Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology (Soil Science)
Massey University’s Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology (Soil Science) gives you the opportunity to join the pathway to in-depth research at a master's 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.
As an aspiring soil scientist you will deal with the productive capacity of the land and how its management impacts on the environment. At Massey we have a reputation for producing high calibre graduates. They go on to work in the international agricultural research scene.
Make our expertise your own
You will learn from, and research with, highly-skilled, internationally-recognised and active researchers in these fields. They have 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.
Some examples of areas you could focus your research on include:
- sustainable nutrient management
- soil resource mapping and interpretation
- soil conservation
- irrigation, drainage, water footprinting
- water quantity and quality
- greenhouse gas mitigation
- nutrient cycling in crop and pasture systems.
Campus Information
Manawatu campus
The Manawatu campus is Massey's original campus. With lovely heritage buildings and park-like grounds located near Palmerston North city, it is one of the best places in the country to experience the real student lifestyle. With a huge portion of the population under 25 it is the perfect place for learning and living. The large campus is beautiful year-round with 11,500 different varieties of plants and trees in the form of manicured gardens, green fields, woodlands and bush.
Intakes
- Feb
Application Processing Time in Days: 30
Minimum English Language Requirements
English Level Description | IELTS (1.0 -9.0) | TOEFL IBT (0-120) | TOEFL CBT (0-300) | PTE (10-90) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Expert | 9 | 120 | 297-300 | 86-90 | |
Very Good | 8.5 | 115-119 | 280-293 | 83-86 | |
Very Good | 8 | 110-114 | 270-280 | 79-83 | |
Good | 7.5 | 102-109 | 253-267 | 73-79 | |
Good | 7 | 94-101 | 240-253 | 65-73 | |
Competent | 6.5 | 79-93 | 213-233 | 58-65 | |
Competent | 6 | 60-78 | 170-210 | 50-58 | |
Modest | 5.5 | 46-59 | 133-210 | 43-50 | |
Modest | 5 | 35-45 | 107-133 | 36-43 | |
Limited | 4 | 32-34 | 97-103 | 30-36 | |
Extremely Limited | < 4 | < 31 | < 93 | < 30 |
Job Opportunity Potential
Soil scientists play a key role in understanding the Earth’s land and water resources.
Graduates of Massey’s soil science programmes go on to enjoy careers in regional councils and many agriculture and forestry industries. They also help with challenging tasks such as land reclamation after mining.
You will be valued by employers for your critical thinking, complex problem solving and observation skills.
Possible career paths include:
- an agronomist for a major fertiliser company
- an environmental or resource management officer for a regional council or agricultural industry body
- a specialist in soil mapping and interpretation
- precision agriculture
- nutrient management
- the environmental protection of waterways.
An understanding of a soil’s production potential is valued by agricultural service industries whether you become a soil conservationist, crop consultant, research technician, or a marketing manager for an agricultural firm.
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.
PSW Opportunity
- During study, all students on a student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during semester and full time during vacations.
- After completing Level 7 Bachelor’s Degree or Higher Qualification, a student will get a three years open post-study work visa.
- After completing Level 8 Post Graduate courses of 1 year, students get 1 year PSW.
Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria
Postgraduate academic entrance requirements
Masters, postgraduate diplomas and postgraduate certificates An appropriate undergraduate degree from a recognised tertiary institution is required
- IELTS- 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
- TOEFL iBT- 90 overall (min 20 in Writing)
- PTE Academic- 58 Overall (min 50 in communicative skills)
- Course Type: Full Time
- Course Level: Post Graduate Diploma or Certificate
- Duration: 01 Year
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Total Tuition Fee:
40870 NZD
Annual Cost of Living: 20000 NZD
Application Fee: N/A
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