About the programme
The Master of Science (Research) is an NZQF level 9 research programme at Lincoln University that combines advanced coursework with an independent research project in a science discipline. It carries 240 credits and takes 2 years of full-time study.
The degree gives students room to deepen their expertise and develop fresh perspectives in a specialist field. Named specialisations are Conservation and Ecology, Biochemistry and Environmental Science; students can also shape a specialisation of their own through their course choices, or complete the degree without one.
The standard route pairs 120 credits of taught courses with a 120-credit thesis, with the first year acting as preparation for research. In a named specialisation, at least 80 credits must come from that specialisation's course list and the remaining 40 from the wider schedule of master's courses. Biochemistry options include general and protein biochemistry and plant cell physiology; ecology covers research methods, conservation biology, wildlife management and animal behaviour; environmental science spans microbiology, soil science and climate change in relation to land use. Supervisors are chosen from a published list.
Applicants with an Honours degree can take a thesis-only route of at least 120 credits. The university also points to a two-year water science master's run jointly with the University of Canterbury through the Waterways Centre, which is taught at UC and applied for through UC. The main programme is based on the Lincoln University campus.
Entry requirements
- 240-credit route (courses plus thesis): a relevant New Zealand level 7 bachelor's degree or recognised equivalent, with at least a B average in 300-level and final-year courses
- 120-credit thesis-only route: a relevant Honours degree with Second Class Honours, Division One or higher, or equivalent
- Additional English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English
What you study
- Biochemistry: BICH 601 General Biochemistry, BICH 633 Protein Biochemistry, BICH 634 Plant Cell Physiology, BICH 636 Plant Biochemistry, FOOD 602 Food and Nutritional Biochemistry
- Conservation and Ecology: ECOL 608 Research Methods in Ecology, ECOL 609 Conservation Biology, ECOL 612 Wildlife Management, ECOL 630 Advanced Ecology, ECOL 631 Animal Behaviour
- Environmental Science: MICR 604 Advanced Microbiology, SOSC 627 Advanced Soil Resources, SOSC 628 Soil Chemistry, SOSC 629 Soil Physics, SOSC 630 Soil Fertility and Management, ENSC 601 Advanced Climate Change and Land Use
- At least 80 credits from the specialisation list and 40 credits from the general master's schedule
- 120-credit research thesis
Post-study work visa
Up to 3 years
Depends on the qualification, the length of study and other Immigration New Zealand requirements.
This description is based on the official programme page, checked on 09/09/2026. Ask an NIU adviser about fees and intake dates — the programme page on the Lincoln University website