Master of Science (Research)
The Master of Science (Research) is an internationally-recognised qualification, suitable for students who want a complete research experience, coupled with taught papers.
A core feature of the degree is the development of independent research skills, including the collection and analysis of data and critical review of the relevant literature.
The MSc(Research) normally takes one and half academic years of full-time study to complete, but you have the option to complete on a part-time basis. In the first semester, you will complete 60 points of taught papers with the remaining period spent doing a 120 point research thesis.
Study an MSc(Research) at Waikato University and you will enjoy more lab and field work, more one-on-one time with top academics and access to world-class research equipment. Our great industry contacts will also mean exciting collaborations with local, national and international companies and organisations.
Facilities
The University of Waikato’s School of Science is home to a suite of well-equipped, world-class laboratories. You will have the opportunity to use complex research equipment and facilities such as NMR spectroscopy, DNA sequencing and the University of Waikato Herbarium.
The computing facilities at the University of Waikato are among the best in New Zealand, ranging from phones and tablets for mobile application development to cluster computers for massively parallel processing. Students majoring in Computer Science, Mathematics and Statistics will have 24 hour access to computer labs equipped with all the latest computer software.
Key information
| Years: | 1 - 1.5 |
|---|---|
| Points: | 120 - 180 |
| MSc(Research) Study Locations: | Hamilton, Tauranga Papers offered differ by location. The Catalogue of Papers has full location info. |
| Start Dates: | Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July) |
| Estimated Fees* (Domestic): |
$8,050 - $9,039 per year
See if you're eligible for fees-free study in your first year |
| Estimated Fees* (International): | $38,915 (120 points) per year |
| Entry Requirements: | Postgraduate International |
| Area of Study: | |
| *Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. | |
Degree Planner
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Career opportunities
- Local and Regional Council
- Crown Research Institutes
- Energy Companies
- Environmental Agencies
- Government Departments
- Biomedical/Pharmaceutical Industries
- Private Research Companies
- Food and Dairy Industries
- Agriculture and Fisheries
Entry requirements
Admission requires a relevant Bachelors level qualification or equivalent.
Admission requires a relevant Bachelors level qualification or equivalent. Once you have applied to study with us you are welcome to speak with one of our senior academics who will help advise you on your studies based on your goals and previous experience. This will ensure you have all the support and advice you need to succeed in your studies.
Please refer to the regulations in the University of Waikato Calendar for official details of admission and degree requirements, available subjects, honours eligibility and more.
If you do not hold the appropriate qualifications required for direct entry, you may be eligible to apply for a pathway via a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma. Contact the School of Science or the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences for advice on the possibilities.
Study in Tauranga
Depending on the focus of your research, you could complete that 120-point portion of your MSc(Research) in Tauranga. Facilities there include the Coastal Marine Field Station.
The taught portion of the MSc(Research), which is worth 60 points, is based in Hamilton only.
Scholarships and prizes
Selected scholarships for MSc(Research) students.
New to Waikato? The International Excellence Scholarship is worth up to $10,000.
Broad Memorial Fund Not currently accepting applications
For students who are enrolled full-time or part-time in the thesis year of a masters degree (e.g. MSc, MSc(Research)), MPhil or PhD qualification in Earth Sciences.
Dr Stella Frances Memorial Scholarship Not currently accepting applications
For students who are enrolled or are intending to enrol in the final year of a masters degree at the University of Waikato and are undertaking research that applies to the conservation or environmental issues in the Waikato region.
Terry Healy Memorial Award Not currently accepting applications
For students who are currently enrolled part- or full-time in a masters or doctoral degree in an Earth Sciences subject and have not previously received the Award. Preference will be given to students involved in marine sciences, but applications will be considered for all areas appropriate to the current research activities of the Earth Sciences subject in the School of Science.
University of Waikato Research Masters Scholarship Not currently accepting applications
For students enrolled, or intending to enrol, in a 500-level thesis of 90-or 120-points as part of their first master's degree. International students must have completed at least 120-points of study at a New Zealand university in order to be eligible for this Scholarship.
University of Waikato Summer Research Scholarship Not currently accepting applications
For students who are enrolled at a NZ University in an undergraduate degree, final year honours degree or a first-year master's degree (taught papers only). The scholarship provides students with opportunities to experience the challenges and rewards of research. The scholarship will have a value of $8,000 and will include enrolment in a paper, normally at no cost to the student.
Looking for more scholarships?
Practical experience
You will spend more time putting theory into practice in the laboratories and out in the field.
You will spend more time putting theory into practice in the laboratories and out in the field. Smaller class sizes in taught papers mean more one-on-one time with renowned academics.
The University of Waikato also boasts excellent industry collaborations with organisations such as NIWA, AgResearch, Plant and Food Research and Landcare Research. These strong relationships generate numerous research projects for MSc(Research) students, who are able to work on real issues with a real client.
Documents
Contacts
School of Science
Phone:
Email: [email protected]
Website: sci.waikato.ac.nz
Facebook: facebook.com/WaikatoScience
School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences
Phone:
Email: [email protected]
Website: cms.waikato.ac.nz
Facebook: facebook.com/WUcms
Have a chat with one of our friendly advisers to help you plan your degree.
Phone: +64 7 838 4610 Email: [email protected]
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