including a B in the research-methods course is required. For the research pathway, a B average across the first 60 credits of Part One including a B in the research-methods course is required.
• Some courses have prerequisites or restrictions, so the final course combination must be approved within Massey's regulations.
• Applicants with relevant BSc(Hons), PGDipSc or PGCertSc qualifications may be eligible for credit toward Part One

International Student Visa Requirements

Because the Plant Breeding MSc is an on-campus programme for international students, students intending to study in New Zealand will generally need a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• Offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of sufficient tuition funding or scholarship.
• Evidence of sufficient living funds or an acceptable sponsor.
• Full medical and travel insurance acceptable to the education provider.
• Good health and character.
• Genuine intention to study.
• Evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of the authorised stay.
• Compliance with attendance and academic-progress conditions.