Course details

Summary

Zoology is the animal science of the natural world. It examines animals on a variety of scales from biological knowledge at the molecular level to animals as components of systems; looks at both vertebrate and invertebrate and their impact on New Zealand plants and animals; and includes the study of animal behaviour.

The latest thinking

As one of the only universities in New Zealand to offer a specialized course in zoology, our programme is unique.

You’ll learn about land-based animals and environments. You will also develop a strong foundation including the latest thinking in genetic and physiological processes, animal development, anatomy and behaviour. You’ll explore freshwater and marine systems, and our wide range of specialty fields including conservation of biodiversity.

In high demand

From mapping animal migrations to driving conservational change in foreign countries, Massey’s zoology graduates are in high demand all over the world working in places like Samoa, South Africa, the Netherlands and United States. You’ll graduate ready to join them and take the best of your knowledge to the rest of the world.

What will you study?

A zoology major offers you a wide range of specialisations in interest areas, as well as in mainstream zoology. The core zoology qualification looks at animals on a variety of scales. You will gain skills in a broad range of related sciences including ecology, conservation diversity and evolution. It is not just about land-based animals and environments - you will also explore freshwater and marine systems.

An exciting and practical subject

The most exciting advances in biological knowledge are probably at the molecular level, which we cover in the second year. Also at the level of animals as components of systems, which we cover in the third year.

A key speciality in your study will be the fascinating and practical field of conservation of biodiversity. This looks at both vertebrates (birds, predators) and invertebrates and at their impact on New Zealand indigenous plants and animals. Another interesting area is the study of animal behaviour. This speciality also has an applied side.

Careers

From mapping trans-hemispheric animal migrations to driving conservational change in foreign countries, Massey’s zoology graduates are in high demand all over the world working in places like Samoa, South Africa, the Netherlands and United States. You’ll graduate ready to join them and take the best of your knowledge to the rest of the world.

Massey Bachelor of Science (Zoology) graduates are employed widely. You could contribute your skills to central and regional government organizations, conservation groups, teaching, private consultancy firms, or through the media (for instance making television documentaries). Places of work include:

• Department of Conservation
• Regional councils
• Crown Research Institutes
• Ministry of Primary Industries
• Biosecurity in New Zealand
• Ministry for the Environment
• Environmental Risk Management Authority
• Fish & Game New Zealand
• SCION (formerly Forest Research Institute)
• Private environmental consultancy firms
• Private conservation initiatives
• Schools teachers
• News media including magazines, newspapers, websites, radio, television and documentary making

Entry criteria

Students must have successful completion of a qualification equivalent to the New Zealand Year 13 - NCEA Level 3 University Entrance.

It is helpful if students beginning their study of zoology have a sound background in at least one of biology, chemistry and in one mathematics subject at NCEA Level 3 (or equivalent).

English Language Requirements:

• IELTS score of 6.0 (no band less than 5.5)
• TOEFL iBT score of 80 overall (min 19 in Writing)
• PTE Academic score of 50 Overall (min 42 in communicative skills)
• Cambridge English score of 170