Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology (Zoology) is designed as a pathway into more advanced, research-based study in zoology, particularly the Master of Science (Zoology).
• It is particularly suitable for students who have an undergraduate science degree, are interested in postgraduate Zoology but do not yet have a research background, and prefer a predominantly taught postgraduate qualification.
• Students can work with Massey academics and researchers whose expertise spans zoology, veterinary science, ecology, wildlife health, conservation biology, agriculture, physiology, animal science, environmental management and related social sciences.
• The programme develops analytical thinking, advanced subject knowledge and research capability while allowing students to focus on selected areas of zoology.
• The qualification can provide a transition into the Master of Science (Zoology), with credits potentially being recognised towards the master's subject to the master's admission and credit requirements.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The Zoology endorsement is structured around 75 credits of Zoology courses plus additional courses needed to reach the 120-credit diploma. The current regulations specify the following Zoology courses.

Compulsory selection:

• 199714 Animal Behaviour – 30 credits.
  • Advanced study of animal behaviour and behavioural ecology.
  • Topics include mate choice, parental care, predator avoidance, feeding and communication.
  • Applications include pest control and conservation.
  • Topics can change according to current literature and participant interests.
• 199717 Entomology – 30 credits.
  • Advanced study of insect evolution, physiology, behaviour and ecology.
  • Potential topics include insect flight and sociality, pollination, courtship and mating behaviour, reproductive hormones and pheromones, insect dispersal, pest management and post-harvest disinfestation.

The programme page states that students choose 60 credits from these two 30-credit courses.

Additional Zoology-related subject courses include:

• 162760 Research Methods and Communication in the Biosciences – 30 credits.
  • Research methodology and scientific communication.
  • May involve a research proposal, literature review, scientific journal writing and formal seminar presentation.
• 196713 Ecology – 30 credits.
  • Contemporary ecological issues.
  • Biodiversity, ecosystem function, species diversity, keystone species, herbivory, community structure, species assembly and food webs.
• 232701 Conservation Biology – 30 credits.
  • Biodiversity importance, threats to biodiversity and conservation actions.
  • Includes theory, practice, current developments and New Zealand case studies.
• 232703 Wildlife Management – 30 credits.
  • Problem-based learning involving fieldwork, data analysis and report writing.
  • Focuses on research methods relevant to conservation management and quantitative analysis.

Disciplines / Specialisations

• Zoology is an endorsement/specialisation within the Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology.
• The current regulations list these active endorsement areas:
  • Agricultural Science
  • Animal Science
  • Biological Sciences
  • Conservation Biology
  • Earth Science
  • Ecology and Conservation
  • Horticultural Science
  • Plant Breeding
  • Psychology
  • Zoology.
• Zoology itself requires at least 75 credits within the Zoology endorsement schedule.
• The diploma can also be completed without an endorsement, but a coherent programme of study must receive prior approval from the Academic Board or its delegate.

Programme Highlights

• NZQF Level 8 postgraduate qualification.
• 120 credits.
• 1 year full-time.
• Part-time study available.
• Manawat campus in Palmerston North.
• International students can study the Zoology specialisation on campus in New Zealand.
• Predominantly taught postgraduate study.
• Strong emphasis on advanced zoological knowledge and analytical/research capability.
• Access to expertise spanning zoology, ecology, wildlife health, conservation biology, veterinary science, animal science and related disciplines.
• Potential pathway into the Master of Science (Zoology).
• Credits from the diploma may potentially be credited towards the MSc if the student meets the master's progression and credit requirements.
• The diploma may be awarded with Merit or Distinction where the relevant academic requirements are met.

Career Outcomes

The primary stated purpose of the qualification is progression towards more advanced research-based study rather than a specific professional registration or occupation. Massey describes the Zoology PGDipScTech as a stepping stone to a research-based degree.

Potential professional areas associated with the Zoology and related biological-science pathway include:

• Zoology and wildlife work
• Environmental science
• Conservation and ecology
• Wildlife management
• Government and environmental agencies
• Environmental consultancy
• Scientific research
• Policy-related work
• Zoology technician and animal-related roles.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The current programme page identifies Zoology as a Manawat-campus specialisation and states that it is open to international students on campus in New Zealand.
• The current regulations require at least 120 credits at 700 level and at least 90 credits from the qualification schedule.
• The Zoology endorsement comprises 75 credits.
• Course availability can vary from year to year, so students should not assume that every listed subject will run in their intended intake.
• Some courses have prerequisites or restrictions, which can affect the combination of courses available to an individual student.
• Contact workshops, block courses, field trips, tutorials and laboratories may be compulsory depending on the courses selected.
• Successful completion may allow progression to the Master of Science (Zoology), subject to the master's requirements. The current MSc regulations/page specify a B average over the contributing PGDipScTech courses and a B grade in an approved research methods course for this pathway.
• The current 2026 prospectus lists February and July starts for Zoology.

International Student Visa Requirements

Because the Zoology specialisation is an on-campus programme at Massey's Manawat campus and is open to international students studying in New Zealand, an international student coming to New Zealand for this qualification will generally require an appropriate New Zealand student visa.

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

• Cost from NZD $850.
• Stay of up to 4 years, subject to the visa granted.
• 80% of applications processed within 8 weeks.
• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of sufficient funds to pay tuition fees or an applicable scholarship.
• Evidence of sufficient living funds or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable insurance.
• Meeting health and character requirements.
• Demonstrating genuine intentions to study.
• Evidence of ability/intention to leave New Zealand at the end of the stay.

Living-cost funds:

• NZD $20,000 for each year for tertiary study lasting one year or more.
• Evidence can include bank funds, an acceptable sponsor, education loan or scholarship arrangements.

Work rights:

• Depending on the conditions on the individual student visa, students may work up to 25 hours per week while studying.
• Full-time work can be permitted during scheduled holidays, subject to the visa conditions.
• For a 120-credit course, Immigration New Zealand specifically notes that students seeking holiday work rights need to provide evidence of the course and its scheduled holidays.

Other important conditions:

• Students must attend their approved course unless they have a valid reason for absence.
• Students must make satisfactory academic progress.
• Immigration New Zealand recommends applying at least 3 months before intended travel.