Why Study/Key Benefits

The Zoology – Master of Science (MSc) at Massey University is a research-focused postgraduate qualification based at the Manawat campus in Palmerston North. It combines advanced zoology coursework with substantial independent research and is designed for students who want to develop specialist knowledge of animals, animal behaviour, ecology, conservation and related biological sciences.

Key benefits include:

• Specialisation in Zoology within the Master of Science.
• Research-led study with internationally active researchers.
• Access to expertise spanning zoology, veterinary science, ecology, wildlife health, conservation biology, agriculture, physiology, animal science and environmental management.
• Ability to take relevant courses from the MSc Conservation Biology and MSc Ecology areas while maintaining Zoology as the major.
• Development of research design, scientific communication, literature-review and independent research skills.
• Choice between a 120-credit thesis pathway and a 90-credit thesis pathway within the 180-credit Zoology MSc structure.
• Potential relevance to conservation organisations, government agencies, environmental consulting, wildlife management, zoos, universities and research organisations. 

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The MSc is a parts-based qualification. Students must complete Part One before progressing to Part Two.

Part One

The current Zoology programme specifies:

• 162760 Research Methods and Communication in the Biosciences – 30 credits.

This course develops research methodology and scientific communication skills. Assessment can include:

• research proposal;
• literature review;
• scientific writing for a journal; and
• formal seminar presentation.

The programme also lists subject courses including:

• 199714 Animal Behaviour – 30 credits
• 199717 Entomology – 30 credits.

Animal Behaviour examines questions concerning mating, parental care, predator avoidance, feeding and animal communication, with applications of behavioural ecology to pest control and conservation.

Entomology provides advanced study of insect evolution, physiology, behaviour and ecology, potentially including insect flight, sociality, pollination, mating behaviour, reproductive hormones, dispersal, pest management and post-harvest disinfestation.

Part Two: Research

Students undertake a substantial independent research project through one of the approved thesis structures.

The 120-credit thesis route consists of:

• 199897 Thesis 120 Credit Part 1 – 60 credits
• 199898 Thesis 120 Credit Part 2 – 60 credits.

The alternative 90-credit thesis route consists of:

• 199873 Thesis 90 Credit Part 1 – 30 credits
• 199874 Thesis 90 Credit Part 2 – 60 credits.

The thesis is supervised independent research resulting in a substantial scholarly work.

Progression requirements

For the coursework pathway, students must achieve a B grade average across Part One courses, including a B grade in the research methods course, before progressing to Part Two.

For the research pathway, students must achieve a B grade average across the first 60 credits of Part One, including a B grade in the research methods course.

Disciplines/Specialisations

The formal specialisation is Zoology.

The programme can also draw on related areas within Massey's science expertise. The Zoology page specifically identifies expertise in:

• Zoology
• Veterinary science
• Ecology
• Wildlife health
• Conservation biology
• Agriculture
• Physiology
• Animal science
• Environmental management
• Social sciences.

Programme Highlights

• Master of Science, Zoology.
• NZQF Level 9 postgraduate qualification.
• 180 credits.
• Approximately 1.5 years full-time for the standard 180-credit MSc.
• Manawat campus, Palmerston North.
• Open to international students studying on campus in New Zealand.
• Research-led learning.
• Strong zoology, ecology, conservation and animal-science expertise.
• Access to related MSc Conservation Biology and MSc Ecology courses.
• Substantial independent thesis/research component.
• Approved research supervision plan required before application.
• B average requirement for relevant undergraduate 300-level study.
• B-grade progression requirement from Part One to Part Two.
• 2026 international tuition estimate: NZ$46,590 for 120 credits/full-time annual study estimate.

Career Outcomes

Massey identifies a range of employment directions for Zoology MSc graduates, including:

• Zoology technician
• Wildlife manager
• Environmental consultant
• Animal-related roles in zoos
• University and research roles
• Government departments
• Regional councils
• Department of Conservation
• Private organisations involved in animal, environmental or conservation work.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

The most important current requirements for an international applicant are:

• The programme is based at Manawat campus.
• International students are accepted on campus in New Zealand.
• A relevant BSc major or an accepted equivalent postgraduate qualification is required.
• The relevant BSc route requires at least a B average in the majoring 300-level courses.
• Applicants entering through BSc Honours, PGDipScTech or PGCertScTech routes require a B average and B grade in an approved research methods course.
• An approved research supervision plan must accompany the application.
• A suitable supervisor must agree to the proposed research topic.
• Official transcripts from all universities other than Massey must be supplied.
• Students must pass Part One before progressing to Part Two.
• Coursework-pathway students require a B average across Part One, including a B in research methods.
• Research-pathway students require a B average across the first 60 Part One credits, including a B in research methods.
• Not all listed courses are offered every year.

International Student Visa Requirements

An international student intending to study the Zoology MSc physically in New Zealand will generally need a Fee Paying Student Visa.

Immigration New Zealand currently states that this visa:

• Costs from NZD $850.
• Can allow a stay of up to four years, depending on the approved study and circumstances.
• Has a published processing timeframe of 80% within eight weeks.
• Requires an offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Requires evidence of tuition-fee funding or an applicable scholarship.
• Requires sufficient living funds or an acceptable sponsor.
• Requires acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Requires applicants to satisfy applicable health and character requirements.
• Requires a genuine intention to study.
• Allows travel in and out of New Zealand during the visa's validity, subject to its conditions.