Master of Science (Research)

The Master of Science (Research) is a great opportunity to gain advanced research skills and explore an area within science through the one-year research thesis.

You study in a friendly, professional environment and can choose the generic Master of Science (Research) or select one of: Biomedical Science, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Food Science, Geospatial Science, Marine Science, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics.

In the second year, you focus on your thesis (120 points), gaining advanced skills in critical analysis and expertise in research methods, communication, analysis and evaluation. The thesis is your opportunity to research an area of your interest, working closely with your supervisor.

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Minimum entry requirements

One of the following (or equivalent) with a B grade average in courses at level 7:

  • Bachelor of Science OR
  • Graduate Diploma in Science

International student entry requirements

English language requirements

  • IELTS (Academic) 6.5 overall with all bands 6.0 or higher; or equivalent

English language requirements

You need to complete a total of 240 points, including 120 points from advanced-level courses.

In the first year (or equivalent part-time) you complete courses from our vast range of courses.

In the second year, you complete your thesis, gaining advanced skills in critical analysis and expertise in research methods, communication, analysis and evaluation.

Choose from a wide range of courses

You can complete the 240-point Master of Science (Research) without a specialisation, and choose from a wide range of courses.

At the heart of this master's degree is the research thesis, which you complete in your second year.

Applicants transferring from the AUT Postgraduate Diploma in Science (or equivalent) must complete the requirements of the postgraduate diploma with a minimum of a B grade average before starting the thesis.

Specialisations in the Master of Science

To specialise in one of the areas listed below, complete the courses listed for this specialisation.

Not all courses are offered each year. To see if your chosen course is offered and to view its timetable use our course search.

Ready to enrol in your courses?

Find out how you can enrol in the courses and classes for your programme, whether you’ve just joined AUT as a new student or you’re already studying with us. If you’re looking for a course timetable or more info on a specific course use our course search.

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Skills you will develop

The outcomes for graduates of the Master of Science (Research) are outlined in the Graduate Profile below.

Graduate Profile

More information about this programme

Email science.postgraduate.admin@aut.ac.nz

Quick facts
Programme code:
AK1037
Level:
9
Points:
240
Duration:
2 years full-time / part-time available
Campus:
City Campus
Starts:
23 Feb 2026
13 Jul 2026

Key semester dates
Fees
Domestic
$11,851.60 (for 120 points)
($10,630 tuition fees + $1,221.60 student services levy)
International
$46,221.60 (for 120 points)
($45,000 tuition fees + $1,221.60 student services levy)
  • Fees shown are based on a full-time workload for the points indicated next to the fee. The exact fee charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment.
  • Fees are subject to change year to year. If you are planning for study beyond the current year, fees may vary from those stated.
  • There may also be other fees and charges you need to pay.
  • International students' tuition fees reflect the full cost of tuition. Domestic students' tuition fees are less due to a proportion of the tuition fees being funded by the New Zealand Government.

Scholarships

The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.

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