Postgraduate study

Extend your knowledge and become an expert in your field with a postgraduate qualification at the Wellington Faculty of Science.

The Wellington Faculty of Science offers exciting and challenging postgraduate programmes in an extensive range of disciplines. From the two trimester Graduate Diploma in Science to a full PhD, our qualifications will ensure you are fully equipped for a rewarding career in your chosen area of science.

The combination of excellence in teaching, world-class facilities and top-level research supervision, all provided in a friendly, supportive environment, makes science at this university a great experience.

Our collaborative links to Wellington-based research institutions such as Crown Research Institutes (CRIs), see many students conducting their research projects in conjunction with scientists at the CRIs, or employed there as summer interns. Shared laboratory and research equipment extends what is available on campus.

Research focus

Two students and a lecturer all wearing white lab coats work on a plant subject in a laboratory — Bachelor of Science with Honours

Build on your Bachelor's degree with advanced study and research into your area of scientific interest.

A female student stands behind a microscope — MSc by coursework and thesis

Get a degree recognised worldwide and contribute to knowledge in your field with a two-year Master of Science.

A female postgrad student looks through some ferns — Master of Science by thesis

Carry out an independent and original research project in your area of scientific interest with a one-year Master of Science.

I'm gaining the skills I wanted to acquire from postgraduate research. I'm looking at global issues while building confidence in my academic ability.

Clarrie Macklin

Master of Science in Geophysics student

Read our student stories

Career focus

Benjamin stands in a lake with a high viz vest and a high viz helmet. He holds a scientific instrument. — Master's by coursework

With our 180-point Master's by coursework degrees, you can gain an internationally recognised qualification in just one year of full-time study.

A woman works in the lab — Postgraduate Diploma in Science

Gain a more in-depth understanding of your scientific subject area and boost your career opportunities.

Students in a group — Graduate Diploma in Science

Broaden your career horizons with advanced undergraduate study in science, and gain skills and knowledge in your new subject area.

Specialist postgraduate programmes

Master of Applied Statistics

Develop your research, analytical, and client communication and consultancy expertise and gain a toolbox of skills to solve real-life problems.

Master of Artificial Intelligence

Gain skills and conceptual understanding that prepare you for a professional or academic future in Artificial Intelligence.

Master of Biomedical Science

Choose from a range of outstanding biomedical subject areas and courses offered and tailor your programme to your career or research goals.

Master of Climate Change Science and Policy

The global threat of climate change is real. Gain insight into climate change challenges in science and policy-making with this multi-disciplinary degree.

Master of Clinical Immunology

Prepare for a career researching of developing new clinical treatments such as vaccines and drug therapy, or take your skills into health policy or management.

Master of Communication specialising in Science Comms

Refine your knowledge of the theory and practice of communication in the area of science in this unique specialisation.

Master of Computer Science

Be at the leading edge of computer science and advance your professional or academic knowledge and skills with a Master's degree.

Master of Conservation Biology

Linking conservation, ecology, biodiversity and sustainability, MConBio will give you the scientific expertise you need to do conservation work anywhere.

Master of Data Science

Expand your expertise and apply a fusion of mathematics, computer science, statistics, AI, and machine learning to solve real-world problems.

Master of Development Studies

Increase your expertise and make a positive contribution to development practice around the world.

Master of Drug Discovery and Development

Help improve human or animal health by creating new, or more effective, drugs and medicines.

Master of Environmental Science

Learn to assess environmental problems and protect and preserve our natural taonga through your choice of a postgraduate programme in Environmental Science.

Master of Environmental Studies

Learn how environmental problems can be addressed through better policy, planning, design and communication.

Master of Marine Conservation

Learn how to make a difference to coastal and marine environments in New Zealand and around the world, with a postgraduate degree in Marine Conservation.

Master of Meteorology

Become an expert in climate and weather prediction with New Zealand's only postgraduate qualifications in Meteorology.

Master of Science in Society

Look at science in its wider social context and explore how scientists can work with different communities, traditional knowledge, the arts, and the humanities.

Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology

Become a qualified clinical psychologist through practical study and research in psychology.

Programmes in Clinical Research

Gain the skills you need to carry out evidence-based research that will advance medical knowledge.