Course details

Summary

A postgraduate diploma is the stepping stone to a research-based degree such as a masters or PhD.

WHAT IS IT LIKE?

Massey University’s Postgraduate Diploma in Science (Zoology) gives you the opportunity to join the pathway to in-depth research at a masters 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 Masters of Science (Zoology). If so, credits you have gained through this qualification may be credited to the masters programme.

Take advantage of our expertise

You will be able to take advantage of Massey’s expertise in animal-related disciplines. We have a wide and relevant group of expertise within the university, from zoology, veterinary science, ecology, wildlife health and conservation biology, to agriculture, physiology, animal science, environmental management and social sciences.

You will learn from, and research with, highly-skilled internationally-recognised and active researchers in these fields, with a huge depth of knowledge and experience. Whatever focus you’d like to have in your postgraduate study and research, there is likely to be an expert at Massey who can help you dig deeper into your area of interest.

Relevant and topical

We work to ensure that our teaching fits with the changing environment, which means that you will emerge with a relevant qualification valued by potential employers. Massey has strong links with industry, used to help our students find relevant and topical research projects. These projects are often focused on end-user results – you will work with organisations like the Department of Conservation and regional councils to solve real problems that our communities and environment are facing today.

Why postgraduate study?

Postgraduate study is hard work but hugely rewarding and empowering. The Postgraduate Diploma in Science’s workload replicates the high-pressure environment of senior workplace roles. Our experts are there to guide but if you have come from undergraduate study, you will find that postgraduate study demands more in-depth and independent study.

Careers

Sought after by employers

International trends are for employers to reward postgraduate study well, especially in larger enterprises. The skills you learn are increasingly recognised as setting you apart from other potential employees.

Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology (Zoology) 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 (Zoology) requires you to have either

• a bachelor’s degree majoring in Zoology, 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 Zoology, 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