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Massey University

Palmerston North , North Island, New Zealand ,New Zealand

Master of Science (Animal Science)

Massey’s Master of Science (Animal Science) will allow you to make a major contribution to animal science.

Whether you want to take a first step in a research career or would like a specialised role in livestock or animal industries, a MSc (Animal Science) will give you the skills you need.

A wide range of specialities
Animal science is a broad subject and you could engage in study and research in one of many subjects from livestock production, genetics, nutrition, reproductive physiology, lactation, animal behaviour and welfare.

Massey University has an active research programme in many areas of applied and theoretical aspects of animal science, much of it funded by industry. You’ll have the opportunity to research a relevant issue and generate solutions for the real world.

A master’s builds your capability in sourcing, generating and interpreting quality information to make informed decisions. You’ll develop specialised knowledge in your chosen field.

Join a world-leading agricultural university
Massey University’s proud record in land-based study dates back to 1927 when we offered New Zealand’s first degrees in agriculture.

Relevant learning
At Massey you’ll be part of this world-leading animal and agricultural science hub. Massey’s Manawat? campus is surrounded by working farms and state-of-the-art animal science research facilities. You are able to access our extensive research and working facilities as part of your study. These include:

  • two dairy farms
  • sheep and beef blocks, in the Manawatu and Wairarapa
  • dedicated feline and canine units
  • intensive livestock facilities
  • a deer farm
  • New Zealand’s only veterinary science teaching facilities including
    • 24-hour pet hospital
    • wildbase hospital which treats native New Zealand animals
    • equine hospital.

We also host The International Sheep Research Centre which leads the world with its investigations into sheep husbandry and related areas.

Campus Information

Manawatu campus (Palmerston North)

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
  • July

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

Potential careers after completing a Master of Science with a major in animal science include:

  • research associates at Crown Research Institutes such as AgResearch
  • sales and technical reps for feed companies and feed manufacturers
  • consultants and advisors to farmers or industry bodies such as Beef+Lamb or DairyNZ
  • laboratory and on-farm technicians
  • biosecurity/customs roles
  • wildlife conservation
  • Ministry of Primary Industries in a policy or advisory role
  • sales and technical representatives for equipment manufacturers (e.g. milking machines)
  • providing specialist animal services
  • animal welfare consultant
  • technical institute tutor.

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.

Earn more
A 2017 Ministry of Education publication, The post-study earnings and destinations of young domestic graduates, found that in New Zealand:

  • young master’s graduates earn more than one and a half times more than the national median (five years after study)
  • earnings and employment rates increase with the level of qualification completed
  • five years after completion, the median earnings of young master’s graduates are 15% higher than for those with a bachelor’s degree.

PSW Opportunity

Level 7 (Bachelor’s degree)

  • Duration: Equal to length of study (typically up to 3 years)
  • Requirement: minimum 30 weeks full time study in NZ

Level 7 (Graduate Diploma)
Eligible for PSWV
Conditions:

  • Must also hold a Bachelor’s degree (NZ or overseas)
  • Duration: Up to length of study (typically 1 year)

Level 8 (Postgraduate Diploma)

  • Duration: Equal to length of study, OR
  • Up to 3 years in some cases (if part of higher qualification pathway)

Level 9 and 10 (Master’s degree and Doctoral degree)

  • Duration: 3 years
  • Condition: Must study at least 30 weeks in New Zealand

- Most eligible international students can work up to 25 hours per week during study and full-time during scheduled breaks, only if their student visa includes work rights.

- Foundation, pathway and short courses have different rules.

- Not allowed for part time students.

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)

Disclaimer: PSA updates the information on this page from time to time; however, there may have been more recent updates. Please refer to the university website for the latest information.