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 two years of full-time study to complete, but you have the option to complete on a part-time basis. In the first year you will complete 120 points of taught papers with the second year 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.
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
Key information
| Study Locations | Hamilton; Tauranga |
| Faculty | Faculty of Computing and Mathematical Sciences Faculty of Science and Engineering |
| Years | 2.0 |
| Points | 240 |
| Start Dates | Semester A (February) and Semester B (July) |
| Domestic Fees |
$7,181-$7,926 per year See if you're eligible for fees-free study in your first year |
| International Fees | $33,085 per year |
| Tuition fees shown above 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. | |
Subjects
These are all the subjects available for the Master of Science (Research)
Students enrolling in an (MSc(Research) via the Faculty of Science & Engineering can study Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Ecology and Biodiversity, Electronics, Environmental Sciences, Materials and Processing, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Physics or Psychology.
Students taking Computer Science, Mathematics or Statistics will enrol through the Faculty of Computing & Mathematical Sciences.
Scholarships and Prizes
Broad Memorial Fund
For students who are enrolled in the thesis year of a MSc, MSc(Research), MPhil or PhD qualification in Earth Sciences. The value of the scholarship will vary.
Closing Date: 2018-03-31 23:59:00Dr Stella Frances Memorial Scholarship
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. The scholarship will have a value of up to $5,000.
Closing Date: 2017-12-15 23:59:00Golden Plover Wetland Research Award
For students who are enrolled part- or full-time in a Honours or masters degree at any New Zealand University and are conducting research in any aspect of ecology or management of wetlands. The scholarship will have a value of up to $1,000.
Closing Date: 2017-11-01 23:59:00NIWA Freshwater Mussel Scholarship
For students who have completed a BSc in biology/freshwater ecology, ideally with experience in samplying freshwater ecosystems and undertaking quantitative analyses. The project will compliment and build on freshwater mussel research being conducted at NIWA, the University of Waikato and Landcare Research.
Closing Date: 2017-05-26 23:59:00NIWA Juvenile Freshwater Crayfish Scholarship
For students who have completed a BSc in biology/freshwater ecology, ideally with experience in sampling freshwater ecosystems and undertaking quantitative analyses. Open to students of any nationality however they must meet the entry requirements of the University of Waikato Masters Programme. The scholarship will have value of $17,500.
Closing Date: 2017-05-26 17:00:00Science and Engineering Masters Fees Awards
For students enrolling full-time in the first year MSc (research), MSc, MSc (Tech) ME or MEnvSci programme in the faculty of Engineering. Part-time applicants may be considered but any scholarship awarded will be on a pro-rata basis. The Scholarship will have a value of up to $2,000.
Closing Date: 2017-03-15 23:59:00Terry Healy Memorial Award
For students who are enrolled or are intending to enrol, part- or full-time in a masters or doctoral degree in Earth Sciences, and who are not receiving other awards providing significant funds or substantial financial assistance under a research contract. The value of the award will vary.
Closing Date: 2016-10-31 23:59:00University of Waikato George Mason Charitable Trust Scholarship
Expressions of Interest are sought from students who are intending to enrol full-time in a 120-point masters thesis or a PhD and have a particular interest in one of the specific research areas outlined in the regulations.
Closing Date: 2017-11-30 23:59:00University of Waikato Summer Research Scholarship
For students who are enrolled at a NZ or Australian University and have completed at least three years of undergraduate study. The Summer Research Scholarship provides students with opportunities to experience the challenges and rewards of research. The scholarship will have a value of $5,000.
Closing Date: 2017-08-31 23:59:00Whanganui River Enhancement Trust Scholarship
For students who are enrolled full-time and are undertaking research towards a Masters thesis, Honours degree or Postgraduate Diploma. Candidates must be resident in New Zealand for the tenure of the scholarship and their research should relate to the Whanganui River Catchment.
Closing Date: 2017-11-17 23:59:00Practical experience
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.
Admission and enrolment
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. If you are enrolling via the Faculty of Science & Engineering, please consult our Graduate Handbook for details of relevant staff.
Please refer to the relevant 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 Faculty for advice on the possibilities.
Contacts
Faculty of Science & Engineering
Phone: +64 7 838 4625 / 0800 438 254
Email: science@waikato.ac.nz
Website: sci.waikato.ac.nz
Facebook: facebook.com/WaikatoScienceEngineering
Faculty of Computing & Mathematical Sciences
Phone: +64 7 838 4322 / 0800 924 528
Email: cms@waikato.ac.nz
Website: cms.waikato.ac.nz
Facebook: facebook.com/WaikatoFCMS