Postgraduate study is an opportunity for you to obtain advanced knowledge about specialist topics and carry out original research. Our postgraduate programmes aim to foster intellectual independence, critical thinking, and professional excellence in every field.
First steps
For programmes with a research component, it is important that you talk to the relevantSchool/Departmentfirst. You should discuss supervision options and what resources are available in the Department to support your research, such as:
- printing
- library resources (eg the costs of interloan material)
- conference attendance
- field work
- studio materials
- desk and computer facilities
Part-time enrolment will only be approved for exceptional circumstances (eg for medical, family, or financial reasons).Ensure you have discussed this with your thesis supervisor(s) if you intend to study part-time. Note that part-time enrolment in a thesis is 0.65 EFTS per year.
Entry GPA to postgraduate study
For entry to postgraduate study, you should normally have achieved the following Grade Point Average (GPA) in the required courses for your undergraduate degree major:
- BSc(Hons): 6-9 GPA (B+and above)
- Master's:5-9 GPA (B and above)
- PGDipSc: 4-9 GPA (B-and above)
Note: a higher GPA may be required for specific programmes or subjects;check the relevantqualificationpage and thequalification regulations.
Entry GPA to Part II (Thesis) of the MSc from Part I
For entry to Part II of the MSc, the minimum entry requirement is a C+(GPA 3) for all Part I courses. Please note that a higher grade point average may be required by Departments/Schools and, in some cases, may be subject-specific. Check the relevantqualificationpage and the qualification regulations.
1. Obtain approval to enrol
If you intend to enrol in a postgraduate programme with a thesis or dissertation component, you must first obtain approval from the relevant School. Discuss your intentions and whether the Department/School has sufficient resources for you.
2. Apply to enrol
Apply in, providing all relevant supporting documentation.
When you apply for a master's thesis (Part II of the MSc) for the first time, the thesis course you add will have a default start and end date that will be adjusted when the course is approved.
Enrolment in Part II will not be approved until you have passed all Part I courses to a sufficient level, or you have been exempted Part I due to an approved alternative academic background.
Part-time enrolment (0.65 EFTS) will only be approved in exceptional circumstances.
3. Complete your enrolment
Once your courses are approved and your start and end dates have been adjusted (if required), you will receive an Enrolment Agreement in to accept. You will be fully enrolled once you have accepted your Enrolment Agreement and paid your fees.
Note: if you have a scholarship that only covers your tuition fees, there will be a balance (of SSL)to pay to complete your enrolment.
Note: if you intend to pay with a student loan, you must apply to for each year of study.
Note: accept your Enrolment Agreement before the start date of your new enrolment period to avoid a Late Enrolment Fee.
4. Register your research proposal
Once you are fully enrolled, your first task will be to submit your research proposal for faculty approval, with the support of your supervisor. Registration is due two months after the start date of your thesis (or four months if enrolled part-time).
5. Submit progress reports
Your first progress report is due six months after the commencement date of your thesis, and then every six months after.
Re-enrolment
You must be enrolled for the duration of your studies, including at the time you submit your thesis. This means that if your study is over more than one year, you will need to in advance of the end date of your current enrolment. International students must also ensure their student visa is valid for the duration of their studies.
Log in to to check your enrolment status, apply to re-enrol, and check your final submission date (shown on the bottom of your transcript). Your final submission date will depend on the qualification, and whether you are full-time or part-time.
Contact your Senior Supervisor or the Faculty of Science Academic Services Manager, if you have any questions.
Suspensions, extensions and changes to full-time/part-time enrolment
If you are considering applying for a suspension, extension, or change to full-time/part-time study, you should discuss your options with your supervisor first.
Suspension applications should be submitted in advance, for a period of not less than one month, and for whole months only.
Applications for suspensions, extensions, and change of enrolment status (part-time/full-time) for thesis students should be submitted to the Facultyvia the Student Advisors or Te Kura Tāura | Graduate School.
Note:The final date for submission may change if your application is approved.
Fees
International students pay the Special Programme Fee (if applicable) for the whole programme at the time of enrolment. If a Special Programme Fee is not offered, you will pay fees annually at the time of enrolment/re-enrolment.
Domestic students pay fees annually at the time of enrolment/re-enrolment. Bothtuition fees and SSL will be charged, proportional to the number of points you are studying in each enrolment period.
You must pay your fees in full to complete your enrolment for each relevant period of study.
Relevant forms and documents for master's research students are listed here.
