The Master of Science usually consists of two parts: coursework and a thesis, allowing you to investigate areas of interest and conduct independent and original research. Over 30 subjects are available, and some can only be studied at postgraduate level, which can allow for specialisation in academic and career pathways.
For more information about why you should consider studying a postgraduate science programme at UC, see the Postgraduate Prospectus.
The MSc may be awarded with Distinction, Merit, or Honours.
Christchurch, New Zealand
24 Months
NZ$ 120,000
IELTS: 6.5 TOEFL: 90
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Part I of the MSc consists of coursework, while Part II consists of a thesis or dissertation. Coursework must be satisfactorily completed in Part I before proceeding to Part II. The requirements vary depending on your choice of subject, as some subjects require only Part II.
Part I and Part II must be completed in 2 years full-time; up to 4 years part-time.
Part I must be completed full-time in 1 year.
Part II is completed full-time in 1–2 years or, with permission, part-time in up to 4 years.
Find more information on how to enrol into the Master of Science.
For most Science departments, Part I has a February and a July start date. For Part II, most MSc subjects can be started at the beginning of any month.
Select subjects have a February-only start date – Biochemistry, Chemistry, Industrial and Organisational Psychology (applications due 30 November), and Speech and Language Sciences. You should contact the Postgraduate Coordinator if they would like to start at another time.
The Child and Family Psychology major has an application due beginning of October, and it is highly recommended to start in February. July start dates will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
You must have completed one of the following:
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science with Honours
Bachelor of Speech and Language Pathology with Honours
Postgraduate Diploma in Science
Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering Geology
or any bachelor's degree and a qualifying programme.
English language requirements for postgraduate qualifications
If you want to study towards a postgraduate qualification, eg a Postgraduate Diploma, Masters, or PhD you must have one of the following:
ENGLISH TEST |
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS |
IELTS Academic |
An average score of 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in reading, writing, listening and speaking |
TOEFL iBT |
Total minimum score of 90, minimum score of 19 in reading, writing and listening. Please note UC only accepts TOEFL iBT scores from a single test date, not MyBest scores. |
TOEFL PBT |
With a minimum score of 575 and TWE with a minimum score of 4.5 |
CCEL EAP |
Level 2 with a minimum B+ grade |
CAE or CPE |
Score of 176 with a minimum of 169 in reading, writing, listening and speaking |
Pearson Test of English (Academic) |
PTE with an overall score of 58 and no PTE communicative skills score below 50 |
NZCEL |
Level 5 |
FluentIQ |
Overall mark of 8/10 with nothing less than a 7 being scored in a single category. |
LanguageCert |
C1 Expert IESOL (LRWS) with HIGH PASS |
NZAPA |
English New Zealand Accredited Pathway Assessment Level 3 (with no skill lower than Level 2) |
FEES (NZD) 2022 240 Special (Set) Programme Fee $80,000
2022 120 Special (Set) Programme Fee $40,000
Postgraduate study can bring many career benefits eg, specialist skills and enhanced knowledge, entry into specific occupations, higher starting salary/progression rates, research capability/achievement, and evidence of high academic attainment/self-discipline.
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