* Enrolment fees, Thesis printing fee
Admission to the Postgraduate Diploma in Science (Soil Science) requires you to have either
a bachelor’s degree majoring in Soil Science, or equivalent, with a minimum B- average in the majoring 300 level courses, or
a bachelor’s degree followed by a Graduate Diploma endorsed in Soil Science, or equivalent, with a minimum B- average in the 300 level courses; or
a Bachelor's degree followed by a Graduate Certificate endorsed in Soil Science 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 Soil Science 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
Pathway to master’s
A postgraduate diploma is the stepping stone to a research-based qualification such as a master’s degree.
Massey University’s Postgraduate Diploma in Science (Soil Science) gives you the opportunity to join the pathway to in-depth research at a master's level. The programme consists of 90 credits of taught programmes and 30 credits of research.
The programme gives you the opportunity to show your analytical thinking and high-level research capability. If you complete the programme at a satisfactory level you may be able to proceed to the Master of Science (Soil Science). If so, credits you have gained through this qualification may be credited to the master's programme.
As an aspiring soil scientist you will deal with the productive capacity of the land and how its management impacts on the environment. At Massey we have a reputation for producing high calibre graduates that go on to work in the international agricultural research scene.
Make our expertise your own
When you study soil science, you will be able to take advantage of Massey’s expertise in land-related disciplines. We have a wide and relevant group of expertise within the university, from agriculture, horticulture and earth science to ecology, environmental management and social sciences.
You will learn from, and research with, highly-skilled internationally-recognised and active researchers in these fields, with a huge depth of knowledge and experience. Whatever focus you’d like to have in your postgraduate study and research, there is likely to be an expert at Massey who can help you dig deeper into your area of interest.
Some examples of areas you could focus your research on include:
Sustainable nutrient management
Soil resource mapping and interpretation
Soil conservation
Irrigation, drainage, water footprinting.
Water quantity and quality
Greenhouse gas mitigation.
Nutrient cycling in crop and pasture systems
Join a world-leading agriculture university
Massey University’s proud record dates back to 1927 when we offered New Zealand’s first degrees in agriculture and horticulture.
Massey is world-ranked and New Zealand’s No 1 university in agriculture according to the QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) rankings and ShanghaiRankings.
As a student, you will benefit from our internationally recognised capability and leadership in this area.
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. Massey has strong links with industry.
Why postgraduate study?
Postgraduate study is hard work but hugely rewarding and empowering. The workload of the Postgraduate Diploma in Science (Soil Science) 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 and undertaking research.
More info: Click here
Play a key role
Soil scientists play a key role in understanding the earth’s land and water resources. Graduates of Massey’s soil science programmes go on to enjoy careers in regional councils and many agriculture and forestry industries. They also help with challenging tasks such as land reclamation after mining.
You will be valued by employers for your critical thinking, complex problem solving and observation skills.
Possible career paths include being an agronomist for a major fertiliser company, an environmental or resource management officer for a regional council or agricultural industry body. You could become a specialist in soil mapping and interpretation, precision agriculture, nutrient management or the environmental protection of waterways. An understanding of a soil’s production potential is valued by agricultural service industries whether you become soil conservationist, crop consultant, research technician, or a marketing manager for an agricultural firm.
Sought after by employers
International trends are for employers to reward postgraduate study well, especially in larger enterprises. The skills you learn are increasingly recognised as setting you apart from other potential employees.
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
