Popular for postgrad study
Over 20% of our students are doing postgraduate study. Join our community where you'll be challenged and inspired.
Research excellence
We're known around the world for our research innovation and results. You'll study with academics who are leaders in their fields.
Serious about your success
All postgraduate study supervisors are trained and accredited. They're ready to offer you expertise and to support you to succeed.
Diverse qualifications
We offer 130+ postgrad qualifications across business, health, science, humanities, social science and the creative arts.
Massey's forward-thinking spirit, research-led teaching and cutting-edge discoveries make it New Zealand’s defining university for postgraduate study with a reputation for excellence on a global scale.
Postgrad study with us offers advanced level in-depth study in your area of interest. You can take your prior experience and knowledge, use your initiative as you research, and contribute to your field of expertise.
Reasons for postgraduate study
- Get the edge over others when applying for jobs and usually increase your pay packet.
- Make a career change or move up the ladder.
- Personal development or interest.
- Earn while you learn and be sponsored by your company to do research work in your particular field. This is an excellent way to do something you love in a supported environment.
Study at this higher level takes planning, dedication and will often take time away from your everyday life. But your hard work could lead to new opportunities and greater accomplishments at work or in society.
What you can study
Massey offers postgraduate qualifications across a range of areas - Science, Business, Humanities & Social Sciences, Health, and Creative Arts. You name it – we've got an expert for it. Join us now to elevate your learning and become an expert in your chosen field.
Learn about our master's degrees
Learn about our PhDs and doctorates
Pathways and entry to postgraduate study
A typical progression to postgraduate study starts with a bachelor's degree. You'll generally need an above average grade for your bachelor's degree to advance to a postgrad qualification.
If you decide to change the direction or focus of your study once you've completed your undergraduate degree, you may need to begin your postgraduate study with a graduate diploma.
We have a team of advisers who are happy to help you plot your pathway to a postgraduate qualification.
Typical postgraduate study progression
As outlined in the diagram, there are several ways to progress towards postgraduate qualifications at Massey.
| Qualification type | Duration if studying full-time | Pathway to qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate certificate | 60 credits over 0.5 years, if studying full-time (300-level and above) | Direct from a bachelor's degree or – for some qualifications – admission is considered with equivalent prior experience |
| Graduate diploma | 120 credits over 1 year, if studying full-time (300-level and above) | Direct from a bachelor's degree |
| Postgraduate certificate | 60 credits over 0.5 years, if studying full-time (700-level and above) | Direct from a bachelor's degree or – for some qualifications – admission is considered with equivalent prior experience |
| Postgraduate diploma | 120 credits over 1 year – may include research (700-level) | Direct from a bachelor's degree or via a graduate diploma |
| Bachelor honours degree | 120 credits over 1 year (700-level) | Direct from a bachelor's degree |
| Bachelor's degree with honours | 480 or 600 credits over 4 years – may include research (400-700-level) | This is an undergraduate degree with a postgraduate year built in |
| Master's degree | 120 credits for thesis only year or 180 credits over 1.5 years of full-time study – may include research (700-800-level) | Direct from bachelor's degree or via a graduate diploma, postgraduate diploma, bachelor honours degree, or bachelor's degree with honours |
| PhD or professional doctorate | 360 credits over 3+ years (900-level) | Via a bachelor honours degree, bachelor's degree with honours or master's degree |
Learn more about qualification types and levels
Getting entry through your experience
You may gain direct entry to some postgraduate qualifications without a bachelor's degree if you have enough relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience, for example:
Contact us to find out what level of postgraduate study is right for you
Applying for postgraduate study
You may need to provide copies of your academic transcripts if you haven't studied at Massey before. Have these to hand when you're preparing to apply.
What our doctoral students say
“The Massey School of Aviation provides the best place for my research with its high standard of education and aviation industry experts who are easy to approach and always provide me the best help of every kind.”
“For me, Massey is my second family. I feel very happy and secure here, and love living in Palmerston North. Massey has excellent facilities and a supportive environment for PhD students. I always feel listened to and supported by my lecturers.”
“I wanted to do my degree in an English-speaking country. Naturally New Zealand was the top priority. Massey won out due to the strong research faculty at the School of Accountancy and recommendations from friends already studying at Massey.”
Our teaching and research departments
Massey has an international reputation for its research innovation, practices and results, which are applied to postgraduate study across our teaching and research departments.
These are divided into five colleges and our research department:
- College of Creative Arts – Toi Rauwharangi
- College of Health – Te Kura Hauora Tangata
- College of Humanities and Social Sciences – Te Kura Pūkenga Tangata
- College of Sciences – Te Wāhanga Pūtaiao
- Massey Business School – Te Kura Whai Pakihi
- Research at Massey
Support for postgraduate study
We want to help you succeed in your postgraduate studies. As you move up from undergraduate to a postgrad level, return to study if you have been away from it for a while or move towards more advanced postgraduate qualifications such as a PhD, you will have more responsibility and need more initiative for postgraduate study.
But you won't be on your own with our fully accredited supervisors to guide you along the way, along with our workshops and seminars to help you develop the academic and research skills you need to excel in your studies.
We also offer a wide range of services and support for students.
Skills needed for postgraduate study
Flexible learning
Massey is the only multi-campus university in New Zealand, with campuses in Auckland, Manawatū and Wellington where you can do postgraduate study – along with online and distance study.
Auckland campus
The Auckland campus is located in Albany on Auckland's North Shore.
In addition to our postgraduate qualifications, the campus offers you postgraduate work and research with national companies and major community services providers. Our key partnerships include:
- The Centre for Social and Health Outcomes Research (SHORE/Whariki)
- The New Zealand Institute for Advanced Study
- The e-Centre, which fosters and incubates company start-ups.
Learn more about study on Auckland campus
Manawatū campus
Our Manawatū campus in Palmerston North is Massey’s original home and remains our research engine room, making it a hub for postgraduate study.
It's also home to:
- New Zealand’s only school of Veterinary Science
- the Sport and Event Centre
- the world-leading EpiCentre
Our Manawatū campus is next to several government-owned research centres, including:
Directly across the road is the research headquarters of New Zealand’s largest company, Fonterra.
Their specialised and extensive facilities and highly-skilled research staff extend the range of facilities and expertise that is available to postgraduate students studying on this campus.
Learn more about study on Manawatū campus
Wellington campus
Massey’s Wellington campus is in the heart of the capital city, the centre of New Zealand’s geographical, political and cultural life.
Our creative campus is home to a diverse range of internationally-recognised qualifications. You'll also find:
We are active in national and regional business incubators that bring together the skills of industry and academia, such as Wellington-based Creative HQ.
Learn more about study on Wellington campus
Distance and online study
Our expertise in online and distance learning gives you the flexibility you need to fit your changing lifestyle. Study when, where and how you want to – by internet, post or telephone. We've seen 250,000 students study by distance with us over the past 35 years.
With more than 3,000 distance learning courses to choose from, including many at postgraduate level, you can choose to study from wherever you like, at the pace that suits you.
Contact us
If you're still not sure if postgrad study is for you, what to study or how to apply please contact us. If you're a current student, please include your student ID number.
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