Want to start high impact and translatable research? A stronger step into the job market? Love to problem solve and help society? A genetics postgraduate qualification from the University of Otago will get you there.
“My Masters research has been directly translated to industry” – Hadyn Craig, MSc, Consultant, AbacusBio
Genetics Postgraduate Qualifications at the University of Otago
A genetics postgraduate qualification from the University of Otago boosts your career prospects with up-to-date genetics expertise and hands-on research experience. As well as studying in one (or more) of our world class contributing departments, you may also work with one of the University's external research partners.
You can read all about genetics postgraduate qualifications below. If you are from outside the University of Otago, email the Programme Director to discuss the suitability of your academic background:
Associate Professor Megan Wilson
Director, Genetics Teaching Programme
Email director.genetics@otago.ac.nz
All Genetics postgraduate projects and proposed supervisory arrangements must be checked and approved by the Programme Director or Deputy Director.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Genetics
A PhD in Genetics involves independent, original research under the guidance of a supervisor. PhDs normally take 3 years or more to complete.
Entry into Genetics PhD requires a degree with a significant research component, such as Honours (first or upper second class) or Masters (distinction/high credit).
PhD and scholarship applications are administered centrally by the University of Otago (visit the Graduate Research School for more information), however, before applying you must have a supervisor that has agreed to supervise your thesis.
If you are from outside New Zealand and want to know if you might qualify, or need help in finding a supervisor in your area of interest, please contact:
Associate Professor Megan Wilson
Director, Genetics Teaching Programme
Email director.genetics@otago.ac.nz
Master of Science (MSc) in Genetics
You have two options for a Master of Science in Genetics: a two-year programme of taught papers and research thesis, or a one-year, research-only programme.
Entry into the two-year master's can be direct from a BSc if you have enough Genetics background and, for domestic students, a B average in the best 4 most relevant Genetics 300 level papers. You must have a supervisor who has agreed to supervise your research.
Entry to the one-year research-only master's requires you to have a 400 level research degree in Genetics, such as PGDipSci or BSc(Hons), and a B+ or higher grade.
If you are from outside New Zealand and want to know if you might qualify, or need help in finding a supervisor in your area of interest, please contact:
Deputy Director, Genetics Teaching Programme
Email director.genetics@otago.ac.nz
Master of Applied Science (MAppSc) in Quantitative Genetics
Quantitative Genetics uses statistical methods to understand the complexities of genetic inheritance, and can be applied in human medicine, population genetics and for selective breeding of plants and animals.
Follow this link for information about the MAppSc in Quantitative Genetics, which accepts applicants with strong backgrounds in Genetics and/or Statistics.
Bachelor of Sciences with Honours (BSc(Hons)) Genetics
Entry into BSc(Hons) is from a BSc majoring in Genetics or BBiomedSciREGD degree, with at least 5 300 level papers. You must have a B+ average or higher in the four best and most relevant Genetics related 300 level papers. You do not have to have taken GENE 360, but if you are planning to do Honours, we recommend you consider it.
Diploma for Graduates endorsed in Genetics
If you have a degree with a major other than Genetics, but wish to study postgraduate Genetics, a DipGrad endorsed in Genetics might be for you. A genetics diploma can advance your career in the field with relevant and up to date skills and knowledge, as well as connecting you with the University of Otago's strong network of researchers and practitioners.
A DipGrad must consist of at least seven papers, with four at 300 level or higher, and will take at least one year to complete, depending on your past experience. The papers you take depend on what you have done before and what you want to do next, and will be agreed with the Director of the Genetics Programme and the DipGrad Director.
More information about DipGrad can be found on the University's DipGrad page.
Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci) in Genetics
A PGDipSci in Genetics is a one year course with a research and paper component. To enrol for a PGDipSci, you will need a Genetics major with a B average or higher in the 4 best genetics related 300 level papers.
On completion of a PGDipSci, subject to satisfactory progress, it may be possible to progress to a one year Masters by research degree in Genetics.
Email us to learn more about enrolling in a PGDipSci.
I'm interested in Postgraduate Genetics, what should I do now?
Finding a supervisor
Our students are taught by a team of over 30 active genetics researchers, many of whom are world-leaders in their areas of expertise. Many of these researchers will agree to supervise suitable Genetics postgraduate students and welcome your direct enquiries. You can find them by browsing through the Genetics Teaching Programme papers, which lists the teachers in each area.
You can also find potential genetics supervisors by searching the expertise databases on the University of Otago postgraduate website.
Remember, all Genetics postgraduate projects and proposed supervisory arrangements must be checked and approved by the Programme Director or Deputy Director, so contact the appropriate person before you make any decisions.
Further information
Further information for postgraduate students is available on the University of Otago postgraduate website.
Still not sure? If you're interested in one of these qualifications, please contact the Programme Director to discuss your areas of interest:
Associate Professor Megan Wilson
Tel +64 3 470 4695
Email director.genetics@otago.ac.nz
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2023 Calendar and supplementary material.