Course details

Summary

Improve the productivity and sustainability of agricultural systems in New Zealand and around the world. The Postgraduate Diploma in Science (Agricultural Science) is the stepping stone to a research-based degree such as a master’s.

WHAT IS IT LIKE?

Massey University’s Postgraduate Diploma in Science (Agricultural Science) gives you the opportunity to join the pathway to in-depth research at a master’s level. The programme consists of 90 credits of taught programmes and 30 credits of research.

The programme gives you the opportunity to show your analytical thinking and high-level research capability. If you complete the programme at a satisfactory level you may be able to proceed to the Master of Science (Agricultural Science). If so, credits you have gained through this qualification may be credited to the master’s programme.

World-leading lecturers and industry-relevance

As an agriculture student at Massey you will have access to lecturers and supervisors acknowledged as being among the best in the world. Collaboration between Massey University and adjacent Crown Research Institutes offers unrivalled advantages to postgraduate students, including access to specialised skills, equipment and networking opportunities.

You will have access to a wide range of facilities and services including the Pasture and Crop Research Unit, the Fertiliser and Lime Research Unit, the Plant Growth Unit, The Equine Unit, the Life Cycle Management Centre, Massey University farms, teaching laboratories and library resources.

Become a sought-after employee

Studying towards your master’s degree is a satisfying and challenging process that will give you a sought-after postgraduate qualification.

Careers

The primary industries are a growing sector and there are great employment and business opportunities for suitably qualified graduates. This qualification is suitable if you are interested in a career in science either as a senior technician, a researcher or may be looking to acquire entry into a PhD.

Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology (Agricultural Science) structure

You will follow a flexible course of study, which shall consist of courses totalling at least 120 credits of courses at 700-level or above from the Schedule and may include attending field trips, studios, workshops, tutorials, and laboratories as required.

Entry criteria

Admission to the Postgraduate Diploma in Science (Agricultural Science) requires you to have either

• a bachelor’s degree majoring in Agricultural Science, or equivalent, with a minimum B- average in the majoring 300 level courses, or
• a bachelor’s degree followed by a Graduate Diploma endorsed in Agricultural Science, or equivalent, with a minimum B- average in the 300 level courses

English language requirements:

• IELTS score of 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
• TOEFL iBT score of 90 overall (min 20 in Writing)
• PTE Academic score of 58 Overall (min 50 in communicative skills)
• Cambridge English score of 180