Course details

Summary

When you study the Postgraduate Diploma in Science (Plant Breeding) at Massey University you will become a member of a significant international scientific community responsible for global food security.

This plant breeding major is a unique qualification in New Zealand. This course will provide you with training in quantitative genetics & applied plant breeding methods, multisite experimental design, data analysis & interpretation, application of molecular tools in plant breeding and visits to field programs & interaction with applied plant breeders.

Take advantage of our globally-renowned expertise

This course will be taught by highly-skilled internationally-recognised and active researchers with expertise in; plant genetic resources, quantitative genetics, applied plant breeding, plant molecular biology, evolutionary biology, systematic and taxonomy and plant physiology. During the course of your studies you will visit applied field programs and learn from practicing scientists and experienced field breeders.

A multi-disciplinary approach

The modern plant breeder is one who has not only to have a good understanding of genetics and plant breeding methods, but also know how to apply new tools such as molecular marker technologies and also interact with other significant disciplines such as agronomy, plant protection, plant physiology. This is why our course takes a multi-disciplinary approach. The students are taught the importance of a team approach to plant breeding. They are also given a global prospective of the significance of the international plant breeding community responsible for food security of the human population.

World-class equipment and facilities

As a plant breeding student you will have access to Massey’s world-leading equipment and facilities such as our extensive glasshouses and farms, molecule labs, the Dame Ella Campbell Herbarium, the Palynology Laboratory, Plant Growth Unit, Seed Testing Services, Massey Genome Service and the Manawatu Microscopy and Imaging Centre.

Why postgraduate study?

Postgraduate study is hard work but hugely rewarding and empowering. The Postgraduate Diploma in Science will push you to produce your best creative, strategic and theoretical ideas. The workload replicates the high-pressure environment of senior workplace roles.

Careers

You will gain the skills to work as a commercial applied plant breeder, work as a research scientist, continue into a PhD programme or work as an agronomist or agricultural advisor.

Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology (Plant Breeding) 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 (Plant Breeding) requires you to have either:

• A bachelor’s degree with a major in a relevant Biological Sciences major, or equivalent, with a minimum B- average in the majoring 300 level courses, or
• A bachelor’s degree followed by a Graduate Diploma or close equivalent, in a relevant Biological Sciences major, 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