Master of Science (Research)- Molecular and Cellular Biology

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs usually need a bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution. The entry requirement may specify a minimum score of 60% or higher in the previous academic degree.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall score of 6.5 or 7.0, with no band below 6.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 90 with no individual section below 21.
• PTE: Overall score of 58, with a minimum of 50 in each section.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

The University of Waikato in New Zealand offers a range of scholarships specifically tailored to support international students pursuing their academic aspirations. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, promote diversity, and assist students in overcoming financial barriers to education.

International Excellence Scholarship: This merit-based scholarship is awarded to high-achieving international students enrolling in undergraduate or postgraduate programs at the University of Waikato. The scholarship covers a portion of tuition fees and is renewable based on academic performance.

International Bursary: The International Bursary aims to support outstanding students by providing a financial contribution toward tuition fees for the first year of study at the university. It is available to eligible international students undertaking full-time undergraduate or postgraduate studies.

Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship Programme: This prestigious scholarship program is designed for exceptional international students who demonstrate leadership potential and excel academically. Recipients receive financial assistance along with additional support for leadership development and networking opportunities.

Pacific Excellence Scholarship: Dedicated to students from Pacific countries, this scholarship recognizes academic achievement and provides financial support to cover a portion of tuition fees for selected undergraduate or postgraduate programs.

Country-Specific Scholarships: The University of Waikato offers scholarships tailored to students from specific countries or regions. These scholarships vary in criteria and eligibility, aiming to support students from diverse backgrounds and nationalities.

Research Scholarships: For international students pursuing research degrees (Ph.D. or Master's by Research), the university offers various scholarships to support their research endeavors. These scholarships provide financial assistance, allowing students to focus on their studies and contribute to groundbreaking research initiatives at the university.

Graduates of the Master of Science (Research) in Molecular and Cellular Biology program at the University of Waikato possess specialized knowledge and skills in molecular biology and cellular processes, opening diverse career opportunities in various sectors focused on biological research, biotechnology, healthcare, and academia.

Research Scientist in Biotechnology/Pharmaceuticals: Many graduates pursue careers as research scientists in biotech or pharmaceutical companies, conducting research on drug development, genetic engineering, or molecular diagnostics.

Biomedical Scientist: Professionals can work as biomedical scientists, studying diseases at the molecular and cellular levels, conducting research, and contributing to medical advancements.

Geneticist/Genomic Scientist: Graduates may specialize in genetics or genomics, working on understanding genetic diseases, analyzing DNA sequences, or conducting research in genetic engineering.

Cell Biologist: Professionals can focus on cellular biology, studying cell structures, functions, and processes, and their implications in health, disease, or developmental biology.

Cancer Researcher: Graduates may pursue careers in cancer research, studying molecular mechanisms of cancer, developing therapies, or working on early detection methods.

Microbiologist: Professionals can specialize in microbiology, studying microorganisms at the molecular level, their roles in diseases, or their applications in biotechnology.

Academic Researcher/Professor: Many graduates pursue careers in academia, working as researchers or professors in universities, conducting molecular and cellular biology research and teaching.

Clinical Researcher: Professionals can work in clinical research, conducting studies on diseases, treatments, or drug trials focusing on molecular and cellular aspects.

Healthcare/Biotech Industry Consultant: Graduates may work as consultants, providing expertise to healthcare companies or biotech firms on molecular techniques, research methodologies, or regulatory aspects.

Bioinformatics Specialist: Professionals can work in bioinformatics, analyzing biological data, developing algorithms, or working with large datasets to extract biological insights.