Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Zoology major studies animals across multiple levels, from molecular biology and physiological processes through to animal behaviour, ecology and animals as components of wider ecosystems.
• Massey describes Zoology as one of the few specialised Zoology majors offered by a New Zealand university.
• Students develop knowledge of land-based animals and environments as well as freshwater and marine systems.
• The major provides exposure to genetics, physiology, animal development, anatomy, behaviour, evolution and biodiversity conservation.
• Practical and applied learning is incorporated through laboratory work, tutorials, research techniques and project work.
• The BSc structure is flexible, allowing students to add a minor and, where requirements are met, potentially complete a double major.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The first year is designed to provide broad scientific preparation before students progress into more specialised Zoology study. Full-time students normally take eight 15-credit courses, totalling 120 credits.

Typical 100-level preparation includes:

• 247113 Science and Sustainability for Science
• 161111 Applied Statistics or 161122 Statistics
• 124103 Biophysical Principles or an appropriate mathematics course
• 123103 Chemistry for Modern Sciences or 123104 Chemistry for Biological Systems
• 162101 Cell Biology
• 196101 Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour
• 199103 Animals and the Environment
• One 100-level elective.

Students must pass at least 90 credits from the BSc Schedule A, including compulsory courses, within their first 120 credits.

200-level Zoology includes:

• 196217 Evolutionary Biology – evolution, genetic and phenotypic variation, micro- and macro-evolution, human evolution and experimental evolution.
• 199211 Invertebrate Zoology – invertebrate diversity, anatomy, feeding, ecology and reproduction, with practical identification work.
• 199212 Vertebrate Zoology – fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, birds and other chordates, including comparative anatomy and conservation applications.
• 199203 Evolutionary Principles of Animal Behaviour – genetics, environment, human influences and the evolution and analysis of animal behaviour.
• 196225 Introductory Marine Biology is available as a related 200-level option.

300-level Zoology includes:

• 199312 Behavioural Ecology – foraging, reproduction, parental care, sociality, communication and conservation/co-management.
• 199313 Environmental Physiology – physiological mechanisms that enable animals to live in changing environments.
• 199330 Ornithology – bird evolution, taxonomy, morphology and behaviour, including New Zealand bird identification and research techniques.
• 199310 Entomology – insect diversity, anatomy, physiology, behaviour, plant-insect relationships, biosecurity and integrated pest management.
• 196327 Marine Mammalogy – marine mammal zoogeography and morphological, physiological and behavioural adaptations. 

Disciplines / Specialisations

• Zoology is a major/specialisation within the Bachelor of Science.
• The major itself covers animal biology, animal behaviour, evolution, ecology, conservation, physiology, anatomy and biodiversity.
• Massey describes opportunities to develop interests across freshwater and marine systems, biodiversity conservation, vertebrate and invertebrate zoology and animal behaviour.
• Students can also include a minor from another recognised undergraduate programme.
• Particularly compatible BSc minors identified by Massey include Ecology and Conservation and Physiology.
• A double major is permitted under the BSc regulations where the requirements for both majors are met; no course can be credited to both majors. 

Programme Highlights

• 360-credit Bachelor of Science.
• 3-year full-time structure.
• Zoology major worth 120 credits.
• Manawat? campus in Palmerston North.
• Open to international students on campus in New Zealand.
• Flexible BSc framework with the possibility of minors and double majors.
• Practical laboratory and research-oriented learning.
• Coverage of terrestrial, freshwater and marine animals.
• Strong focus on animal behaviour, evolution, physiology and biodiversity conservation.
• Progression options include Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology (Zoology) and Master of Science (Zoology).

Career Outcomes

Massey identifies a wide range of potential employment areas for Zoology graduates, including:

• Zoology and wildlife-related roles
• Environmental science
• Conservation
• Government and regional government organisations
• Biosecurity
• Environmental consultancy
• Policy analysis
• Teaching
• Conservation organisations
• Research organisations
• Science communication and media/documentary work. 

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The current programme page confirms Manawat campus as the location and confirms that international students can study Zoology on campus in New Zealand.
• Zoology remains an approved BSc major in the current BSc regulations.
• The major requires 120 credits, with 60 credits at 200 level and 60 credits at 300 level.
• The current page recommends a Biology background equivalent to at least 14 NCEA Level 3 Biology credits. This is expected preparation rather than an additional formal admission requirement.
• Students without the expected Biology background may take Introductory Biology through Summer School.
• Laboratory, tutorial, fieldwork and other practical requirements may apply depending on the courses selected.
• Changing majors after first year is possible within the flexible BSc structure, although Massey notes that changing majors may increase completion time.
• Massey’s current 2027 general international admission deadlines are 31 October 2026 for Semester One and 1 May 2027 for Semester Two. 

International Student Visa Requirements

Because Zoology is an on-campus programme in Palmerston North and the programme page specifically states that international students can study on campus in New Zealand, an international student coming to New Zealand for this degree will normally need an appropriate New Zealand student visa.

The relevant Immigration New Zealand visa is the Fee Paying Student Visa. Current published requirements include:

• Cost from NZD $850.
• Stay of up to 4 years, subject to the visa issued and period of study paid for.
• 80% of applications processed within 8 weeks.
• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of sufficient funds for tuition or an applicable scholarship.
• Evidence of sufficient living funds or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance for the period required.
• Good health and character.
• A genuine intention to study.
• Evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of the stay.