Admission to the Postgraduate Diploma in Science (Plant Breeding) requires you to have either:
A bachelor’s degree with a major in a relevant Biological Sciences major, or equivalent, with a minimum B- average in the majoring 300 level courses, or
A bachelor’s degree followed by a Graduate Diploma or close equivalent, in a relevant Biological Sciences major, or equivalent, with a minimum B- average in the 300 level courses; or
a Bachelor's degree followed by a Graduate Certificate endorsed in a relevant biological sciences major comprising at least 45 credits at 300-level from the majoring courses for the intended postgraduate subject, or equivalent, with a minimum grade average of B- in the 300-level courses; or
a Postgraduate Certificate comprising 60 credits of Plant Breeding courses.
Students from a country where English is not the first language, must obtain a minimum English Language competency level.
IELTS: 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
TOEFL iBT: 90 overall (min 20 in Writing)
PTE Academic: 58 Overall (min 50 in communicative skills)
Cambridge English: 180
Be in demand
There is a shortage of applied plant breeders in New Zealand and overseas - you will be in demand in the industry. Many graduates have employment before they graduate.
When you study the Postgraduate Diploma in Science (Plant Breeding) at Massey University you will become a member of a significant international scientific community responsible for global food security.
This plant breeding major is a unique qualification in New Zealand. This course will provide you with training in quantitative genetics & applied plant breeding methods, multisite experimental design, data analysis & interpretation, application of molecular tools in plant breeding and visits to field programs & interaction with applied plant breeders.
Take advantage of our globally renowned expertise
This course will be taught by highly skilled internationally recognised and active researchers with expertise in; plant genetic resources, quantitative genetics, applied plant breeding, plant molecular biology, evolutionary biology, systematics and taxonomy and plant physiology. During the course of your studies you will visit applied field programs and learn from practicing scientists and experienced field breeders.
A multi-disciplinary approach
The modern plant breeder is one who has not only to have a good understanding of genetics and plant breeding methods, but also know how to apply new tools such as molecular marker technologies and also interact with other significant disciplines such as agronomy, plant protection, plant physiology. This is why our course takes a multi-disciplinary approach. The students are taught the importance of a team approach to plant breeding. They are also given a global prospective of the significance of the international plant breeding community responsible for food security of the human population.
World-class equipment and facilities
As a plant breeding student you will have access to Massey’s world-leading equipment and facilities such as our extensive glasshouses and farms, molecule labs, the Dame Ella Campbell Herbarium, the Palynology Laboratory, Plant Growth Unit, Seed Testing Services, Massey Genome Service and the Manawatu Microscopy and Imaging Centre.
Relevant and topical
We work to ensure that our teaching fits with the changing environment, which means that you will emerge with a relevant qualification valued by potential employers.
During the course of your study you will get the opportunity to visit and work with organisations working on plant breeding, like the AgResearch Grasslands Research Centre, Plant & Food and SCION. Some of our students are able to conduct their projects at these organisations whilst undertaking their postgraduate study, benefiting their career and gaining real-word experience in the process. Masters and PhD students from Massey are often co-supervised by experienced scientists from these organisations, most of which are physically located very close to Massey’s Manawatu campus.
Why postgraduate study?
Postgraduate study is hard work but hugely rewarding and empowering. The Postgraduate Diploma in Science will push you to produce your best creative, strategic and theoretical ideas. The workload replicates the high-pressure environment of senior workplace roles.
Not just more of the same
Postgraduate study is not just ‘more of the same’ undergraduate study. Our experts are there to guide but if you have come from undergraduate study, you will find that postgraduate study demands more in-depth and independent study. It takes you to a new level in knowledge and expertise especially in planning, undertaking research, improving scientific skills and also presenting scientific information to an audience.
Complete in 1 year
This qualification shares many aspects of the Master of Science (Plant Breeding) qualification. However, this is a shorter qualification (can be completed in a year) and you will not undertake a research project. If you successfully complete this PGDipSc you can conduct a 120 credit thesis to achieve your MSc qualification. To progress to a PhD, you need to successfully complete a Bachelor of Honours or a MSc qualification.
More info: Click here
Compulsory courses
60 credits
283707, Molecular Plant Breeding, 30
283708, Quantitative Plant Breeding, 30
Subject courses
119728, Research Methods in Animal, Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, 15
151709, Biometrics for the Animal and Nutritional Sciences, 15
162760, Research Methods and Communication in the Biosciences, 30
You will gain the skills to work as a commercial applied plant breeder, work as a research scientist, continue into a PhD programme or work as an agronomist or agricultural advisor.
Highly sought after
Globally there is a shortage of plant breeders, so you will be in demand.
Earn more
A 2017 Ministry of Education publication The post-study earnings and destinations of young domestic graduates, found that in New Zealand earnings and employment rates increase with the level of qualification completed
Insurance/year: 810 NZD
