Genetics connects curiosity with discovery. Otago gives you the space to grow your expertise and contribute to meaningful research.
Changes to science masters’ degrees from 2027
From 2027, our science masters' degrees are changing. The Master of Science will be renamed to the Master of Science (Thesis).
Why study postgraduate Genetics?
Postgraduate Genetics at Otago explores life from the molecular to the population level. Investigate how genes function, why they vary, and how that variation influences health, behaviour, evolution and biodiversity.
Genetics sits at the heart of modern biological science, and your study connects theory with hands-on investigation and real-world data. You will develop strong analytical skills while learning how genetic tools are applied across human health, agriculture, conservation, environmental management and biotechnology, within a collaborative life sciences environment.
Career opportunities
A postgraduate in Genetics prepares you for careers across science, health, environment, and industry. Graduates are valued for their analytical thinking, technical capability and problem-solving skills.
Possible careers include:
- Research assistant or research technician
- Genetic or genomic data analyst
- Laboratory scientist in biomedical, agricultural or environmental sectors
- Conservation or biodiversity officer
- Biotechnology or bioinformatics roles
What it’s like to study at this level
Postgraduate Genetics combines coursework, laboratory training, seminars and independent research. Depending on your programme, you may work with molecular techniques, genomic sequencing, computational analysis or studies of genetic variation in populations.
You will learn from active researchers and become part of a collaborative scientific community. Throughout your study you will be encouraged to think critically, design rigorous experiments, interpret complex data and communicate your findings clearly. This helps you build the depth and confidence needed for professional or academic research roles.
This is for you if ...
A background in Genetics, Biochemistry, or a related life science is helpful. Curiosity, analytical thinking and an interest in how biological systems evolve, adapt and change will help you thrive in postgraduate Genetics.
Are you just starting uni?
Learn about studying Genetics as an undergraduate at Otago.
Where discovery begins
Otago is home to New Zealand’s leading genetics research community. Through Genetics Otago, more than 300 researchers work across science, health, conservation and biotechnology, with award winning teams whose findings inform national policy and global challenges, including COVID 19 responses.
As a postgraduate student, you gain access to world class facilities, strong research networks and a collaborative environment that advances genetic discovery.
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, masters’, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons))
A four-year degree focusing on advanced study and culminating in a research project in the final year
Postgraduate Certificate in Science (PGCertSci)
A coursework programme, typically consisting of three papers, that can be completed with full-time (one-semester) or part-time (full-year) study
Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)
A one-year programme which builds on an undergraduate science degree, encompassing coursework and a chosen research topic
Master of Science (Thesis) (MSc(Thesis))
A two-year degree with a wide range of subject options. The MSc(Thesis) may be taken by a combination of coursework and thesis, or by thesis only.
Graduate qualifications
Our graduate qualifications are crafted to transition students from foundational studies to advanced, specialised knowledge.
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
| Papers |
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Prerequisites: At least three of: And two from: |
| Papers (Requirements prior to 2027) |
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| Note: With approval from the Programme DIrector, another 400-level paper may be substituted for one of the papers listed above |
| Papers (Requirements from 2027) |
| Note: With approval from the Programme DIrector, another 400-level paper may be substituted for one of the papers listed above |
| Papers and Thesis |
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Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
GENE papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GENE221 | 2026 | Molecular and Microbial Genetics | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| GENE222 | 2026 | Genes, Chromosomes and Populations | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| GENE223 | 2026 | Developmental and Applied Genetics | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| GENE312 | 2026 | Evolutionary Genetics | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| GENE313 | 2026 | Medical Genetics | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| GENE314 | 2026 | Developmental Genetics | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| GENE315 | 2026 | Genomes | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| GENE360 | 2026 | Extension Topics and Research Skills | 18 points | Full Year |
| GENE411 | 2026 | Current Topics in Genetics | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| GENE412 | 2026 | Current Topics in Genetics | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| GENE480 | 2026 | Research Project | 40 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 18 June 2027) |
| GENE490 | 2026 | Dissertation | 60 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 18 June 2027) |
| GENE495 | 2026 | Master's Thesis Preparation | 40 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 18 June 2027) |
| QGEN401 | 2026 | Quantitative Genetics and Improvement | 20 points | Semester 2 |
Contacts
Genetics Office
Email genetics@otago.ac.nz
Website otago.ac.nz/genetics
This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.
Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.
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